The Juilliard School’s music-training program for poor minority schoolchildren — a rigorous curriculum that the conservatory holds up as a national model — has been slashed, disappointing dozens of children preparing to audition
These are the sorts of stories that really make our economic downturn as a nation hit home for me.
Although national funding for the arts isn’t enough of a priority, there have been a good deal of programs run through institutions such as Julliard and some of the larger orchestras in the US.
Sadly, as reported in this article, the cost of running this program ($400K) cannot be raised for the coming year and so they will not be holding auditions for a new class.
Why does arts education have to suffer?
Read Linda Ronstadt’s speech to Congress as a representative from the NEA on the import of arts education (using El Sistema, Jose Abreu and Gustave Dudamel as shining examples of what is possible when you make it a priority).
Facing Cutbacks, Juilliard Curtails Program for Poor Children - NYTimes.com
Art, culture, fashion, and other things worth loving.
