NORWICH – In an ongoing battle to preserve arts in Chenango County public schools, affiliates of the Support Arts and Music Eduction group (SAME) will host a special informational seminar and reception this weekend to promote the impact of the arts on students as well as economic prosperity in the area.

The community information event begins at 4 p.m. Sunday at the United Church of Christ on 11 West Main St. This year, featured speaker Victoria Kappel, executive director of the Chenango County Council of the Arts, will be given the spotlight to discuss the positive financial benefits of the arts – a $1.8 million per year industry in Chenango County, according to survey research conducted by Americans for the Arts.

The occasion, which is free and open to the public, also features a violin and cello duet performance by local music educators Alyssa Jutting and Allison Rehn; and a special number by middle school students Madison and Jaci Long, singing “Marry the Man” from the famed musical “Guys and Dolls.” A special reception to showcase the artwork of local students will follow.

“School districts are struggling to support arts and music and we thought this would be a good way to promote awareness of the importance of arts and music in our schools,” explained Cathy Hammons, supporting spokesperson for the SAME advocacy group. “All around us, districts are cutting their staff (in arts and music programs),” she noted. She said that SAME has set a goal to discourage statewide cuts to arts and music education by citing the positive influences that the arts have on students, and the economic advantages of a community that thrives in the arts.