Small Town News

Arts initiatives can help Sussex thrive

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Editorial

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a direct outgrowth of the Carl Freeman Companies' Sea Colony and Bayside communities in southeastern Sussex, convened an unusual but important session at Freeman's Bayside event center this week. The occasion was announcement of the summer lineup of concerts and performances planned for the Freeman Stage at Bayside.

That announcement is important in itself as it signals the opportunity for thousands of people of all ages to enjoy live art in a beautiful setting. More than 70 percent of the 50-plus performances are free and open to the public.

The unusual aspect of the announcement was an accompanying hour-long panel discussion focusing on the critical role played by the arts, not only in Sussex County, but throughout our democratic society.

The discussion comes when public and corporate funding for the arts - in schools and nonprofit arts organizations - is being squeezed by tight budgets.

We all know the arts make our world a nicer place to live. But one after another, the panelists - an artist and other representatives from Del Tech, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Delaware Division of the Arts and Indian River School District - detailed the direct role played by the arts in economic development in Sussex County, student achievement in our schools and creative problem solving in our communities, state and nation.

As the years pass, we're learning more and more about how the arts stimulate and thrive in the right side of the brain where creative thinking takes place. Creative thinking plays a major role in problem solving. Societies that place a premium on arts, ensuring children have broad exposure and access to them, are investing wisely in future problem solving. As this exciting, new 21st century unfolds, no one will question the need for creative problem solving in this challenging world.

The Freeman Stage performances, and the enlightened public/private partnership that drives them and so much more of the vibrant Sussex County arts scene, represent a sustainable model that deserves support and offers optimism where much is needed.





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