Growls

On Tuesday, ARLnow reported, “The Arlington (County) Commission for the Arts has released the final version of its report for a long-term plan, called “Arlington Arts 2030.” The report outlines recommendations for supporting the arts in Arlington over the next 20 years, replacing the previous plan that was in place since the 1990s.”

The Arlington Sun Gazette had the following to say: “More grant funding, new and improved facilities and a separate county department are among recommendations to County Board members by a task force that for two years has been looking at the state of performing and visual arts in Arlington.” The newspaper’s Scott McCaffrey cited the following proposals:

• "Increase the overall county government budget for arts grants, and focus the funds on organizations with an Arlington-centric focus.

• "Restore funding for “challenge grants” that couple tax dollars with moneys raised by performing-arts troupes.

• "Create a capital-improvement fund for renovations to existing arts facilities and to plan for future facilities.

• "Set aside an amount equivalent to 2 percent of the county’s every-other-year bond package for public art.

• "Commit more resources to marketing the arts.

• "Adopt public-art guidelines."

By the way, a search of the report (requires Adobe) at the link provided at the ARLnow story found  exactly 100 instances of a $ sign in the report’s 104 pages. ARLnow also has links to several stories, including one with residents sounding off on the Arlington arts proposal.

Isn’t it great what liberals/progressives want to do with your money? There’s nothing wrong with funding the arts as long as its voluntarily done by individuals, e.g., when purchasing a ticket to an event, but why do the elite think their ideas are better than yours and mine? Sheesh!