Fair enough, the State of California is in a financial meltdown that predates the national economic decline, and yup, it’s nothing new.
What’s new is the extent of the troubled economy and the types of things that are on the chopping block. The state that made headlines for creating a $100 million plus categorical, per-capita fund for arts education; that’s gone, basically, as the categorical restriction on the funding has been lifted allowing use for other purposes. Funding for arts organizations to work in schools through The Arts Community Partnership Network was suspended this past winter. And, well, many of you will recall the budget decimation of The California Arts Council, a number of years ago. (Something that appears to be happening in New Jersey right now…back on point!).
According to the Los Angeles Times, LAUSD will cut $10 million from funding for arts education, which is projected to include the elimination of the Arts Education Branch at LAUSD. An online petition to save the Arts Education Branch is accessible here.
Insiders report that there is indeed a plan to restructure LAUSD, which includes the elimination of the Arts Education Branch. This is among major cuts to teaching and administrative lines.
At the same time, The Wallace Foundation gave a planning grant of $600,000 to advance arts education in the district, and a separate grant for the county. Add to that, stimulus money flowing to the district and it will be an important bellwether to watch and learn from.
It’s also interesting how little I’ve been able to find in the media and field about how this is all developing…