Public arts funding

Publicly funded arts programs throughout the county do not just benefit those who have the luxury to visit Art Basel, or those who take lunch in newly revitalized Wynwood. Those programs forge life-long bonds between communities and its stories, history and future. After school programs, art introduction courses, and trips to see world-class art allows our community and students to stay connected and engaged with a world both real and imagined.

You want to do something about young people being shot in our streets, perhaps give them more paint brushes and music lessons. Perhaps they will find another way, another path. Perhaps they will find themselves in a music hall rather than a hospital.

We are quick to offer young people in our community sports opportunities and that should continue. Why can't we engage young people in the arts with the same tenacity as we do sports?

Public funding for the arts isn’t a cure all for our civil strife, but to say it is of no benefit to the lives of our counties most vulnerable constitutes is dangerous and untrue.

This story was originally published May 22, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Public arts funding."