For smaller arts providers, the delay could be disastrous. The 24th Street Theatre, which has served 111 schools by taking students to shows and providing teacher training, was counting on receiving about $300,000 from the district, about half of its operating budget.
The group received only a fifth of that before the freeze was instituted, said Jay McAdams, the theater's executive director.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Tuesday, December 30, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 2 inches; 79 words Type of Material: Correction
Arts in schools: An article in Monday's California section about a freeze in arts funding in the Los Angeles Unified School District described Arts for L.A. as an organization that oversees the Arts Community Partnership Network. Arts for L.A. is a nonprofit advocacy organization that closely monitors arts programs throughout Los Angeles; it has no direct affiliation with the Arts Community Partnership Network, which is a professional arts organization that serves L.A. Unified schools as an arts education provider.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 63 words Type of Material: Correction
L.A. Unified retirements: An article in Monday's California section about a freeze in arts funding in the Los Angeles Unified School District said it was offering a $300 bonus to employees who filled out a survey gauging interest in an early retirement program. In fact, the district is offering $300 to eligible employees who fill out early retirement papers by Feb. 13, 2009.
"It's a body blow," McAdams said, adding that he might have to lay off his three employees or even close the theater if the spending freeze continues.
Making the situation worse, McAdams said, he can't turn to charitable foundations for funding because of the economic downturn.
"It's like you call the fire department and all the engines are on fire," McAdams said.
Teachers and supporters have decried the loss of the programs. Some have started an on-line petition to pressure the district to restore the funds. Before Christmas, the group had gathered 417 signatures and had a goal of 1,000.
Alejandra Sinjay, a second grade teacher at the Bridge Street School near downtown, has been taking her students to the 24th Street Theatre for almost five years. Before going to see a show, her students take workshops so they are "not just sitting around not understanding what's going on," Sinjay said.
"It's the most well-spent Saturday there is," she said.
Others are worried that if enough small arts groups have to close their doors or lay off staff, it will be difficult to restart the arts program when the district again has enough funding.
"You can't say 'go play for a few years and then come back when we're ready', " said Mark Slavkin, the Music Center's vice president for education. "It takes years to build infrastructure."
District officials declined to discuss that possibility.
"I don't want to go there," Burrows said.
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