Brewed Fresh Daily

In a matter of months the issue of public sector support for the arts has grown from a panel discussion at John Carroll University which included, Tom Schorgl, Executive Director of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) and councilman, Joe Cimperman, to a couple of Arts summits at City Hall to a likely bundled ballet issue for a regional Arts council this fall. Supposedly the recession is over. Still our sickly region needs a Joe Weider-like nutritional workout program for the Arts to start to pump blood into the pale cheeks of our regional economy... It's clear, supporting the Arts is the proven way rejuvenate dead stuff like cities and regions. Even though I think we could use a convention center just find one that has pulled a city out of the crapper, I dare ya. So ya see, there is more special interest than logic at play here. are on the ballet only because their vote is crucial the suburbs are getting screwed but unless you're comatose East Cleveland it's better than nothin' .... What do the Arts need to do to garner a perfect ten double biceps shot in the future? Consider this. Experience taught many minorities not to hold their breath waiting for resources to change hands by working only within the system. Gaining equity has meant fighting for it. To the Arts community. 1. Make a lot of creative noise... especially if you're considering leaving town because of this weak art scene. 2. Stay together whether you choose to work in the system or throw rocks, (not that you can't do both) support each other toward the same goal. If you throw rocks be creative. If you work the system be creative. Most importantly family, we've been slapped at least twice and the proposed divvy-up shows the Arts as usual are the LAST priority. If those in charge didn't need our votes we would not be at the table. Arts people, you better "recognize" because several people making decisions got no holla for ya. 'Nuff Said.