06/23/2026
Last week, our Executive Director, Leslie Forrester, did a live interview with the Springfield Business Journal as part of their People You Should Know Interview Series. Leslie talked about the Cultural Plan that the Springfield Regional Arts Council is releasing next month, which is timely given that the arts are at risk and are dealing with funding being slashed at almost every level. When asked what keeps her going when it comes to advocacy for the arts, without skipping a beat, she said it was her own daughters and the kids who visit the Creamery Arts Center for tours, education, and support.
Leslie emphasized the direct correlation that the arts have with the growth of the next generation. When a child makes something they’re proud of, or does something creative that challenges them, that gives them the confidence and bravery to achieve more in other areas of their life. They may perform better in their math testing. They may show up to other extracurriculars with more confidence. They may make more friends, learn more about themselves, and process difficult life events in a constructive way through creativity. The list goes on and on. Kids need art. Period. The Springfield Regional Arts Council is here to help all generations, but we are especially passionate about the next generation of artists. They are the ones who will steward what we are building in our community: a place for all people to freely express themselves creatively, and most importantly, the tools to do so.
There are so many ways to be involved in the Arts Council. You can sign up to be one of our teaching artists. You can join our Membership on many different levels based on what will help you and your creative journey the most. You can volunteer at our events. You can follow along and elevate what the Arts Council provides for our community, so that more people know that we are HERE TO HELP❤️
