Funding for the Arts

By Doug Geed

   Those in the art community say it comes with the territory -- when times are tough, they're one of the first to feel the pinch. And with the recession we're in now, that's proving true once again.
   Arts Councils across Long Island are seeing serious cutbacks in their funding -- 20-to-40 percent to LI's largest, the Huntington Arts Council. The Brookhaven Arts Council lost all of its funding from the town -- 30-thousand dollars -- and faces cuts from other sources, including Suffolk County and the state.
   Ask any non-profit organization what it's like to ask for donations in these times when people are being laid off or have seen their life savings evaporate. As you can imagine, gifts, sponsorships and even volunteers are way down.
    But people in the art community are passionate about what they do and firm in their belief that especially in times like these, their work is vital. Huntington puts on a great summer arts festival in Heckscher Park. Programs in schools, libraries, for senior citizens and children could all be jeopardized. They're asking for help.

   Here are some links if you are interested.

http://www.huntingtonarts.org/
http://www.eastendarts.org/
http://www.brookhaven.org/AdvisoryCommitteesCommissions/ArtsHumanitiesCouncil/tabid/78/Default.asp

http://www.nysca.org/public/home.cfm