An open source PSA

Before I go on my July hiatus, I wanted to lob one more idea into the ether. I've generally been frustrated with public campaigns to promote and support the arts. They either err on the side of utility (the arts improve test scores) or the side of entitlement (support the arts because you should). I've had a campaign bubbling in my head for several months now, and thought it was time to set it free.

I've produced an on-line video storyboard of the idea, with static images as placeholders for what would ultimately be video testimonials. Since I don't have a production capacity beyond this, I figured I would set the idea free to see if anyone's interested. The video is published under a Creative Commons license (an Attribution-Noncommercial License, to be specific). So, anyone can feel free to rethink, rewrite, reframe, or even professionally produce a video based on this idea. I give you permission in advance (although restrict that permission to noncommercial use).

Art. It's What's Inside.
a proposed PSA, in storyboard format

The idea is this: art in communities does, indeed, have functional value -- it refocuses economic activity, engages students more deeply in school, builds and sustains social groups. But this functional value is the byproduct not the driver of cultural activity. This PSA seeks to balance those two messages.

Watch it. Share it. Copy it. Produce it. Just keep me posted on what happens next.