Education in the arts is a topic that is unfortunately not a focus in politics or highlighted in the media nearly enough. Budget cuts and general neglect of this important subject have led to the decline of arts programs offered in Milwaukee’s schools. The sad truth is that many of these children do not have the best home environment and the only way for them to truly express themselves is through a creative outlet. If we do not give the today’s youth the tools they need to cultivate their talents, how we will ever have another Michaelangelo, James Dean, Mozart or John Lennon? These same questions plagued Christina Ratatori’s mind and her worries deepened when she realized that local artists were not aware of the hurdles that Milwaukee Public Schools’ arts education programs were facing. She decided to do something about this problem and formed Artists Rallying Together (aka A.R.T.).

Through events such as benefit concerts, book talks and fundraisers, A.R.T. brings together local artists, teachers and students to raise awareness and gain support for education in the arts. They understand that Milwaukee’s youth needs someone to defend their rights to study art, music, theater and dance. Organizations like A.R.T. (and Art Milwaukee to name another) continue to fight for the arts and as long as their voices keep getting louder, politicians and those in power will eventually be forced to listen. However, these groups cannot do it without the support of the community backing their efforts. So I encourage you to do what you can, whether it’s donating to the cause, attending events around the city (see below) or simply spreading the word. As long as we rally together to ensure that education in the arts continues in our schools, the talent of tomorrow will have a bright and exciting future! For more information on A.R.T., visit their website here.

Join A.R.T. tomorrow for their 3rd Annual Benefit Concert at the Hamilton Milwaukee, located at 823 East Hamilton on Milwaukee’s East Side. The event will feature musical performances by Milwaukee bands I’m Not A Pilot, The Delta Routine and The Living Room and Sven Pro Sound will be on hand to ensure sound quality. A $10 cover will go towards local arts organizations which provide arts programming for kids. The event starts at 8:30pm (doors at 8pm) and there is free parking in a lot to the west of the building, as well as a smoker’s patio for your convenience. I’m Not A Pilot and Delta Routine are both award winning bands, well known on the Milwaukee scene and not to be missed. So come out, hear some great tunes and support a great cause!

Event sponsored in part by:

ThirdCoast Digest

A.W.E Milwaukee (Artists Working in Education)

Fred Boutique

Carte Blanche Studios

Alterra