Beyond The Big Lights
The April 28 Arts Gala Is More Than Just A Good Time Event for Talented County Students and Their Families
The Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council annual gala – 2018 Arts Gala A Cultural Tapestry: Renaissance Through The Arts – on April 28 is an arts showcase in partnership with Prince George's County Public Schools. County youth present their talents and creative skills at one of the area’s most spectacular events. Parents and educators are expecting a thrilling evening of entertainment and dazzling performances.
But PGAHC executive Director Rhonda Dallas says that the event is more than a great show. It’s a preparation for students for life and careers. And she says the arts themselves can be an economic engine to the county. Below is a brief Question and Answer with Dallas:
PGS: Why do you suggest that the arts and arts-based events like the April 28 gala are so important to today’s youth?
Dallas: The demand for creativity at the work place is at an all-time high. Employers are looking for innovation. They are looking for solution architects. They are looking for people who understand how to think outside the box. This is what industries are looking for now. If we don’t start this way of thinking early in the pipeline of education then our kids will fall behind.
PGS: What is the value of the partnerships and sponsors like Prince George’s County Public Schools and Joe’s Movement Emporium?
Dallas: They are critical. A strong school system can’t operate without community partnerships. As the PGAHC has always made our mission of connecting the classroom to community, we have always looked at the business community as well to be a valued partner. Everyone should have a vested interest in a high performance school system. It’s a matter of commitment for everyone -- even if you don’t have a child in the school system, education is paramount in bringing Prince George’s County into this renaissance era of economic development, prosperity and attracting companies both nationally and internationally. People want to make sure that we not only have a world class eco dev strategy but also a world class education strategy. The arts have to be at the core of that.
PGS: Is there truly an economic contribution for the county to be gained through the arts?
Dallas: Definitely. Any thriving community, any thriving metropolis has a very strong cultural and arts infrastructure. This is a demand by not just the people who live in these areas, but by the people who work in these areas well. It’s one of the factors that companies looking to relocate to an area use as criteria in determining if this is an area they will move to or not. People want to see that the arts are a high priority within any city, county or local jurisdiction.
