Greetings!
President Kennedy, in a speech at Amherst College in 1963, just a few weeks before his death, said "I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist...I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business and statecraft."
In these uncertain times, I notice in our community, amidst political and economic anxiety, a great passion for human creativity. Business owners use visual art to attract customers; teachers see creative expression as a way to engage their students to learn; health care providers use music as a way to comfort their clients; event planners use performance as a key part of their presentations; planners know that creative elements are necessary parts of their development projects. There is no ambivalence or equivocation about the importance of the arts and culture in our city, community, and region.
President Kennedy also said "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for the victories or defeats in battle or politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."
Warm regards,
Rhyena Halpern, Executive Director
Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission
P.S. A note from SMAC: the SMAC office will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for the Labor Day holiday. Please look for our e-newsletter on Tuesday, Sept. 6. |