This week, I was at the State House; and was interviewed for WBUR alongside the wonderful Rep. John Keenan, one of the most remarkable talents we've ever had in government and a truly good man, a great soul, through and through. I serve on the steering committee of the organization which presents the Artists Under the Dome conference...I'm working on a short little film to show you what it is like to "hang" with our governmental folks.
________________________
Begin quoted
http://www.wbur.org/2009/11/20/artists-lawmakers
WBUR.ORG
Mass. Artists, Lawmakers Meet To Discuss Creative Economy
By ANDREA SHEA
Published November 20, 2009 UPDATED 1:39 PM
BOSTON — This year the recession is on everyone’s mind — including artists like Salem musician Maggie Smith Dalton.
“My biggest concern is that in the rush to survive the crisis, people will shove aside the things that will be the longest lasting, and that is culture and arts.”
Elected officials gathered with artists Thursday on Beacon Hill to talk about their role in the state’s creative economy.
The annual meeting, called “Artists Under the Dome,” is meant to give artists the chance to meet face-to-face with politicians to discuss issues important to them.
State Rep. John Keenan, House Chairman of the Joint Committee of Tourism, Arts and Culture agreed with Dalton’s assessment.
“In this budget, it’s very difficult, but if we don’t have their voices up here explaining it, we wouldn’t even have a chance when the budget comes around to actually make our case,” Kennan said.
A number of arts agencies and grant programs suffered severe cuts with the last round of state budget cuts, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which administers grants to artists.
end quoted material
Maggi at the Mass. State House this week...
8 hours ago