I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
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The Albuquerque Arts Alliance announced today that it will be hosting a mayoral candidate forum on arts and culture on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Albuquerque Journal Assistant Arts Editor Dan Mayfield will moderate the forum, which will be held at VSA North Fourth Arts Center (4904 Fourth St. NW).
All three candidates — incumbent Martin Chavez and challengers Richard Berry and Richard Romero — have confirmed that they will attend, the alliance announced.
Earlier this summer, the alliance sent questionnaires to each of the candidates. Romero and Chavez responded, and their answers are posted on the alliance Web site. For example:
7. In your view, what role do the performing, visual and literary arts have in education?
Chavez: Study after study has shown that the arts have a direct correlation to education, graduation rates and the overall success of students. Unfortunately, in tough economies, the arts are often one of the first programs to get cut. While the management of the public schools does not fall into the city’s jurisdiction, I will continue to do everything in my power to improve, enhance and fund the arts in the schools.
Romero: Performing, visual and literary arts are an integral part of a quality education. The schools struggle with how to provide for all the educational needs of students. For some students, it is the arts that keep them there.
The schools cannot bear sole responsibility for providing arts and cultural educational opportunities for Albuquerque’s children. Parents are paramount, and the City of Albuquerque is a supporter as well. The libraries, museums, early childhood centers, and even open space programs all contribute. Minimally, much can be done to improve City funded programs. I will work in partnership with public and private entities to do that.
Arts and cultural education will be addressed through the Education Improvement Group that I will form. It will bring city officials together with their APS counterparts on a regular basis. It will focus on coordinating resources to improve the education of young people in Albuquerque and keep them in school. Much can be accomplished by working well with others…
Berry did not respond to the alliance questionnaire.
