New Jersey governor McGreevey is going to propose eliminating grants directed for arts activities in the state. This would put programs like the Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival in jeaopardy, since this, and other programs like it, exist in southern New Jersey communities where there isn’t enough personal income to go around. While the existence of these programs benefits the communities in which they reside, they need to rely on state funding.
Since the governor is reportedly planning to announce this, it could be the classic trick of “Get them to expect nothing, offer them peanuts, and they’ll be happy.”
It would be sad to see the Appel Farm Festival go. It’s a sign of things to come, once we begin living with a “war-time” economy. Remember the early ninetees? During and after the “Gulf War” was when communities and schools started drastictally chopping up their music and arts programs.
i was really sad to read this today too. considering that i’m moving back to nj in 4 months (yes only 4 more months!)- and that eventually i might want to work in the arts in nj again (i can’t commute forever). but i wonder what sorts of options i’ll even have. this is not looking very good-