Creativity in our World Community

Recently my good friend and Grammy nominated artist, Neil Charles Young, informed me that his college in Manchester, England has decided to close the jazz department after 30 years. Neil has taught guitar at the college for the last 15 years and was clearly disappointed in the school's decision to close the program. I didn't necessarily see this as a negative set of circumstances, however, but rather as an opportunity. In recent years local, state and national governments worldwide have limited funding to institutions resulting in discontinuing artistic programs in their curriculum. What this offers is a window for the educators themselves to go out into their communities and offer their expertise to those whom may not have the opportunity to attend higher institutions. What's needed now more than ever is artistic expression in our communities. The lack of this, I believe, is one of the core causes for dysfunction in our societies resulting in war and social inequality. Through educational outreach programs in our communities and increased cultural exchange between our nations is of great importance to the well being of our global society. On this day, decide you will explore more art in our community. Attend a performance, see an exhibit, find out what your community and performing arts organizations have to offer. There's a wealth of creativity out there waiting to be discovered and nurtured...