Don’t Cancel Program That Financially Helps Young Artists

Target: Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

Goal: Demand the New York State Summer School of the Arts resume with full funding.

The New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) is a publicly funded program for young artists, and it was cancelled with little to no explanation. This program helps high school students have a place to study and train for their specific art medium for little to not cost. This includes ballet, creative writing, music, visual arts, and many others. This program has existed since 1970. NYSSSA provides nearly 90% of the costs for students to attend without financial worry. Cancellation of the NYSSSA program left faculty, alumni, and artists who wanted to attend disappointed.

With no explanation as to why it was cancelled, it left many worried that the state does not plan on resuming the program. This program has been described as a life altering experience for young artists to explore their talents and grow. NYSSSA is a huge opportunity for all of New York State states artistic youth. Alongside the many activists fighting for the program, sign below and demand it be resumed for 2023.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Gov. Hochul,

Suspending and canceling NYSSSA for 2022 has left many confused and saddened. Without an explanation, faculty, alumni, and future attendees are afraid this program will never come back. NYSSSA is extremely important for young artists throughout all of New York State. It provides them with an opportunity to grow in their field of art without having to worry about costs. The arts are extremely important and must be saved. We demand NYSSSA be resumed for summer 2023.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Kryziz Bonny