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Email Subject Line:
Re-opening Performing Arts Activities in our Schools
Body:
Dear Governor Cuomo,
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First off, thank you for your support of the arts and culture sector through your latest announcement of the Performing Arts Plan. We look forward to the day that our arts institutions are able to fully re-open and fill our lives with art in all of its forms.
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As a member of the Long Island Arts Alliance and on behalf the talented young artists across Long Island, I write to you today in hopes that you will take the necessary steps to ensure that arts activities in our schools and colleges are placed on a level playing-field with athletics, specifically in enabling schools and colleges to hold rehearsals and performances within existing guidelines and regulations.
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As per your recommendation, “high-risk” athletic programs, like such as football, basketball, wrestling and competitive dancing are allowed to re-commence at the discretion of local authorities.
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All we ask is that students who participate in the performing arts – music, dance, theatre – be permitted to perform with similar flexibility.
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It is well-documented that engagement in the arts has countless beneficial outcomes for our youth, particularly low-income youth whose families cannot afford private instruction – these benefits include academic achievement, persistence, motivation and social-emotional advancement, not to mention the option to pursue creative careers (a major segment of New York’s workforce).
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It’s also worth noting that the arts are required New York curriculum subjects – surely such core elements of an equitable and uniform education should not operate under less flexible protocols than extra-curricular activities, no matter how worthy.
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I hope you will agree that any further procrastination on this topic will further imperil, alienate and distress students already devastated by the pandemic.
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Your prompt response to this request will be very much appreciated.
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Thank you,
YOUR NAME
YOUR AFFILIATION WITH THE ARTS
CONTACT INFORMATION
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If you prefer to mail a letter, send to:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224