Governor Schwarzenegger declared March 2009 as "Arts Education Month" through an official proclamation on March 6.
"It is crucial
that the future leaders of our state receive a complete education, and
arts instruction ensures that they will be well rounded," stated
Schwarzenegger in the proclamation.
"The arts enhance imagination and creativity, encouraging our young
people's sense of innovation. Additionally, California's economy is
well supported by artistic industries, and a solid background in these
areas and music education will help continue our prosperity." (In 2008, California had
almost 100,000 creative businesses that employ over a half million
employees, according to the 2008 Creative Industries State Report from Americans for the Arts.)
While March may
be highlighted for arts education, the Governor noted that the arts
should be part of Californians' lives every day. "The arts offer us a
encourage all Californians to engage in the arts in their community,
not only this month, but all year as well."
The full proclamation
was made available on the Governor's website on March 6, and coincides
with the national arts activities in Washington, D.C. like the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy,
a leading national forum for arts policy intended to stimulate dialogue
on policy and social issues. This year's speaker will be Wynton Marsalis, musician and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, on March 30.
Suzy S.