Group to Don Black Arm Bands At Student Art Show Reception To Mourn Loss of Arts In Schools
PCCY calls the 2012 Exhibition: “Last Picture Show” for School District of Philadelphia
(PHILADELPHIA) May 14, 2013 – As a way to mourn the loss of arts programming in schools, Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) will wear black arm bands to the opening reception for the School District of Philadelphia’s Young Artists Citywide Student Art Exhibition, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
The exhibition, located in the Atrium of 440 North Broad Street, is one of the largest annual arts displays in the country for a single school district. It will feature works from more than 150 schools representing grades K-12.
“Given the cuts on the table, this may be the Last Picture Show for students in the District,” PCCY Executive Director Donna Cooper offered. “This reception is a terrific celebration of the creativity of our students and the impact of arts in our schools,” Cooper said. “But it’s hard to ignore the fact that music, art and theater are on the chopping block.”
PCCY, the region’s largest children’s advocacy organization, is working to build support for increased funding for the District from local taxes as well as state funds. City Council is expected to vote on the District’s request of an additional $60 million before the end of June. The District has also asked the state to increase funding to the District by $120 million.
#####