Arts Connection for June 29-30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
By: Rebecca Morgan

This week's Art News looks at possible fallout of property tax cuts; a new international ballet competition debuts next week; a former Disney animator wins awards for her children's book and highlights from this week, including the Orlando Philharmonic Sounds of Summer Series, UCF Summerstage and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal at next month's Florida International Festival.

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 ART NEWS -
Local governements began to look at the impact of the property tax reform signed into law by Gov. Crist last week.  The City of Orlando reports a $10 million shortfall in CRA funds for the new Orlando Performing Arts Center; Brevard County may zero out the budget for the Brevard Cultural Alliance, and despite a 9% increase in private sector funding, United Arts of Central Florida may face serious cutbacks from the 8 city and county governments that provide one third of their overall budget.  Interim 3-month grants were given to arts groups while they await the outcome of property tax reform.

Read more news in the arts at ArtsJournal, the daily digest of arts, culture and ideas.

The inaugural World Ballet Competition gets underway July 2nd, with over 50 competitors from 9 countries.  Organized by Central Florida Ballet, the new international ballet competition will have 3 rounds of competition beginning on Thursday, July 5, and concludes with a Gala of the Stars on Saturday, July 7 at 7pm at the Bob Carr, with Rasta Thomas, Sasha Radetsky, and American Dance Idol Champion Robbie Nicholson, among many others.  For information, call 407-849-9948.

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After 20 years as a Disney animator, Pam Henn left her job to start her own studio - and write children's books.  Her first book, Nick and Slim - The Mystery of the Falcon Mine, has won 2 awards and is will become a series of books for young adults.  Pam talks to The Arts Connection's Literary Contributor, Irene Zabytko.  (Irene is working on a documentary film, Life in the Dead Zone, based on her novel, The Sky Unwashed.)

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THIS WEEK -

The Orlando Philharmonic continues their Sounds of Summer Series next Thursday, July 5 at 7pm with Italia La Piu Bella, at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center (407-770-0071)

UCF Summerstage continues with Cabaret closing this Sunday and a Student Showcase opening Thursday, July 5 at the UCF campus (407-823-1500)

The Florida International Festival begins July 13th; one of the world-class artists coming to Daytona is jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, performing July 17 at the Ormond Performing Arts Center (866-849-0731)

And next week during the 2nd half of The Arts Connection - be sure to tune in for Politics Takes a Holiday with the Capitol Steps.