Veteran choreographer John Clifford warns that eliminating arts education risks weakening democratic values. Reflecting on his provocative yet successful 1974 ballet, he stresses that engaging the public through accessible art can foster deeper appreciation. Clifford criticizes U.S. cuts to school arts programs, contrasting them with robust cultural investments in Finland and South Korea. He also highlights the dangers of media monopolies and political interference in the arts. To revitalize cultural engagement, he proposes mandatory arts credits and a national Culture Pass for youth. Clifford believes the arts build empathy, curiosity, and civic strength—qualities vital to a thriving democracy....ReadMore...