Pacific Symphony Urges Support for Extension of NEA

The Pacific Symphony has issued a letter urging its audiences to pressure Congress to approve reauthorization of the National Endowment for the Arts--the first time the orchestra has taken a public stand on the embattled arts agency.

In a letter distributed with concert programs this week at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, the Pacific said it has received three annual grants from the NEA that have totaled $111,000.

“This funding has significantly aided the PSO’s recent growth,” said the letter signed by Marcelina Mulville, chairman of the board; G. Randolph Johnson, president of the board; and Louis G. Spisto, executive director of the orchestra.

“Since NEA grants to orchestras must be matched by private funds, these grants have leveraged many millions of dollars from the private sector for musical institutions from coast to coast. . . . Please write and express support for the reauthorization of the National Endowment for the Arts,” the letter concluded.

The letter is similar to one recently included in programs by the South Coast Repertory.

Congress is considering a bill to extend the arts agency for another five years. However, controversy has flared over anti-obscenity regulations in a 1990 funding bill.