I am shocked to read proposals that the community arts budget and the arts education consultancy service budget are proposed to cease as part of the savings process in York.
This means that the two community arts posts will be lost, as well as the three schools consultant posts within the Arts Education Service.
In the words of the council, "This will obviously have an impact on the range of services provided and offered to residents and the community, education and arts sectors."
No kidding! These people do small miracles every day that make real difference in peoples lives. Cutting the arts is an easy hit in a recession but it's in times of hardship that these services are needed even more.
If you live in York and want to see the arts survive, The public is able to formally respond to specific proposals through email to your local ward councillors.
Ben Drake (Unison representative) - ben.drake@york.gov.uk
Any comments or views should be sent by Monday 25th January.
The recommendations arising from the Decision Session will be put to the Council budget meeting on 25th February 2010.
An example of the valuable work York were part of is the BioMation programme which explored heath issues through animation with patients, medical professionals and artists. The Aspergers film, which I was proud to work on won Best Short Film at the Edinburgh Mental Health Festival and is now considered an invaluable aid in helping young people and families diagnosed with aspergers.
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