by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
Washingtonians know that when it comes to the creative arts, there is one group you don’t want to rumble with…The Creative Coalition. Once again, they returned to Capitol Hill surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to advocate for funding for arts programs in schools and communities around the country.
Robin Bronk
Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, told Hollywood on the Potomac: “We want to win the war on depriving kids of arts in this country.” Bronk acknowledged the quest to stop funding cuts goes on and that the hope is to get to the point where this mission graduates on; but for now, the struggle is entirely real. “It’s a smiling civil war,” agreed actor Jason Isaacs who was a member of the 2015 delegation that came to Washington to advocate on behalf of the arts. He wanted to emphasize that even with politicians playing nice to the group, it’s about their vote ultimately and partisanship shouldn’t be a part of this issue.
The group hosted their annual dinner on the eve of the Correspondents’ dinner as a celebration of the arts – dubbed the Supper Suite by STK – sponsored by STK DC, Dobel Tequila®, TV Guide/TV Insider and Fleury Estate Winery. Chef Marc Hennessy outdid himself for the crowd of Hollywood stars, journalists, advocates and supporters. The sumptuous menu included a delicate Filet with Brown Butter Cauliflower Puree, Maitake Mushrooms and Marrow Butter or Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with Wild Ramp Potato Puree and Maitake Mushrooms. This is not your neighborhood dinner party.
Tim Daly
Tim Daly, President of the Creative Coalition, greeted guests with a touch of lighthearted annoyance: “I can’t believe that I am saying this again. I’ve said this so many times that I want to punch myself in the face.” His dedication to the cause for years has helped to inch forward the funding battles and drive much needed attention to the continued vulnerability of arts programs around the US. Trying to rally the crowd to open their wallets and let their donations do the talking, Jason Isaacs joined by Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg, took hold of the microphone and cheerfully tried to solicit donations. When Issacs asked Michelle how much money they needed to raise at the event, her response was a deadpanned but serious response. “A Fuckload.” And that got everyone’s attention.
Jason Issacs and Michelle Trachtenberg
Photos were taken, cocktails downed and plenty of donations made. It was a night of pairings and reunions. Trachtenberg was reunited with former Gossip Girl co-star Kelly Rutherford. Haley Joel Osment, who many know from his childhood acting in The Sixth Sense, also had a longtime partner-in-crime on hand – younger sister Emily who stars in the ABC Family show Young & Hungry. He noted that they don’t often get to go out on the same press tours, so it was great to take up a cause together. Haley Joel was also able to snag time to catch up with Constance Zimmer, who many know as Dana Gordon from the popular Entourage series. The film comes out the first week in June and Osment makes an appearance.
Haley Joel Osment with sister Emily Osment
So the language was decidedly adult themed, and the beverages and food as well, but the spirit of the evening was firmly planted in helping to make sure arts programs exist for the next generations of kids. Mom-to-be Naya Rivera who was also a part of the 2015 generation put it bluntly: “I don’t want to live in a world where my kid can’t, you know, have arts in his or her school.” The battle wages on for the arts.
Hollywood on the Potomac caught up with several members of the 2015 Creative Arts Delegation and asked them about the issue, their start in the arts, and what it’s like to be in Washington.
Tune in:
