DAA goes to Legislative Hall for “March for the Arts” to request an increase in the state’s art budget.
The “March for the Arts”, commenced on March 14th at Tatnall Hall. Co-chaired by Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Representative Bryan Shupe, and DAA’s Executive Director Neil Kirschling.
During the All-Hands Community Arts Leaders Meeting, convened by Hall-Long, we heard from a panel of students and teachers representing visual and performing arts from high schools across all three counties including Cape Henlopen, Indian River, MOT Charter, Smyrna, and Mt. Pleasant. They shared their perspectives in arts education.
The reception proceeded to the Legislative Hall, where DAA members had the opportunity to have individual legislator meetings to advocate for the Arts and propose a $1M increase in FY25 state art budget.
An artwork showcase was hosted in the upstairs lobby featuring artwork from students and distributing handouts in support of the Arts, along with a community art weaving project.
In the Senate and House Chambers, a resolution endorsing the “March for the Arts”, was presented, co-sponsored by Arts and Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Lockman and Representative Shupe. The proceedings commenced with a rendition of the National Anthem performed by the Smyrna High School Select Choir.
Mark your calendars for the Arts and Culture Caucus’ next meeting, which is scheduled for April 23. Join us as we continue fostering understanding and support for the arts within the Delaware legislature.
Send a “thank you” email to your legislators,
- Thank them, as a constituent in their district, for voting in favor of SCR124 designating this month as “March for the Arts”.
- Invite them to your organization, an upcoming event, or ask when their next constituent coffee is in the district.
- Hope to see them at the April 23rd Arts and Culture Caucus Meeting at 10:30 in the Senate Hearing Room.
Find your legislator’s contact information here.
Resources:
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 124: Passed unanimously by the Senate and House designating the Month of March 2024 as “March for the Arts” in Delaware to recognize the critical role that the arts play in providing a well-rounded education for Delaware’s youth.
Finally, special thank you to Lauren Conrad of the Delaware Department of Education, JL Haynes and Sophie of Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, and the DAA Policy and Advocacy Committee for contributing to the program.
Below are four ways that you can continue to support the arts in a meaningful way.
1 – Support a $1Million dollar operating budget increase for state arts funding through the Delaware Division of the Arts.
2 – Attend the April 23rd Arts and Culture Caucus Meeting.
3 – Promote DelawareScene.com, the statewide source for arts events, including an artist roster.
4 – Visit an arts education classroom in your district to see how the arts contribute to a well-rounded education.