Judith Tannenbaum

Many quote these days from the opening of A Tale of Two Cities, that line about the best of times and the worst of times. Others remind us to take advantage of the opportunities always inherent in crisis.

What might be possible for artists and arts in this (grim and hopeful) moment? Arlene Goldbard has written two excellent essays on the history of federally funded arts-work programs and on the possibilities for such programs in this moment.

Congressman George Miller, Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor announced that he will conduct "a series of hearings this Spring to examine how the arts benefit the nation’s economy and schools—and what can be done to improve support for the arts and music fields." Please write to thank him and to let him know your thoughts on this subject.

And check out the work of the National Campaign to Hire Artists to Work in Schools and Communities Take time to view the great YouTube interview on the site with actor Bill Irwin about his work as a CETA artist for San Francisco's Pickle Family Circus.