Outreach Means Art for Art’s Sake

The Newswatch item of Aug. 11 may have left an inaccurate impression of my position regarding certain issues.

Until recently, art organizations receiving grants of public tax dollars from the city of Costa Mesa were not required to account for how the funds were spent.

This lack of financial accountability was distressing. However, under revised procedures, funding is now limited to items specified in the grant proposal, use of funds must be documented, and priority is given to “outreach” programs.

To me, art outreach means providing art education or access to art to those otherwise lacking that opportunity.

Art education includes teaching people how to develop their artistic talents, teaching about art, and exposing young people to classic works which have proved to have enduring value over time.

By contrast, art outreach has been defined by some groups receiving public funds as utilization of art as a tool to indoctrinate others--art propaganda.

Public funds have been used to present works specially prepared to propound some particular world view or position on contemporary issues to young children.

In these cases the youngsters are taught nothing about art or art appreciation, but are subtly “educated” to accept views or behaviors which their parents may find anathema. This is inappropriate. Whether I agree with the ideas set forth is beside the point.

In fact, I cited the play with an ecological theme as an example expressly because I generally agreed with the ideas espoused. The principle involved is whether tax dollars should be used to promote someone’s personal, social or political agenda--even an agenda I support.

The Newswatch item may have given the unfortunate and erroneous impression that I objected to a particular play due to disagreement with the views expressed rather than improper use of tax dollars.

I have long been a supporter of programs to protect the environment. I am a professional land-use planner and count citizens’ groups among my clients. In addition, I have volunteered hundreds of hours of my time for such purposes.

Elected to the Costa Mesa City Council on a platform of responsible growth, fiscal responsibility and ethical government, I have certainly not abandoned these positions.

For four years on the council, I have fought for reduced densities and improved quality of life, even when outvoted 4 to 1, as was common my first year on the council.

SANDRA L. GENIS, Costa Mesa