HELP TO SAVE THE NEW YORK STATE SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS!

UPDATE
As the NYS budget negotiations draw to a close, the NYSSSA spending authority (budget) has been left at Governor Paterson's proposed amount of $1.590M. This represents an approximately 10% cut in funding from 2008-09. While this is certainly an improvement over the proposed 50% budget cut, IT DOES NOT RESTORE FUNDING TO PRIOR YEARS' LEVEL. At the currently approved budget NYSSSA will be able to hold all eight schools this summer, BUT WILL HAVE TO REDUCE the number of students AND REDUCE SPENDING IN EACH SCHOOL. HOWEVER THE SPENDING CUTS FOR EACH PROGRAM WILL BE CAREFULLY REVIEWED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT ON PROGRAMMING FOR STUDENTS.

HELP SUPPORT A06783 / S3640 - CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & TO TAKE ACTION.

A new bill (Assembly Bill A06783 and Senate Bill S3640) has been introduced which will stabilize the Cultural Education Account by increasing local filing fees. These additional fees will provide sufficient funding for the New York State Summer School of the Arts, one of the programs using revenue from this account.

We need to your continued help to let our elected officials know that A06783 / S3640 has broad support from across New York State. Onced passed this bill would provide for stable funding for NYSSSA for many years.

HELP SUPPORT A06783 / S3640 - CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & TO TAKE ACTION.

Please once again contact your representative in Albany with the newly updated advocacy letter (listed below).

NYS Department of Education, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-16, Johanna Duncan-Poitier has issued a letter in support of NYSSSA.

Click here to view and read the letter.

WHAT IS NYSSSA?
This program, with its eight component summer residential Schools is sponsored and supported by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is administered by the State Education Department. Recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation, over 19,000 high school age students have become part of this unique summer experience. Alumni surveys attest to the success of the schools in helping high school students with special talents identify and pursue career choices in all fields of the fine and performing arts at an early age. The Schools provide opportunities for all New York State students who qualify through auditions to receive the highest level of training and instruction.

The eight Summer Schools of the Arts are directed and staffed by internationally acclaimed artists and companies such as the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Students work in small groups and in one-on-one sessions with professionals and with other students of similar ability. NYSSSA’s goal is clear: to provide intensive, preprofessional training programs for New York State’s most gifted and motivated young artists, those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist. The program is open to all high school age students who qualify through auditions. Tuition assistance, based upon financial need, is available. No students who qualify are denied NYSSSA’s opportunities because they cannot afford them. NYSSSA represents the wide spectrum of cultural, ethnic, social, and economic diversity that is New York State.

The eight component schools of NYSSSA are:
Ballet I Choral I Dance I Jazz I Media Arts I Orchestra I Theatre I Visual Arts

To find out more about NYSSSA - visit their website:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/nysssa/

WHY NYSSSA NEEDS YOUR HELP:

The State Division of the Budget has informed the program office that it must immediately begin retrenchment for next summer’s program, with a 50% reduction in funding. This means that at least four of the eight schools will have to be closed. Since auditions have already been held, and students selected and notified, this will be devastating news for many of our most promising young artists. The State Legislature and the Office of the Governor have supported NYSSSA for 39 years because they have heard from thousands of parents, students and arts supporters.

Please review the UPDATE section at the top of this page for the latest developments.

NYSAAE supports funding to ensure every student has access to Arts resources in New York State. Review the NYSAAE Unified Advocacy Committee Talking Points for the promotion of Arts Education in NYS.

WHAT YOU (STILL) NEEED TO DO:

Find your elected representatives
Not sure who represents you? or where their district office is?
Click Here
Simply enter your zip code for details on who to contact and how to reach them.

Contact your elected representatives
There are a number of options to let your elected representative know that you support continued funding for NYSSSA.

GOOD (Supporter)
e-Mail the letter listed below to your representative in the NYS Senate and Assembly. In addition please send a copy to:

Here is a sample letter: (UPDATED)

Dear:

I am writing to ask you to help restore full funding authority for the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). For 39 years NYSSSA has served students from every area of the State who represent New York’s economic, cultural and racial diversity, identifying tomorrow’s leaders in the arts and providing them with intensive pre-professional training and career development opportunities. Over 19,000 students have participated in this legislative initiative. The program’s success has been demonstrated by former students’ achievements with top professional companies all over the world and individual testimonials documented in yearly alumni surveys.
The NYSSSA program office has requested approval of a spending plan of $1,745,000 – representing a 0% increase from the 2008-09 plan. In the past 39 years, there have been very few increases in funding from the State. The cost of operating the eight NYSSSA schools is shared by State revenue funding and student tuition. The unique partnership between the State, New York’s most prominent artists, artistic companies and cultural institutions, and parents has kept program costs to a minimum. NYSSSA continues to ensure that the programs are still accessible to all New York State students, as per the original legislative intent.

The NYSSSA spending authority has been left at Governor Paterson's proposed amount of $1,590,000. This represents an approximately 10% cut in funding from 2008-09. While this is certainly an improvement over the proposed 50% budget cut, the Department of Budget has put the burden of funding the program on the NYS Department of Education.

I would like to request your support of Assembly Bill A06783 and Senate Bill S3640 which will stabilize the cultural education account by increasing local filing fees. These additional fees will provide sufficient funding for the New York State Summer School of the Arts, one of the programs using revenue from this account. I urge you to restore funding authority to NYSSSA to ensure the full operation of all eight schools.

The program’s funding needs are modest compared to other State initiatives and the return on our tax dollar is great, developing tomorrow’s leaders in the arts and entertainment industry.

Sincerely,

BETTER (Advocate)

Send the letter above to your representative, but be sure to add your own thoughts and comments - a form letter is good - your own words are even better.

FORWARD this website and message on to other Arts Advocates! Our best hope for success is to reach as many supporters as possible.
http://www.nysaae.org/Support_NYSSSA.htm

Give them a Call!
Don't underestimate the power of a simple phone call to your representative's office. The more people they hear from, the more they will realize how important this issue is! Find their phone numbers using the link below.

Visit their office!
Every Assemblymember and Senator has a district office - delivering the message in person has the greatest impact possible. Contact the district office in advance and arrange a meeting time.