Bruce Ridge, North Carolina Symphony Bassist and Chairman of the International Conference of Symphony (ICSOM), testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor in Washington D.C. on a hearing about the economic and employment impact of the arts and music industry on March 26, 2009. In a positive sign of our tax dollars at work, the committee has made available a video of Ridge’s address…
At least someone on Capitol Hill is listening.
In a related item, The Associated Press published an article by Jim Abrams which reports on Ridge’s testimony along with similar statements from representatives of Americans for the Arts, The Creative Coalition, and Utah Shakespearean Festival. For more information about The Education and Labor Committee and their mission, growing and strengthening America’s middle class, visit their website at http://edlabor.house.gov
I agree, the donor comment was particularly apt. Bruce was likely thinking of being a donor via concessions but I know of other instances where player associations have given cash donations directly from their own coffers. In Seattle, the SSO musicians have donated six figures (I forget the exact amount off the top of my head).
Thanks for posting this Drew. I’d read some of Ridge’s comments and I thought he was very articulate about the current arts crisis.
Musicians are the best donors of the arts…music is the country’s 2nd largest export…all very interesting, valuable points.
I agree, the donor comment was particularly apt. Bruce was likely thinking of being a donor via concessions but I know of other instances where player associations have given cash donations directly from their own coffers. In Seattle, the SSO musicians have donated six figures (I forget the exact amount off the top of my head).