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Tuesday, June 11, 1996 Page:
Children are the main beneficiaries of funding for the arts in America
In the past few months, it has been truly devastating to hear of the lack
of funding for the artsHillary Rodham Clinton’s column possibly offers the
best reason for not only continuing funding for the arts, but also the
continuing the arts themselves in American society.
As an aspiring dancer, I fear that someday artists will have no place in
society.
It is quite ironic, because the art world has given so many people a place
in society.
Artists are not artists because their professions are practical. They
create and perform for the sheer love of their art. To teach a child to love
something like that at such an early age is to teach a child to love it
forever.
I have been involved in several programs throughout the Wyoming Valley
which have tried to raise the appreciation of arts in children, and I have
seen each one produce results.
Mrs. Clinton points out that inner-city children benefit from such
programs. I would like to point out that children who live in rural areas
benefit as well. The growing number of children involved in arts gives new
hope for strengthening the artistic community, just when society is trying to
weaken it.
Mrs. Clinton notes that children are the greatest patrons of the arts.
Perhaps this has something to do with the open mind and tolerance of a child.
Children are very curious by nature and are anxious to learn about new
things. I sometimes wish that adults could embrace the artistic community in
that very same way.
By closing off funding for the arts, society is closing off their minds to
culture. It proves again what a technologocially driven society we are.
Arts are too time-consuming and impractical for many Americans. It is
usually the adults who set the example for the children, but this example
seems to be a very poor one.
Maybe people should open their eyes and their mind as a child would, for
children seem to be setting the best example of appreciation for the arts.
Melissa A. Mitchell
Harveys Lake