Welcome Message
These are perilous and unstable times for the arts. Private, municipal and corporate funding have all diminished significantly in recent years, and arts organizations of all types---large and small—are having to figure out new ways to conserve money and staffs, and in some cases have had to cut back significantly on personnel, performances and exhibits. As the cost of running arts organizations continues to soar, sources of revenue continue to dwindle, and budget deficits are increasing dramatically, putting many such organizations in jeopardy. Sadly, a number of fine organizations have ceased to exist in the past few years just because of these escalating pressures. Depressing though this situation is, we must not let it affect our attitudes toward or our involvement in local arts organizations.
In 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act, which in turn brought into existence the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, he said in part, “Art is a nation’s most precious heritage, for it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves, and to others, the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish.” Five years prior to that President Dwight Eisenhower’s Commission on National Goals stated, “In the eyes of posterity, the success of the United States as a civilized society will be largely judged by the creative activities of its citizens in art, architecture, literature, music and the sciences.”
Why are the arts so important to our society? Certainly the arts comprise a sophisticated form of entertainment, and that in itself is something to be valued, but this is not all they do. Spending time with (great) works of art is an individual and social good, and is educational and rewarding in ways that lesser forms of entertainment are not. The creative arts industry is a key sector which contributes to both social and economic development, and it is widely recognized that the arts can reach corners which no other activity can. The arts are fundamental to a robust economy, are (generally) cost effective, and are basic to education. Astonishing though it may seem at first glance, culture is now the main export product of the USA, with over $60 billion in annual overseas sales. The arts account for six percent of the U.S. gross national product---more than the construction industry. Finally, it is well known that the arts have a positive impact on students over the course of their lifetimes.
How, then, does all of this apply to you, our patrons? Simply put, we all need to ensure that the arts continue to thrive on every level at which they play such a vital role. This support comes not only from financial sources, but from the willingness of everyone to become involved in every way possible to see that these rich and deeply-rewarding treasures continue to be a precious and continuing part of our society. With this, we welcome you to our new season of concerts in which there should be something for everyone, regardless of age or background or taste. We hope you enjoy the programs.
Charles Greenwell
Music Director
