NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As Time Warner Cable, Inc. subscribers throughout the New York Metropolitan area continue to learn of their providers disappointing decision to drop Ovation, disheartened community members are coming together to ignite positive change in neighborhoods reliant on the television channel for exposure to the arts.

On Thursday January 10, 2013 arts groups, political leaders, and inner city activists joined forces with growing coalition Citizens for Access to the Arts in support of Ovation, the only cable channel dedicated to arts and artistic expression. Kicking off the event was Brooklyn's own, Rosie Perez.  Not only a renowned actress, Perez remains active in her dedication to the subsistence of arts exposure here in New York.  As Artistic Board Chair for the Urban Arts Partnership she passionately discussed the necessity of arts exposure for children in underserved communities. Speaking from experience as both a child growing up in Brooklyn and an activist working to protect the arts for a younger generation, Rosie's words added a deeply personal touch to the rally's passionate message.

Poignant speakers like Perez reminded those watching and participating in the rally just how essential arts exposure through television programming is for children living in low income neighborhoods.  For those unable to afford a Broadway play or a trip to an art museum, Ovation provides an accessible outlet to connect with the immense world of creative expression. Time Warner Cable, Inc.'s decision to drop the only television channel dedicated to such programming not only proves to be a disservice for thousands of families throughout the New York Metropolitan area, but more dangerously alienates entire neighborhoods of children from essential exposure to the arts.

While the passionate speeches introduced by speakers on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall late last week illustrated the disappointment of Time Warner Cable, Inc.'s subscribers, the more moving message came from the unity of rally members coming together in protection of New York City children.  Organizations, coalitions, and groups of many walks of life found common ground in the dangerous loss of arts programming for countless neighborhoods in New York.  Activists like Rosie Perez reminded audiences that there is in fact a bigger picture to consider in the fight against Time Warner Cable, Inc. and that is our children.

About Citizens for Access to the Arts
Citizens for Access to the Arts is a nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals committed to the idea that Americans of all backgrounds deserve greater access to the arts. We support increasing access to the arts through support for arts education in schools, funding for arts programs and the distribution of the arts through the mass media. 

Video of Brooklyn Borough Hall/ Columbus Circle Rally 1.10.13

http://vimeo.com/savnycarts/bringbackovationrally

SOURCE Citizens for Access to the Arts