Hope for a Nation....and hope for the arts!

Kim Gower | Jan 21, 2009 | 0

inauguration day in DC

Yesterday, I was in the middle of it all.

I was standing on the National Mall in DC, witnessing history unfold....our new President sworn in on the steps of the Capitol.

Yes, it was amazing and incredible.  Yes, it was totally worth it.  And yes, my hands are still chapped from the insanely cold weather.

But more importantly what matters to me extends beyond those 60 minutes on the Capitol steps.  

It's the future. The next four years, (maybe..hopefully...8!?)

It's what could happen, will happen and should happen.

Obama made it clear in his speech yesterday that change is not only up to him but to us. Each of us.  All of us, are responsible for the change that this nation can experience.

Yet, you're thinking "what about the arts?".  Well have i got some exciting news from DC for you!

First off, let's start with an up and coming idea circulating...which you may have already heard about.  It's the Petition for a Secretary of the Arts that Quincy Jones (musician, composer/grammy-award winner) has started.  As he states in a video (link below), a Secretary of the Arts could "transform" the US.  Many countries have something similar called Ministry of Arts or Culture.  Yet, we don't.  

The arts and culture is a vital part of our country.  Not just to artists but to all.  Culture is the DNA of who we are and if we don't protect it, how much are we really helping our country?

Please watch this video of Quincy Jones defending his idea and stand. He brings up an interesting point about Columbine and how maybe it wouldn't have happened if our country was able to defend and support culture and arts.

http://fora.tv/2008/12/17/Quincy_Jones_Secretary_of_the_Arts_Would_Transform_US

Here is the link to the petition.  Please sign and pass along.  In addition, start talking about this to friends, family and co-workers.  Politics are HOT right now in our country.  People are excited and hopeful, there is no better time to put this into action.

Petition::

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petitiononline.com%2Fesnyc%2Fpetition.html&h=5a0c9a5b3e318ef7c24fc4f6cd695f9a

Secondly, I wanted to briefly highlight Obama's platform for the arts. Despite the problems with international affairs, social issues and economy, our new President does have a platform for the arts!

His ideas and hopes include: expanding Arts Education (i love that one ;)), including creating an "Arts Corps" of artists trained to work in low-income schools and communities. And to increase funding.  He also plans to help build artist's healthcare costs, and promote culture diplomacy.  

Please go to this link to read more details on his platform::
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/additional/Obama_FactSheet_Arts.pdf

All of his ideas are hopeful, optimistic and definitely get me excited! Yet, it's not all on his shoulders.   We are all Americans and we build this country together.  Find ways to promote the arts, advocate for them and get the change you want.   I know I will and when I find ideas I will pass them along.  But first, educate yourself, it's the best way to begin.

Like our new President, I too believe that change can and will happen in our country.   If you're still doubtful, I wish you were there with me yesterday.
For behind me stood the memorial of a man who defended justice, on those steps another man dreamed of equality and yesterday I watched both of their dreams become reality.

The impossible can happen.  But it won't by itself. It needs us.

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