About 15 local art enthusiasts learned how to better lobby their legislators in hopes of restoring state funding for the arts during a listen and learning session put on by Kansas Citizens for the Arts Tuesday evening in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Through a series of legislative and executive actions during the last nine months, Gov. Sam Brownback defunded the Kansas Art Commission, the department historically responsible for supporting Kansas arts programs. As a result, Henry Schwaller, former chair of the state art commission and leader of Tuesday’s meeting, said the National Endowment of the Arts has stopped funding Kansas arts projects as well because the nationwide philanthropic organization requires matching funds from state governments.
“We have to learn to work with our own local legislators because that’s how we’re going to get it done,” he said, referring to restoring both state and national funding for the arts.
Priscilla Howe, a professional storyteller currently working within Allen County, said the arts, no matter what the funding source, play a vital role in community building and enrichment.
“I’ve seen how the arts have affected small communities around Kansas,” she said. “When I get a call from Fredonia and Altoona, those kids get to hear stories that they might not otherwise get to hear.”
Schwaller encouraged supporters of the arts to express their feeling to not only their legislative officials, but to encourage all their peers to take an active roll in preserving the arts.
“Everyone is a product of Kansas art,” he said. “So it’s very important we have that discussion with as many people as possible.”
Iolan’s learn to lobby through arts advocates
