60 Towson Students To Advocate For Arts In Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Dozens of students from Towson High School will travel to Annapolis to advocate for the arts. They are going to get an overview of the state's budget and receive talking points from arts advocates to help shape discussions with lawmakers.

Towson High School's Visual Arts Chair Rachel Valsing organized the trip, which will be attended by 60 students enrolled in law, public policy and art courses at Towson. Baltimore County Public Schools Visual Arts Supervisor Ryan Twentey will also be in attendance, according to a statement from the school system.

More than 500 people from every jurisdiction around the state come together for Maryland Arts Day each year, reports the host, arts advocacy nonprofit Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

"The group from Towson High may be the largest student representation from one district to attend and advocate for arts education," according to a statement from Baltimore County Public Schools.

At the event, students will network with lawmakers, artists and arts advocates.

The 2020 theme is "arts ecosystem" and will be the topic of a speech from artist Joyce J. Scott, according to arts advocacy nonprofit Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

Maryland Arts Day 2020 is Thursday, Feb. 13.