Editorial: Let's ensure our arts are thriving

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Last week we were saddened to hear that after 41 years, the Macon Symphony will soon play their last concert, due to lack of funding.

Symphony board chairman Bob Veto said in a letter to patrons and supporters Tuesday, that the Macon Symphony Orchestra is shutting down after its last concert October 14.

This should serve as a reminder to the rest of us in South Georgia, to really re-focus our efforts for our local charities, civic organizations, and the arts.

A strong arts community is not only a great draw for new business and residents, but very important to attract retirees…

Local boards of directors need to consider increasing the number of board members, to encourage new blood and spread out the work load, in order to reduce the burnout felt by many in the community.

Look to more job sharing by staff, management, and office workers in similar or related charities. Work with the Chamber to share a common activities calendar.

Too many events are on the same weekend, or sometimes even on the same date. This takes away from attendance, and the financial support we now share with a smaller group of donors.

Gone are the days when Bob's Candy, Miller Beer, Firestone, Cooper, and Merck were leading donors, supporting all our charities and civic events.

And several key individual donors have passed away, and the new generation of local residents do not share and support the same interests their parents or grandparents did.

So yes, we should try and cultivate more interest in our young people and new residents, but the rest is up to us… if you are not, become a supporter and donor for our local museums and arts organizations.

Buy season tickets and invite your family or friends to attend on the dates you have conflicts.    We don't want to see our local arts options continue to close, but this could happen here, if we are not creative in our funding and participation solutions...

We don't want to see our local arts options continue to close, but this could happen here, if we are not creative in our funding and participation solutions.

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