PAINTBRUSHES AND CRAYONS THIS WEEKEND
TO SYMBOLIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF
THE ARTS TO AMERICAN CULTURE
ENCOURAGE AMERICA TO SUPPORT
ARTS FUNDING
Los Angeles (February 23, 2017) As part of the Right To Bear ArtsTM campaign, attendees of events this weekend in Hollywood will be carrying crayons and paintbrushes as a symbol of their support for government funding for the arts, which is under serious threat.
“Supporting the arts isn’t a red state issue or a blue state issue, it is an American issue. Our government should be proud to support the organizations that bring Arts programs to every corner of our country,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “This week when we celebrate some of our greatest American Artists, it is important to remember the thousands of children who would not have been exposed to or participated in the Arts if it weren’t for these programs.”
“If America eliminates public funding for the Arts, it won’t hurt Hollywood, it won’t hurt Broadway, but it will hurt small town theatres, and museums, and countless community organizations across our country.” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition.
Facts About Federal Arts Funding
• In 2016, funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was $148 million, representing just 0.003% of the federal budget.
• According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal deficit is $599 billion, which means 3,777 NEAs would have to be cut to balance it.
• Current funding for the NEA amounts to just 46 cents per American.
• 40% of NEA-supported activities take place in high-poverty neighborhoods.
• 36% of NEA grants go to organizations that reach underserved populations such as people with disabilities, people in institutions, and veterans.
• Since its inception, the NEA has awarded more than 145,000 grants, including early support for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial design competition, the Sundance Film Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, PBS’s Great Performances series, and the American Film Institute.
• Since November 2011, NEA-supported writing, music, and visual art therapy at Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir have reached more than 1,000 service members at Walter Reed, and 128 service members at Fort Belvoir.
• The NEA awarded more than 2,300 grants in every Congressional district in the country, roughly half intended to reach underserved populations.
About The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org)
The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan charity of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning public service and advocacy campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s president.
About The Right To Bear Arts ™ Campaign
Begun by The Creative Coalition, The Right To Bear ArtsTM campaign raises public awareness about and encourages civic activism in favor of maintaining federal funding for the creative arts, including through the National Endowment for the Arts. Too often, stripping arts funding from the federal budget is proposed as a quick and easy way to reduce government spending, but this is bad public policy. Funding for the arts represents a miniscule yet worthwhile percentage of the federal budget. Americans of all political views are united by their love for the arts, whether in their cinemas, on their TVs, or through the music they enjoy. No government that weakens the arts can strengthen America.
Click HERE to order your own Right to Bear Arts™ t-shirt!
Thank you for your support of the Arts!
For Immediate Release:
Media Contact:
Alex Arad
Alex@thecreativecoalition.org
646-717-9908