KMAC Receives Substantial Increase from Fund for the Arts
Although the Fund for the Arts “Best in Support of the Arts in America” 2008 Fund campaign concluded just over a month ago, the now 28 Fund-supported member groups, programs and initiatives are already reaping the benefits. The Fund is thrilled to be able to substantially increase its allocations this year with the whopping $1 million plus in new dollars raised in this record-setting campaign. The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft is one such Fund member group, having received a tremendous 30% increase from the Fund for its operations this year!
Of course, these substantial allocation increases are possible only because of your generous and ongoing donations and those of thousands of others like you. By investing in the Fund, you assure our local arts will thrive and flourish for the next generation, not just survive.
And, if you’ve ever wondered about the role the visual arts play in nurturing our next generation of artists, art patrons and art audiences, just stand in the school supply aisle this week. It’s an eye-popping experience!
It can be fascinating to watch the children meticulously select their school folders based on the cover ‘art.’ To observe them blow past the standard yellow #2 pencil rack in favor of the paisley, bold colors, or cartoon wrapped wooden sticks. See them consistently reach for the 64 color – or more – crayon boxes, already knowing their talent couldn’t possibly be fully expressed with only 8 crayons.
It’s quickly apparent that our children develop a sense of visual literacy and artistic preference and expression long before their first art class. Whoever said we need to ‘lead’ children to the arts hasn’t visited the Target school supply aisle! All that needs to be done is to guide them, to nurture their talent, to encourage experimentation, and to provide the tools. Children are likely our most enthusiastic and prolific art producers and art patrons. Our challenge becomes to keep them engaged.
Of course, this is our opportunity to boast that the Fund’s member groups, programs and community initiatives do just that. Thousands of students benefit from the National City/Fund for the Arts Teacher Arts Grants and the Fund’s community initiatives. And, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft is just one, of many, Fund member groups keeping children engaged in the arts both in the classroom and outside this year. So, send your budding Picasso or Cezanne or Nevelson to school this week knowing that together through the arts, we create a Great American City!
