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Executive Director’s Letter February 5, 2019

What a difference a day makes! The sun is shining, the ice is melting, and the government is open. Remember this is your government. If you have an opinion make sure you share it with your elected officials. Until we are out from under the threat of a second shutdown, it won’t be possible to get back to business as usual.

Looking for ways to get involved in Maryland? Next Thursday, February 14 is Maryland Arts Day 2019. Be sure to register and come out to Annapolis along with 600 of the most fantastic arts advocates in the country. You can learn the latest about the proposed budget by visiting Maryland Citizens for the Arts’ Webpage.

In 2016, the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor created the Maryland Commission on Education and Innovation, better known as the "Kirwan Commission." This commission is examining how to make Maryland a world-class education system. It will be suggesting updates to the current funding formula as well as recommending where Maryland should invest resources to build a system that is world-class for every student. Initial recommendations came out in January with funding recommendations to be delivered this fall. The consequences of the commission's recommendations and the action taken by the General Assembly and Governor will last at least for at least a generation. As an important feature of the report, arts education is recommended throughout as core to the education of children.

Do you want to get involved in supporting the Kirwin Commission’s recommendations and find out about the state of education in Maryland? Strong Schools Maryland is leading the advocacy charge and their website contains a wealth of resources. You can also read the full preliminary report of the Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Maryland Schools.

GBCA has two events coming up next week: On February 13 Cupid’s Arrow "Beyond Beautiful: One Thousand Love letters" at Maryland Art Place and the Third Friday Conversation: African American History Edition, which will be led by Kibibi Ajanku on Friday, February 15 at the Motor House.

Enjoy the sun,

Jeannie

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