Faced with cutbacks, Cultural Arts Center looks for other funding sources

Ann Cotton, executive director of The Cultural Arts Center, looks over her program schedule and shakes her head. She has a full load of programs geared toward exposing elementary-age children to the arts. She says those programs will continue, although the center has lost nearly $10,000 in funding that helped make these programs possible.

When Gov. Bob Riley placed the Alabama budgets into proration, two key funding sources for the center were forced to cut the amount of the grants they had awarded the center.

“Initially, we had $61,000 in grant money, primarily from the Wachovia Foundation, the Wiregrass Foundation, the Alabama Council on the Arts and the Dothan City Schools At-Risk Program,” Ms. Cotton said as she explained the dilemma facing the center. “We received these grants to do after-school programs at the center and programs at two target schools, Faine Elementary and Grandview Elementary. These programs are for two semesters and provide instruction in four disciplines - visual arts, theater, two to three forms of dance, and choral and instrumental music - primarily piano. Through these programs, 400 students have been introduced to the arts. Most are underserved students who can’t afford a private teacher.”

The funding losses come in the grants from the Alabama Council on the Arts and the State Department of Education.

“The state made 20-percent cuts in all departments,” Ms. Cotton continued. “The Alabama Council on the Arts lost $492,000. We originally received a grant of $11,500 from them. That has been cut by $1,500. When the State Department of Education cut back its funding, Dothan City Schools lost $4 million. My funds for these after-school programs and the two elementary school programs came from the At-Risk Fund for Dothan City Schools. We lost more than $6,000 from that grant. In all, we have lost close to $10,000.”

Cotton hopes to make up the difference with a series of fund-raising events. The first such event is scheduled for Thursday, March 12. The Moonlighters will bring back memories of the “big band” era of music. This talented group of musicians will be joined by ArtSong and Sisters of Song, who will provide vocals for many of the old standards.

The music begins at 7 p.m., and Cotton encourages the public to participate.

“Come prepared to dance,” Ms. Cotton said. “It will be a fun night that will also include coffee and dessert.”

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Reservations are to be made by calling The Cultural Arts Center, 699-2787. Donations will also be accepted.

“We’re just trying to make up the program revenues that we’ve lost,” Ms. Cotton said. “Any assistance that the public can provide in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.”