We’re participating in the Madville Times Online Crackerbarrel, which is ongoing, where we had the opportunity to ask questions to our local representatives about the issues important to us, and to our greater community. Up first, Rep. Gerald Lange, who is also a 2010 Supporter of the Madison Area Arts Council.
Question #7, from Chris Francis: “The Madison Area Arts Council has been vocal advocates of the Arts, and we’ve been actively serving our community for well over 40 years, providing for and improving the quality of life for everyone within the Madison Area and beyond. What do you see as the Arts & Cultural needs of the Madison Community, and surrounding communities within your district, and how do you think that this programming should be supported, from the private sector, from the city, or more from the state and federal levels?”
Rep. Lange: “Chris Francis, my belief is that a civilization defines itself by the level of arts it is willing to support. The decision by the Chester school board to teach the violin to fourth graders illustrates what visionary leaders can do for a community. (I’ve been talking it up trying to get something started here.) Madison, too, is on the cutting edge, but does not get the support it deserves. Enhancing the arts should be the mission of all levels of government, reinforced by private philanthropy, of course. Like Andrew Carnegie said, ‘any man who dies rich dies disgraced!’ ….something like that. “
