Letter from our CEO

Blick Utrecht logo March 20, 2017

Valued Customers:

Our federal government has proposed a budget that eliminates federal funding for the arts, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). For the record, Blick is not in the business of commenting on political matters. I know our customers and associates come from a wide range of backgrounds — economically, politically, and more. However, because this action hits so close to who we are, what we do, and who we serve, I feel Blick should play a role in informing our customers and associates about what is being proposed. And, as Blick's leader, I feel I should officially go on the record.

On a personal note, in tandem with my being honored with a 2016 Leadership Award by the Business Committee of Americans for the Arts, I fully support continued funding of the NEA. To that end, I have joined the #SAVEtheNEA effort sponsored by the Americans for the Arts Action Fund (AAF) by writing to my representatives in the U.S. government. I have done so for the following reasons:

  • Arts funding, and the NEA specifically, are an incredibly small part of the federal budget.
  • As the AAF petition notes, the arts play an under-appreciated role in our economy and in developing in students the creativity needed for many highly skilled jobs.
  • The vast, vast majority of funds go to under-funded not-for-profit organizations in our communities.
  • A cornerstone of Blick's mission is the support of arts organizations and we have always done so.

I worry that arts groups such as Marwen that provide after-school art education for low-income students, or the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers (or more familiarly, the “gold key” Scholastic Art Writing Awards) will get caught in the crossfire. These are two groups on whose boards of directors I serve. These private groups do good and don’t waste money, but revenue is a constant, unenjoyable struggle for us. Art teachers in less economically advantaged areas of the country could lose funding, too.

In short, the funding cut relative to the federal budget is small potatoes but could crush the affected groups. And, if the AAF is right, this will do more damage to our economy than help our budget situation.

There are a number of ways to make your voice heard:

  • Help #SaveTheNEA and send a message to your elected representatives through the Americans for the Arts Action Fund arts mobilization center.
  • Join the Arts Action Fund today and receive a variety of benefits from the free annual membership, including the ability to vote on legislative policy platforms.

Again, I wanted to tell you the reasons why I feel compelled to get involved. You should not feel pressured by me in any way to do the same.

Regards.

Bob Buchsbaum Signature Bob Buchsbaum CEO, Blick Art Materials and Utrecht Art Supplies