“Sunflower” and the arts

The Lawrence High School media class created a video for the song “Sunflower”  for the state’s sesquicentennial and then, this week, submitted it to the Rachel Maddow Show in support of Kansas Arts.

A little background: Gov. Brownback has signed an order to begin dismantling the Kansas Arts Commission.

He claims it is a fiscal decision. However, the money the state would lose in federal funding and in the business that is created by way of the Kansas Arts Commission is waaaay more than the 29 cents per resident PER YEAR that it costs Kansas taxpayers to support the KAC.

Here’s an important and well-written message about Brownback v. Arts: Life Implicates Art by Arlene Goldbard.

And here’s a report by Kansas Public Radio Statehouse Bureau Chief Stephen Koranda which shows the value of the KAC in the state: Arts Commission Cut Puts Governor, Arts Supporters At Odds.

Kansas legislators can, if they choose, override Gov. Brownback’s decision.

I urge you to contact your legislator and let them know that art in Kansas is important to you. To find out who represents you in the Kansas statehouse, check here.

House representative are listed here.

State senators here.

If you want to keep color and joy and art alive in Kansas, contact your legislator and let him or her know.

Please. And thank you.

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And, now that you’re depressed, here’s something to totally lift your spirits.

For your enjoyment…..  “Sunflower” created by Lawrence High School media students.

It is freakin’ awesome.

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