The Feds Giveth, But The State And County Taketh Away

By Jacqueline E. Burrell



Howard County's arts organizations are "living organisms" within the community, said Frances Dawson, founder and music director of the Columbia Pro Cantare, a choral ensemble more than 100 strong.

They're born. They grow. Under optimal conditions, they even thrive. Sometimes they have to change, either adapting to new environmental factors or just evolving naturally over the course of time. But, like life itself, she believes, they continue onward in one form or another.

A new study taking a look at the arts in Howard County concurs with Dawson's assessment, for the most part. There is advocacy going on. There is more and more art in public spaces. Diversity abounds.

Yet, the study, which the Howard County Arts Council expects to be concluded and released in September, raises a major concern that's under discussion now by arts boards across the county. The leaders and founders of some of the county's most prominent and prestigious organizations are aging. What happens when they step down?

"These are people who've given their blood, sweat and tears," noted Coleen West, executive director of the county's Arts Council. "The passing of the baton is a real concern. Can we get the next generation to have the same vision, love, energy and passion that the original owner has? That's the question."

Many organizations, such as the Columbia Pro Cantare, are celebrating more than a quarter of a century of showcasing their arts. The Candlelight Concert Society just closed its 30th season with a concert featuring New York Metropolitan Opera star Marilyn Horne. The Eva Anderson Dancers, Ltd. will celebrate 30 years this October. Howard County Poetry and Literature Society is 29 years old. The Columbia Orchestra is 25, and the list of 20-plus-somethings goes on.

There is no doubt that Howard County has a very sophisticated audience, one that demands quality, West said. People move here, she noted, for many reasons, not the least of which is quality of life. Well, said West, "The arts put the quality into that quality of life."

Eva Anderson believes Howard County stands out in the variety, breadth and depth of its arts for three reasons. "We have an educated audience here," noted the founder of the dance company, now approaching its third decade. "People still believe you should donate to the arts, and that makes a very big difference."

And, finally, perhaps one of the most integral factors, is that many of the artists-whether they sing, dance, paint, sculpt, write or play an instrument-live and work here. They are members of the community.

"Fortunately, we've never had to cancel a rehearsal because of a lack of space. Someone, somehow has always been there to support our efforts," said Anderson, whose company today is in residence at the Howard County Center for the Arts.

Her dancers, who are independent artists, work at other jobs when they're not rehearsing or performing. She, herself, continues to teach to help cover daily expenses. The life of an artist is not an easy one, she explained. Laughing in that world-weary way with a wisdom that only comes from experience, Anderson noted: "You work in order to do your art."

Though she seems ageless, Anderson, whose modern dance company has performed throughout the United States and abroad, has two dancers who've been with the company for years and will continue on in her stead-someday. She is far from retiring, she said. Still, "It's really wonderful to have these artists devoted to the company."

A quick survey of the Columbia Pro Cantare several years back indicated that many of its choral performers joined the group as an opportunity to return to what they may have started in high school or college, recalled Dawson. "It was an outlet for their artistic expression."

Today, music critics describe it as the county's "premiere ensemble for vocal music." Its 135 members range in age from high schoolers to senior citizens.

The season finale, "From Ireland,

on Wings of Song," sold out days before the concert, which featured works by composer Mary McAuliffe, a teacher from County Cork in Ireland who began composing

10 years ago. Irish dancing and performances by Baltimore City Mayor Martin O'Malley with his band O'Malley's March concluded the program.

"You have to have an audience to survive," noted Dawson, who founded the Columbia Pro Cantare as an adjunct chorus for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's summer seasons back in 1977.

While the choral ensemble has its loyal following, in order to keep things fresh and inviting for new audiences, Dawson tries to make it an educational experience as well as a cultural one.

Performing works that stretch from the 10th century to the present, the critically acclaimed group presents a series of ethnic concerts. Two years ago it presented a concert of Jewish music. Last year, noted Dawson, it was African-American music. Next season, it will be jazz, featuring the music of Dave Brubeck and Eric Mintel.

"We are still audience building," she said, recalling an incident when a man accosted her at the grocery store. "How come I didn't know about you before?" he asked after attending one of her concerts.

Unlike the major cities, here there is "no visibility" for the arts on a daily basis, she said. "We don't have a lit marquee."

And while all of the performances are held at the Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts (which Dawson is very thankful to have), there's no sign outside the building indicating the presence of the theater within, let alone who might be performing what. The theater is attached to Wilde Lake High School.

Outside of newspaper listings and word of mouth, the choral group's web site has proved a good "get the word out" tool.

Budget concerns are always a worry for arts groups. Dawson said a prominent New York City ballet company recently announced plans to shelve its performances for one season. "They figured they could save more by not having a season, but still continuing with their outreach efforts into the community. Teaching. Holding classes. That is such a shame," she said.

"Howard County is fortunate to have a vital and diverse arts community, one that is enthusiastically supported by businesses and the public alike," said West.

"Approximately one half of the arts groups that receive grants from the Arts Council have been inspiring and entertaining audiences for 20 years or more. While the breadth and quality of their programs have contributed a great deal to their longevity, the real staying power of these groups comes from the passion and vision of their founders and boards. It is their devotion to quality, their belief that the arts are essential to a healthy community and their commitment to giving something back to the citizens of Howard County that have sustained the arts here in the county."

But in order to maintain the same level of excellence for the next 20 years, West believes, it's essential that the arts identify and cultivate a new generation of leaders who have the same degree of passion and commitment.

"I'm glad we have such a strong arts program in the public schools," said Anderson, giving young people the experience of knowing something that transcends time and place.

For Dawson, the aging of the county arts' founders and directors is a concern. But with awareness, solutions will present themselves, she believes.

"This is my soul, and I love it," she said of her work. "It is hard work. Sometimes it wears you down, the administration and constant fundraising. You can tear yourself into shreds. But as long as the singing gets better and better, and we're able to draw young people, I'm not going anywhere."



Anne Arundel Wins Spirit Of Success Award

The BWI Business Partnership presented Anne Arundel County with its 2003 Spirit of Success Employer of the Year Award last month.Ê

The Award recognized Anne Arundel County Government for its contribution to the economy and to the community of the BWI Business District.

"This is the first time in the history of this award that it is recognizing a political subdivision," said Neil Shpritz, executive director of the BWI Business Partnership. "We felt that the senior management in Anne Arundel County, under the leadership of County Executive Janet Owens, has been able to address economic development and transportation issues and contribute to the community of the BWI Business District."

The BWI Business Partnership is a nonprofit economic development and transportation management association promoting a regional Spirit of Success. The association works to support strong, responsible and continuing economic growth.