I just got this note in my e-mail from the KSO fan group on Facebook:
from the KSO Executive Director, Rachel Ford:
The KSO needs your help. We are mobilizing in an effort to support restoring the KSO’s County Grant funding. In the 2010 budget released yesterday by Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, the Knoxville Symphony is set to receive only $6,790 in community agency grant funding—down from $43,438 last year.
As you may have heard, several other cultural agencies that have received Knox County funding in the past have seen severe funding cuts as well. The Knoxville Opera is set to receive $0 (down from $71,000 this year); the Knoxville Museum of Art is set to receive $0 (down from $27,500 last year).
We are asking that you contact your county commissioner and urge them to restore the KSO’s funding. You, above anyone else, know that the KSO reaches 200,000 people annually – 60,000 of those through the amazing education and community engagement programs you create and perform. From the 10,000 Knox County school children reached via Young People’s Concerts each fall to the 5,000 students that interact with a KSO musician or ensemble in their Knox County classrooms and the 1,000 toddlers who enjoy Story Time programs with string quartets at Knox County libraries, our programs have far-reaching impact. County funding is vital to supporting these programs; even more so during these economic times.
If you are a Knox County resident, our elected county officials need to hear from you. They need to hear from people who directly bring these programs to our community. The proposed funding cut will impact the programs you create; programs you are passionate about. Commissioners need to hear that as a resident and a voter you expect the county to do its share to support arts and culture.
The mayor’s budget is still subject to commission approval. A strong showing of support for the KSO can make a difference.
We recommend contacting the following people:
Mayor Ragsdale and the Knox County CommissionersTo see the complete Knox County 2010 budget proposal go to: http://www.facebook.com/l/cceb0;http://web.knoxnews.com/pdf/042809extensivelinedetail.pdf
Thank you very much for your efforts.
Rachel Ford
Cutting funding to the Arts IS NOT and Acceptable solution… Please help out!
© 2009, Robert Owen. All rights reserved.
