Artists are rallying around a call that has been getting louder with each administration. The call is for a secretary of the arts and culture. With the incoming administration, one of the most honored voices is that of Quincy Jones.

From the National Examiner: “The arts are what show who we are as a society. It shows where we are headed and where we have come from. So, it comes as no surprise that in this new regime that is about to take over, that someone from the creative world would step up and speak out. Step forward, music legend and producer Quincy Jones who is urging President-elect Barack Obama to create a ministry of culture. One of the best ways to promote and preserve the cultural health of this country would be to give the arts Cabinet-level status. A petition has emerged and is making its way across cyberspace.”

Jaime Austria, who plays bass for the New York City Opera and the American Ballet Theatre Orchestra, started the petition after hearing Quincy saying he plans to ask President-elect Barack Obama to create a secretary of the arts post on a podcast of WNYC’s Soundcheck.

Secretary of the Arts – Read the Petition
Secretary of the Arts – Sign the Petition. You can do so anonymously.

As of this issue we are happy to report that the petition now has more than 221,000 signatures and it continues to garner mainstream press coverage.

As accordionists and musicians, we should take the time to learn about this petition for a Secretary of the Arts and Culture. It can only benefit all of us and help create a more peaceful and harmonious world.