Secretary of the Arts Petition rising to nearly a quarter million signatures
With nearly a quarter million signatures, the Secretary of the Arts Petition is gaining momentum. The total signature count as of today is 225,550 signatures and still attracting press coverage around the world. You can sign the petition here or view the petition here. Quincy has been hoping for the creation of this position for a while: “I have had that idea for a long time now,” Quincy said. ”It is just a question of us executing it. I think we need it now more than ever. I really do. There’s science, and then there’s the soul.”
In fact, we even found Quincy talking about this idea 10 years ago in John F. Kennedy Jr.’s book: 250 Ways To Make America Better. The book was published in 1999 and features a compilation of noteworthy suggestions from public figures, including Quincy.
In the book Quincy provides his top 8 ways to make America better, with his Secretary of The Arts reference at #4. The quote reads, “Appoint an American minister of culture. (Dont worry-I am NOT rallying for the job. I have a job. I have several jobs!).” Although the position of “American minister of Culture” is not literally read as “Secretary of the Arts,” Quincy is referring to the same idea.
As the Secretary of Arts Petition brings attention to the role of Arts and Culture in the new White House, the Creative Coalition’s Robin Bronk, also hopes that the “arts be made a priority and not just a fringe.” Some are still debating whether there is enough room in Obama’s Economic Stimulus package for Arts funding.
Luckily, the Obama-Biden administration, in their “platform in support of the arts,” called for initiatives that were arts-friendly, and coincide with Quincy’s beliefs. The platform pledges to “reinvest in arts education, support increased funding for the NEA, promote cultural diplomacy, attract foreign talent, provide health care to artists, and ensure tax fairness for artists.” You can view the site for the National Endowment for the Arts here.
“the arts be made a priority and not just a fringe”…
these are very “powerful” words and this is a time of “change”-
Blessings,
Damara Lynn Greene
Dear Mrs. Greene,
We definitely share this priority with Quincy.
I’d like to send you our petition and strategy for mobilization.
I am in South Florida and would like to meet with Quincy.
Can that be arrange?
Best regards,
Randolph Voyard
954 801 9714