HUNTINGTON, NY, 13 February 2008 – The Huntington Arts Council today announced plans to join arts advocacy groups throughout the state to advocate for increased public funding for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). Arts advocates are encouraged to join celebrities and speakers at an Arts Day Rally on February 26 in Albany. Free transportation is being arranged from both Nassau and Suffolk counties; call the Arts Council at 631-271-8423 or e-mail info@huntingtonarts.org. 

Arts Council Executive Director Diana J. Cherryholmes stated, “We need to urge our legislators in Albany to support an increase of $3.5 million to the NYSCA budget. Much of this funding goes into art education programs in the schools, and art literacy is as important as reading, math and science in developing a creative and literate society. Additionally, the positive effect of art programs on at-risk youth has been proven over and over to be worth every cent invested.” 

The rally is just part of statewide advocacy efforts that include an Online Rally which last year generated almost 3,000 e-mails to legislators. The public is encouraged to urge legislators to show their support for the arts in New York State by increasing NYSCA’s budget to $5.2 million. This modest increase of just $3.5 million over the Governor’s proposed $49 million budget would bring spending to only $2.72 per New York resident, a rate that does not match the 1990 rate of $3.03 per capita. To send a message to the Legislature, click here http://capwiz.com/artsusa/ny/issues/alert/?alertid=10970151. 
 

In addition to the rally, an “I Am an Artist” video created just for Arts Day will be premiered in Albany. Also in the Legislative Office Building, an Arts Showcase including performances and table-top exhibits by arts organizations will be ongoing before and after the rally. 

Founded in 1963, the Huntington Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization which enriches the quality of life of Long Islanders with programs and services that address the needs and interests of artists, cultural organizations and the community. The Council’s programs reach over 750,000 Long Island residents. The Council is the official arts coordinating agency for the Town of Huntington, and serves as the primary regranting agency in Suffolk County for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), in addition to its services to over 600 member cultural organizations and individual artist members.