(Photo from www.lawrencechildrenschoir.org)The Lawrence Children’s Choir is asking the City of Lawrence to help cover a funding shortfall. The group was hit hard by the elimination of state arts funding. That’s what Executive Director Jane Roesner (ROSE-ner) Graves told the city commission last (TUE) night.
The group is asking the city for $14,000. Supporters of the choir touted what they say are its benefits, like choir opportunities for students, performances in the community and national recognition for Lawrence. Kolby Van Camp is a 13-year-old from Topeka who’s been with the choir for more than five years. He says the choir has offered real benefits for him
The Lawrence Commission will consider the group’s request as part of the city’s 2013 budget. The state has restored some arts funding, but Kansas won’t be eligible for federal matching funds for arts programs until mid-2013.