Latest news with #IanSaunders
Boston Globe
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Local arts groups count losses as NEA cancels grants
Ian Saunders, the group's artistic and interim executive director, said the organization might still be able to receive partial reimbursement for one of the grants. But the other grant, a $55,000 pledge, is lost. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The consequence is clear: we are losing critical support we were promised,' Saunders said in a letter to Project STEP supporters. He added that the cancellations represent more than a 'reprioritization of national arts funding.' Advertisement 'It is an effort to delegitimize programs like ours and silence the very students we serve,' he said. 'The message is unmistakable: that diverse voices, diverse thinking, and any expression that challenges the administration's cultural comfort zone are no longer welcome in the American artistic narrative.' It remains unclear how many organizations have had their funding cut, but a crowd-sourced document circulating among arts administrators nationwide showed Tuesday morning that more than 150 organizations have reported losing nearly $4.5 million in funding. Advertisement 'It certainly does not seem as though it was a small concentrated group,' said Emily Ruddock, executive director of the arts advocacy group, MASSCreative. 'This piece of federal money is a big deal. In some cases it is the decision of whether or not you're going to do a project.' The letters informed grantees that the NEA is updating its grant-making priorities to focus on 'projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President.' 'Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities,' read one of the letters reviewed by the Globe. 'Funding is being allocated in a new direction in furtherance of the Administration's agenda.' Among the new directions cited by the agency are projects that 'elevate' historically Black colleges and universities, 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence, fostering 'AI competency,' and making 'America healthy again.' Saunders called the revocation of the already-approved grants 'a betrayal.' 'It breaks faith with communities who were told their voices had a place,' he said, 'and that their stories belonged in the national consciousness.' The NEA did not respond to a request for comment. The agency's decision follows earlier grant cancellations from the Other Boston-based groups that received termination letters include Castle of our Skins, a Black-led performing arts group; Boston String Academy, which offers affordable musical instruction to kids; and Urbanity Dance, a professional company that also offers accessible lessons. Advertisement Madeleine Steczynski, co-founder and executive director of ZUMIX, a youth organization focused on music and technology, said they received a cancellation notice Friday. 'Ironically, we have already completed the project, and received our funding in full, so the letter is moot,' she said via email. 'However, we have a grant pending for this year with the NEA, which we assume will not be granted, and we are not planning to apply for NEA funding for the coming year.' EdVestors, which works closely with Boston Public Schools to provide enhanced educational opportunities, also received a letter saying the agency had cancelled its two-year, $100,000 grant to help support arts education in BPS. Like ZUMIX, the organization had already been reimbursed for the full grant. Ruddock said that the loss of federal funding goes far beyond the dollar amount, adding that federal grants often help organizations attract private support. 'The multiplier effect of public funding to arts and culture is significant,' she said. 'It's a signal to private funders and donors, to corporations and other potential sources of funding that your program has relevance' Malcolm Gay can be reached at
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities discover thousands of live animals in largest-ever trafficking operation: 'This has far-reaching consequences'
In a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, coordinated in partnership between INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, nearly 20,000 live animals — all endangered or protected species — have been seized. "The illegal wildlife trade is still rapidly growing, highly lucrative, and has devastating effects," said Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General. Operation Thunder 2024 brought together police, customs, border control, forestry, and wildlife officials from November 11 through December 6, 2024. Participants in the largest-ever intervention of this type came from 138 countries and regions. Some 365 suspects were arrested by authorities as part of this trafficking operation, and six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants were identified. The animals and plants might have been trafficked to be used as food sources, for their perceived medicinal benefits, for their perceived luxury or as collector's items, or to be sold as pets. The animals included big cats, pangolins, primates, birds, turtles, and other reptiles. Animal trafficking is a significant threat to wildlife and the ecosystems from which they are taken, endangering the survival of many species. It can lead to a decline in biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining balanced ecosystems. When one species is exploited and removed, there is a ripple effect that can be detrimental to other plants and animals in the area. When trafficked animals and plants are moved from their native environment to areas where they do not naturally thrive, they are considered invasive species and can have a negative effect on the ecosystem they travel to. So the trafficking problem is twofold. INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza commented on the effects of trafficking networks that profit from the demand of rare species, exploiting nature for financial gain. "This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to [the warming of the planet], and even fuels conflict and instability." Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. These are considered to be environmental crimes. When we better understand animal trafficking and support conservation efforts and anti-trafficking legislation, we can help vulnerable species and help protect the environment for our future. Saunders offered hope, saying, "The WCO remains committed to supporting its members and partners to effectively combat this serious crime." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
