Tomorrow, I will be attending the Fulton County Board of Commissioners budget meeting to advocate for something that has shaped my career and the lives of countless artists, arts funding. As I step into my new role at Ballethnic, I recognize how vital these resources are in keeping the arts alive, especially in times when funding is quietly being cut. While public speaking is not something that comes naturally to me, I am pushing myself outside my comfort zone for something that is bigger than myself.
What’s at Stake?
At the heart of this meeting is a $1.7 million arts budget. Funding that directly impacts arts organizations, independent artists, and cultural programs that serve our community. We are at a critical juncture where the decisions made now will determine the future of creative expression and access to the arts in Fulton County.
This isn’t just about keeping theaters open or funding dance companies, it’s about the bigger picture. Arts funding supports education, creates jobs, fosters tourism, and builds cultural identity. The elimination of government-backed arts support, as seen on a national scale with the recent dissolution of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, sets a dangerous precedent. If we don’t fight for funding at the local level, we risk losing access to the programs that inspire and enrich our communities.
The Broader Picture: A National Trend
Over the past few years, arts funding has faced significant cuts nationwide. The disbanding of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities under the Trump administration is just one example of how support for the arts is being systematically erased. When arts councils and initiatives lose funding, entire creative ecosystems collapse. This means fewer opportunities for students to engage with the arts, fewer grants for independent creators, and a general decline in cultural engagement.
Arts and culture are not luxuries, they are necessities that shape the way we see the world and how we connect with each other. Defunding the arts is defunding our future.
Solutions: What Can We Do Moving Forward?
I believe in solutions, and I believe in action. Here’s how we can collectively push back against these funding cuts and advocate for the arts:
- Engage with Local Government – Show up to budget meetings, city council hearings, and public forums where arts funding is being discussed. If you can’t attend in person, send emails, write letters, or call your representatives to express your support for the arts.
- Use Your Voice – Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness. Share stories about how the arts have impacted your life, post about upcoming legislative decisions, and encourage others to get involved.
- Educate Others – Many people don’t realize the extent to which the arts contribute to economic growth, education, and overall well-being. Talk to your peers, create discussions, and share factual information to help shift public perception.
- Support Arts Organizations – Donate to local arts programs, attend performances, and advocate for businesses to invest in the arts. Even small contributions make a big difference.
- Join Advocacy Groups – Organizations like Americans for the Arts and local arts councils actively work to protect and expand arts funding. Getting involved with these groups provides structure and support in fighting for this cause.
How Arts Funding Supports Communities
Beyond professional artists, arts funding has a direct impact on youth education, community programs, and economic growth. Studies have shown that schools with strong arts programs have higher graduation rates, better student engagement, and increased academic performance. In communities, arts funding supports initiatives that bring people together, provide healing through creative expression, and give a platform to underrepresented voices.
For more insight on the impact of the arts and staying resilient in your craft, check out Affirmations for Dancers: The Power of Positive Thinking. A strong mindset is just as important as funding when it comes to longevity in the arts.
The Importance of Investing in the Arts
When we invest in the arts, we invest in the future of culture, history, and identity. Whether it’s a dance performance, a mural in a local neighborhood, or a music education program in schools, the arts help define who we are. Without adequate funding, we risk losing spaces where creativity can thrive.
Another related piece I’ve written, Dance Goals for 2025: The Importance of Setting Goals as a Dancer, discusses the power of planning ahead. Just like in dance, advocating for the arts requires a strategic and long-term approach.
Moving Forward
Tomorrow is just the beginning. I will document my experience at the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting and share the outcomes. This fight for arts funding is bigger than a single meeting. It’s an ongoing effort to ensure that creativity, culture, and community remain priorities in our society.
The arts have always been a reflection of the times. Now, more than ever, we must make our voices heard and stand together to protect them.
Let’s keep pushing forward.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B
