I am writing to express my disappointment in the ASUO’s decision to not support any of the arts’ proposals for funding. Of the 34 proposals making the first cut, three came from the School of Music and Dance, Dance Oregon and the Theatre Arts Department. The School of Music and Dance sought $98,520 to make improvements to the most used classroom and performance space in the music building and purchase a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano, which would replace the 40-year-old dying piano currently used. Dance Oregon sought $17,608 for new lighting equipment for the Dougherty Dance Theater in Gerlinger Annex, where all dance performances occur. The Theatre Arts department sought $100,000 for the second phase of construction of the Miller Theatre Complex. These funds would correct poor acoustics in the Robinson Theatre, adjust seating for better views of the stage and to better accommodate our disabled patrons, provide new seats and improve the interior with a new paint job and better lighting.
All of these proposals are crucial not only for the audience’s appreciation of our performances, but also for the many students, who dedicate their career training in these fields. These students want to become better citizen-artists with equipment and spaces that allow them to learn about themselves and their art. The arts have been an essential component to society since ancient Greece. Communities need music, dance and theater to establish local relationships, learn about social issues, experience much-needed catharses and escape the stresses of everyday life. It takes a lot of courage for students to major in any of these fields. Many times our families disapprove, thinking that we are “wasting our time” and ought to be dedicating our college careers to the physical sciences, social sciences or business. But, we know that if we do not create art, we will betray the fire within us. We are not just musicians, dancers and theater artists playing around for our own enjoyment. We spend countless hours outside of the classroom perfecting our crafts. We work through many nights without sleep to complete our assignments in other classes just so we can rehearse and build an arts project that we know will benefit our audiences. We care about our communities. So, why don’t our communities care about us?
The arts remain among the least funded at the University. We use what we have to create the best work we can. We students know that we will not make a huge salary when we graduate because our government does not sponsor our work as we feel they should. We at least hope the students at our university support us. After all, the majority of our motivation for creating our art is so they can experience a concert or performance that may change them for the better. I am deeply saddened by the ASUO’s decision to not support the arts. If our student colleagues will not support us, then who will?
Melissa Hurt is a doctoral student in Theater Arts
ASUO should support the arts with more funding
Daily Emerald
April 26, 2007
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