President Biden has appointed new members to him Committee on Arts and Humanities.
Some of the notable celebrities and scholars include a San Diegan resident who is well known in the local community college area.
Constance Carroll was San Diego Community College District Counselor for 17 years. She retired in 2021 but has continued her work in education and the arts.
“(The arts and humanities tell us) who we are culturally, who we are morally, who we are historically and with respect to our ambitions for the future,” Carroll said.
Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Shonda Rhimes and others will also serve on the presidential commission, which is expected to begin work by the summer.
The committee will present proposals to the president for improving arts education, assisting with international art exchange programs, and making contributions to the creative economy.
During her tenure as chancellor, Carroll promoted arts programs on the county’s campuses.
Includes the well-known theater curriculum and performance program at San Diego City College.
A musical “Cabaret” is to be produced. Opens at the college’s Savile Theater on Fridays.
The show’s director and theater professor, Katie Rhoda, said she was excited to hear about the appointment of the former chancellor. She said she chose the play for its political and educational value. It was inspired by the events of January 6th.
“In ‘Cabaret’, it was right with the Nazi Party coming to power. It was the same situation when a small group of individuals were very angry and they wielded enormous influence with disastrous consequences,” Roda said.
The City College theater program is an established example of an arts and humanities education in San Diego that is poised for national spotlight now that Carroll will be working in Washington, DC.
“This show is worth seeing. Our artists deserve to be seen. It means so much that someone is coming forward to expose such an amazing art form,” said Megan Padilla, a student who stars in music production.
“(I think) a passion for the importance of the arts and humanities to American life is the glue that will hold the committee together,” Carroll said.