MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
Arts Action Center

February 13, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Love the Arts at Arts Advocacy Day:

Arts Advocates Spend Valentines Day Asking Legislators to Pass the

Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment

St. Paul: On Valentines Day more than six hundred arts advocates from around the state are expected to converge on the State Capitol for Minnesota Citizens for the Arts “Arts Advocacy Day” to ask legislators to pass a long-sought constitutional amendment that would dedicate funds to conservation and cultural heritage. While over 80 percent of the bill benefits the environment, 19.75 percent would also be dedicated to nonprofit arts and culture activity in Minnesota’s 87 counties.

Arts Advocates have been working to pass the amendment for over six years, and legislative leadership has assured both conservation and cultural advocates that the amendment will be passed early in the legislative session. Session started on February 12, so arts advocates decided they needed to be there two days later on Valentine’s Day. Advocates will be delivering chocolate kisses to their legislators along with a petition signed by over 100 arts, culture, civic and conservation organizations asking them to pass the bill quickly.

“Our message is that we love Minnesota, the environment and the arts, and that this amendment is the best way to help them all,” said Sheila Smith, MCA’s Executive Director.

Arts advocates will participate in a rally at 8:30 a.m. in the Minnesota History Center and then meet with their legislators in the Capitol from 10:00 to 1:00.

In a letter to conservation and cultural advocates from House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, the bill’s chief authors in their respective houses, said “Considering the bipartisan support for this bill, and the wide margin of passage in both the House and Senate, it seems clear that the legislature supports putting this constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. Our natural resources, impaired water and cultural legacy deserve a long-term revenue source to address their growing needs. Passage of this constitutional amendment is vital to securing this revenue.”

Minnesotans have a strong tradition of interest in access to arts and culture, and participate in the arts to a higher degree than citizens of other states. Minnesota is home to over 1400 non-profit arts organizations that collectively serve 4.5 million people annually and provide an economic impact of over $1 billion to our state’s economy. Our state is home to over 20,000 artists, who are a contributing factor to the economies and communities of every region of Minnesota.

“This November, in addition to voting for President, Minnesotans will have a chance to vote for the things we love most about our state – our beautiful lakes and landscape and our arts and culture,” said Smith. “We urge that the legislature to vote ‘yes’ on the amendment immediately so that we can get down to the work of passing the amendment next November.”

In addition to their economic contributions to Minnesota’s economy, Minnesota artists are active and engaged in their communities, volunteering and voting at higher levels than the general public both in Minnesota and nationwide. Eighty one percent of Minnesota artists reported that they volunteer in their community at least once each month compared to relatively high 67 percent of the general Minnesota public and only 27 percent of all Americans. In terms of civic participation, 82 percent of artists report they “always” vote, 16 percent “sometimes” vote, and only 2 percent “never” vote. When compared to the very high voting rates of the general Minnesota public at 77 percent and all Americans at 58 percent, artists’ civic participation is exceptionally high. *

Artists are very engaged with their communities, volunteering and voting to a higher degree than the rest of the population. Our communities would be diminished without the many and varied contributions of our artists and arts and culture organizations. Just as we look for ways to ensure that our communities are hospitable places for businesses to locate and thrive, we must make certain that our artistic resources are nurtured as well.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts and conducts original research. MCA works with over 42,000 arts advocates in Minnesota. For more information on MCA, this project or statistics about the arts in Minnesota, please contact MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith at 651-251-0868 or view MCA’s website www.mncitizensforthearts.org .

# # #

*Source: “Artists Count: An Economic Impact Study of Artists in Minnesota” 2007, available at www.mncitizensforthearts.org .

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Event Reminders from MCA:

Minnesota’s Arts Advocacy Day
February 14, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Minnesota History Center and Minnesota State Capitol
More information here: http://mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/
Register On-line Now: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

National Arts Advocacy Day
March 31-April 1, 2008
Washington, D.C.
More information here: www.artsusa.org/events/2008/aad/default.asp

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Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members. Join Today on MCA’s secure web site at: mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/
• Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
• Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts
• View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
• Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center called the Arts Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!

Things You Need To Know: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone. MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us/racs/index.htm.

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
Arts Action Center

February 6, 2008

1. Arts Advocacy Day Registration Deadline is Friday!

2. Caucuses a Great Day for Democracy

3. Volunteers Needed Next Week

4. Add Your Arts Organization to Our Petition by Feb. 8

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1. Arts Advocacy Day Registration Deadline is Friday!

Register Now on MCA’s Website: www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

Be a part of history when the legislature approves the most important legislation ever on behalf of the arts and environmental conservation in Minnesota. Arts Advocacy Day is our chance to make sure decision makers know about the strong arts community in Minnesota and that we want their support. As you can imagine, these legislators LISTEN, because we are their constituents! This is especially important during this election year.

We start at 8:00 a.m. with a fun and informative rally at the Minnesota History Center and then split up into teams, led by an experienced arts advocate, to meet individually with legislators in the Capitol. Most teams are done by 1:00.

Arts people are coming from all over the state to take part. It’s the best arts networking opportunity of the year and the registration deadline is coming soon. For lots of information about the big day including schedule, maps, legislative agenda and a quick link to register today, check out MCA’s website. Sign up now at www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

So, this Valentine’s Day, plan to spend ½ your day at the Capitol with hundreds of friends at Arts Advocacy Day. You don’t need to know how to lobby or anything – MCA does a great job training and empowering you in this effort. Plus, you’ll have a cool team leader who will guide your advocacy team through the day. This is a fun, useful and really eye-opening networking event in addition to helping the cause of the arts in a tangible way.

Don’t wait for someone else to take up this cause. If you care about the arts (and I happen to know that you do) then YOU should be at Arts Advocacy Day. Please Register by Feb. 8 so we can get you on the team with your own legislators. See you there!

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2. Caucuses a Great Day for Democracy

Well, wasn’t that amazing? Minnesota’s political season kicked off with record breaking attendance at precinct caucuses. In my own precinct we had 18 times the normal number of people who show up to caucuses. People are engaged, thinking about the future and what kind of world they want to live in. Regardless of party it is a wonderful thing when the public takes control over their own destiny by being a participant in our democracy. So, congratulations to all!

I’m getting lots of reports of people who offered the arts/environment caucus resolution. Most passed the resolution without much opposition, and just two people reported that theirs did not pass. Most reported strong support for the constitutional amendment to “Protect our Lakes, Land and Way of Life.” The campaign’s new theme is great ‘”This November, the things you love about Minnesota are on the ballot.” It has begun!

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3. Volunteers Needed Next Week

Arts Advocacy Day is a big deal and it takes tons of volunteers to make it all happen. Can you lend a hand? Please join us at the MCA office, 2233 University Ave. W. #355, St. Paul, MN. Times needed are:
• Monday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• We can also accommodate many volunteers the morning of Arts Advocacy Day at the Minnesota History Center at 7:00 a.m.

Are you game? Please contact Mark Albers and let him know you are coming at: staff at mncitizensforthearts.org or 651-251-0868 so we are ready to greet you.

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4. Add Your Arts Organization to Our Petition by Feb. 8, 2008

Arts Advocacy Day is fast approaching and will will be asking for dedicated funding for the arts in the form of the constitutional amendment that nearly passed the legislature last year. The Majority Leaders of both the House and Senate have pledged to pass the bill early in the next legislative session that begins on Feb. 12, 2008. For this reason Arts Advocacy Day will be held just two days later on Feb. 14. Once passed by the legislature the ballot question bypasses the Governor to go directly to voters in November 2008. Then, if passed by the voters, funding for cultural heritage will triple from current levels and will be in place at that higher level for the next 25 years. This is the most important piece of legislation ever offered for the arts in Minnesota.

This new source of stable, dedicated funding could create a renaissance for the arts in Minnesota. Minnesotans will have greatly expanded opportunities for access to the arts and artists and arts organizations will see new creative opportunities statewide. Our cultural heritage, along with our beautiful natural environment, are at the core of what makes Minnesota a great place to live. This proposal, combining my two favorite things about my home state, makes perfect sense. We are already organizing a statewide campaign with conservationists to make the proposal a reality.

Here’s How You Can Help: Join Great Minnesota Arts Organizations Such As The Ones Below In Endorsing the Following Statement. Our goal is to get the endorsement of at least 300 environment, arts and culture and civic organizations for the constititional amendment by Feb. 8 so that the list can be presented to legislators when the session begins. So far, over 200 organizations have signed on! Below is a partial list of who has signed up so far.

Support for immediate passage of the Conference Committee Report on SF6/HF2285 –

The Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment

We, the undersigned organizations are deeply committed to the future of Minnesota. We urge the 2008 Legislature to immediately pass the agreed to Conference Committee report on Senate File 6/House File 2285 – the Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and: American Association of Woodturners, American Choral Directors of Minnesota, American Composers Forum, Arrowhead Chorale, Duluth, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Duluth, Art of the Lakes, Battle Lake, Artist Relief Fund, Duluth, Art Eductors of Minnesota, Arts Culture Partnership of Saint Paul, Arts Center of Saint Peter, ArtReach Alliance, Artspace Projects, Bloomington Chorale, Bluff Country Studio Art Tour, Caponi Art Park and Learning Center, Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT), Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, City of Rochester Music Department/Riverside Concerts, CLIMB Theatre, Colder by the Lake Comedy Theatre, Duluth, Cross Community Players, Curtain Call Theatre, Depot Studios, Isle, Detroit Lakes Community Cultural Center, East Central Arts Council, East Metro Women’s Council, White Bear Lake, EJAM, Enviromental Justice Advocates of Minnesota, Evansville Art Center, Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, Fergus Falls A Center for the Arts, Five Wings Arts Council, Staples, FM Visual Artists (Fargo-Moorhead), Friends of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, FUEGO Flamenco, Gunflint Trail Historical Society, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Hauser Dance, Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minneapolis, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes, Historic Mounds Theatre, Historic Mounds Theatre, St. Paul, JazzMN, Inc., Minneapolis, Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers, Pipestone, Lake Agassiz Arts Council, Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis, Lowry LAB Theater, Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, Inc., MacPhail Center for Music, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, Milan Village Arts School, Milkweed Editions, Minhua Chorus, Roseville, Minneapolis Arts Commission, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Minneapolis Park and Recreation, Minnesota Art Therapy Association, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), Minnesota Film Arts, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestral Association, Minnesota Sages Dance Awards, Minnesota Sinfonia, Minnesota Theatre Company, Minnesota Youth Symphonies, Mpls./St.Paul International Film Festival, Music in the Park Series, New Prague Arts Council, No Refunds Theatre Company, Northern Light Opera Company, Northern Prairie Performing Arts, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in Warren, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council, Pequot Lakes CAPP committe, Rain Taxi, Inc, Renewing the Countryside, Seafarer Press, St Paul, Skewed Visions, St. Paul City Council, Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, Starting Gate Productions, St. Paul, SteppingStone Theatre, Taproot, Inc./Education Through the Media Arts, Textile Center, The Burning House Group Theatre Company, Minneapolis, The Edge Center for the Arts, Bigfork, The Edge of the Wilderness Community Center, (EWCC) , The Rose Ensemble, St. Paul, The Soap Factory, Minneapolis, St. Cloud Municipal Band, The Southern Theater , The Workhaus Playwrights Collective, Theater Space Project, Three Rivers Arts Council, Three Rivers Park District, Twin Cities Musicians Union, Twin Rivers Center for the Arts, Mankato, Valley Chamber Chorale, Stillwater, VSA arts of Minnesota, Walker Art Center, White Bear Center for the Arts, Wildwood Artist Series, Wishes for the Sky, Women in the Wilderness, Writers Rising Up To Defend Place, Natural Habitat, Wetlands, Eden Prairie, Young Dance, and Your Organization Here!

Just respond to this email to let us know the name of your organization that you would like us to add to the list.

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5. Event Reminders from MCA:

Minnesota’s Arts Advocacy Day
February 14, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Minnesota History Center and Minnesota State Capitol
More information here: http://mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/
Register On-line Now: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

National Arts Advocacy Day
March 31-April 1, 2008
Washington, D.C.
More information here: www.artsusa.org/events/2008/aad/default.asp

——————————————————————-

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members. Join Today on MCA’s secure web site at: mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts

View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts

Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center called the Arts Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!

Things You Need To Know: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone. MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us/racs/index.htm.

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
Arts Action Center

January 31, 2008

1. Register Now For Arts Advocacy Day, Feb. 14

2. Speak Up for the Arts and Environment at Your Caucus, Feb. 5th!

3. Add Your Arts Organization to Our Petition by Feb. 8

4. Job Openings with the Consitutional Amendment Campaign

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1. Register Now For Arts Advocacy Day, Feb. 14, 2008

Register Now on MCA’s Website: www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

Be a part of history when the legislature approves the most important legislation ever on behalf of the arts and environmental conservation in Minnesota. Arts Advocacy Day is our chance to make sure decision makers know about the strong arts community in Minnesota and that we want their support. As you can imagine, these legislators LISTEN, because we are their constituents! This is especially important during this election year.

We start at 8:00 a.m. with a fun and informative rally at the Minnesota History Center and then split up into teams, led by an experienced arts advocate, to meet individually with legislators in the Capitol. Most teams are done by 1:00.

Arts people are coming from all over the state to take part. It’s the best arts networking opportunity of the year and the registration deadline is coming soon. For lots of information about the big day including schedule, maps, legislative agenda and a quick link to register today, check out MCA’s website. Sign up now at www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

So, this Valentine’s Day, plan to spend ½ your day at the Capitol with hundreds of friends at Arts Advocacy Day. You don’t need to know how to lobby or anything – MCA does a great job training and empowering you in this effort. Plus, you’ll have a cool team leader who will guide your advocacy team through the day. This is a fun, useful and really eye-opening networking event in addition to helping the cause of the arts in a tangible way.

Don’t wait for someone else to take up this cause. If you care about the arts (and I happen to know that you do) then YOU should be at Arts Advocacy Day. Please Register by Feb. 8 so we can get you on the team with your own legislators. See you there!

——————————————————————-

2. Speak Up for the Arts and Environment at Your Caucus, Feb. 5th

The kick off of Minnesota’s political season is next Tuesday at precinct caucuses. In this most important year, your participation at caucuses will determine who Minnesota endorses for president. After you’ve made your vote for your favorite candidate, you can also offer a resolution to help the arts and environment. Everything you need is on MCA’s website www.mncitizensforthearts.org under “Events.” You can download our caucus resolution and instructions. People all over the state will be presenting this resolution at their caucus. Join us in getting the word out!

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3. Add Your Arts Organization to Our Petition by Feb. 8, 2008

Arts Advocacy Day is fast approaching and will will be asking for dedicated funding for the arts in the form of the constitutional amendment that nearly passed the legislature last year. The Majority Leaders of both the House and Senate have pledged to pass the bill early in the next legislative session that begins on Feb. 12, 2008. For this reason Arts Advocacy Day will be held just two days later on Feb. 14. Once passed by the legislature the ballot question bypasses the Governor to go directly to voters in November 2008. Then, if passed by the voters, funding for cultural heritage will triple from current levels and will be in place at that higher level for the next 25 years. This is the most important piece of legislation ever offered for the arts in Minnesota.

This new source of stable, dedicated funding could create a renaissance for the arts in Minnesota. Minnesotans will have greatly expanded opportunities for access to the arts and artists and arts organizations will see new creative opportunities statewide. Our cultural heritage, along with our beautiful natural environment, are at the core of what makes Minnesota a great place to live. This proposal, combining my two favorite things about my home state, makes perfect sense. We are already organizing a statewide campaign with conservationists to make the proposal a reality.

Here’s How You Can Help: Join Great Minnesota Arts Organizations Such As The Ones Below In Endorsing the Following Statement. Our goal is to get the endorsement of at least 300 environment, arts and culture and civic organizations for the constititional amendment by Feb. 8 so that the list can be presented to legislators when the session begins. So far, over 200 organizations have signed on! Below is a partial list of who has signed up so far.

Support for immediate passage of the Conference Committee Report on SF6/HF2285 –

The Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment

We, the undersigned organizations are deeply committed to the future of Minnesota. We urge the 2008 Legislature to immediately pass the agreed to Conference Committee report on Senate File 6/House File 2285 – the Great Outdoors and Heritage Amendment.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and: Arrowhead Chorale, Duluth, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Duluth, Art of the Lakes, Battle Lake, Artist Relief Fund, Duluth, Art Eductors of Minnesota, Arts Culture Partnership of Saint Paul, Arts Center of Saint Peter, Artspace Projects, Bloomington Chorale, Bluff Country Studio Art Tour, Caponi Art Park and Learning Center, Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, City of Rochester Music Department/Riverside Concerts, CLIMB Theatre, Colder by the Lake Comedy Theatre, Duluth, Curtain Call Theatre, Depot Studios, Isle, Detroit Lakes Community Cultural Center, East Metro Women’s Council, White Bear Lake, EJAM, Enviromental Justice Advocates of Minnesota, Evansville Art Center, Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, Five Wings Arts Council, Staples, FM Visual Artists (Fargo-Moorhead), Friends of the Hopkins Center for the Arts, Gunflint Trail Historical Society, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minneapolis, Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes, Historic Mounds Theatre, Historic Mounds Theatre, St. Paul, JazzMN, Inc., Minneapolis, Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers, Pipestone, Lake Agassiz Arts Council, Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis, Lowry LAB Theater, Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, Inc., MacPhail Center for Music, Milan Village Arts School, Milkweed Editions, Minhua Chorus, Roseville, Minneapolis Arts Commission, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Minneapolis Park and Recreation, Minnesota Art Therapy Association, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), Minnesota Film Arts, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestral Association, Minnesota Sages Dance Awards, Minnesota Sinfonia, Minnesota Theatre Company, Mpls./St.Paul International Film Festival, Music in the Park Series, New Prague Arts Council, No Refunds Theatre Company, Northern Light Opera Company, Northern Prairie Performing Arts, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in Warren, Oratorio Society of Minnesota, Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council, Rain Taxi, Inc, Renewing the Countryside, Seafarer Press, St Paul, Skewed Visions, St. Paul City Council, Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, Starting Gate Productions, St. Paul, SteppingStone Theatre, Textile Center, The Burning House Group Theatre Company, Minneapolis, The Edge Center for the Arts, Bigfork, The Edge of the Wilderness Community Center, (EWCC) , The Rose Ensemble, St. Paul, The Soap Factory, Minneapolis, The Southern Theater , The Workhaus Playwrights Collective, Theater Space Project, Three Rivers Arts Council, Three Rivers Park District, Twin Cities Musicians Union, Valley Chamber Chorale, Stillwater, VSA arts of Minnesota, Walker Art Center, White Bear Center for the Arts, Wildwood Artist Series, Women in the Wilderness, Writers Rising Up To Defend Place, Natural Habitat, Wetlands, Eden Prairie, Young Dance, and Your Organization Here!

Just respond to this email to let us know the name of your organization that you would like us to add to the list.

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4. Job Openings with the Consitutional Amendment Campaign

Minnesota Heritage ’08, a major statewide ballot initiative campaign organized in support of a constitutional amendment for dedicated funding for Water, Wildlife, Natural Areas and the Arts & Culture, seeks qualified individuals for the following positions:
· Communications Director
· Field Organizers
We seek highly motivated, team players who work well with others, can maintain multiple responsibilities and are able to stay on top of information and tasks in a fast-paced organization focused on winning an election in November 2008. Candidates need to be strategic, team players; and able to recruit, train and motivate a wide range of people. We are looking for individuals who have the desire, skills and toughness to work on an exciting and demanding campaign. Candidates must be goal-oriented with leadership skills and strong organizing experience.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please email a copy of your resume, a cover letter and three references to:
Ken Martin at kenmartin73@comcast.net.

Women and people of color strongly encouraged to apply. Minnesota Heritage ’08 is an equal opportunity employer.

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5. Event Reminders from MCA:

Minnesota’s Arts Advocacy Day
February 14, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Minnesota History Center and Minnesota State Capitol
More information here: http://mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/
Register On-line Now: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

Minnesota Precinct Caucus Day
February 5 , 2008
Your Neighborhood
More information here: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/

National Arts Advocacy Day
March 31-April 1, 2008
Washington, D.C.
More information here: www.artsusa.org/events/2008/aad/default.asp

——————————————————————-

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members. Join Today on MCA’s secure web site at: mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts

View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts

Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center called the Arts Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!

Things You Need To Know: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone. MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us/racs/index.htm.

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
Arts Action Center

December 15, 2007

1. Happy New Year from MCA

2. Give the Gift of Arts Advocacy

3. Event Reminders from MCA: Advocacy Day Registration Now Available On-line

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1. Happy New Year from MCA

We are living in interesting and historic times for the arts in Minnesota. There is growth, there is change, there are highlights and low lights for artists, arts organizations and audiences. Congratulations to artists who have created whole new worlds this year. Congratulations to the boards and staff of arts organizations who have built infrastructure this year that will serve Minnesotans far into the future. And congratulations to audiences who have had the privilege to witness and experience it all.

As an organization that serves both our arts community and the public, MCA’s mission is to ensure access to the arts for all Minnesotans. With you as a partner, we have had a historic year of success at the legislature. We increased funding for the arts statewide, we will have a state Poet Laureate, and we restored the state’s Percent for Art Program.

But even with these successes there is still very much more to do. We have not yet recovered from the massive cuts to the arts in 2003. Every time there is a state deficit the arts are threatened for cuts, even though funding for the arts are such a tiny portion of the overall state budget. So we still have far to go in meeting our mission.

This has prompted new thinking – how do we ensure funding for the arts in the long term? Is it time to find dedicated funding for cultural heritage?

The answer to the dedicated funding question has come in the form of the constitutional amendment for conservation and cultural heritage that nearly passed the legislature last year. The Majority Leaders of both the House and Senate have pledged to pass the bill early in the next legislative session that begins on Feb. 12, 2008. For this reason Arts Advocacy Day will be held just two days later on Feb. 14. Once passed by the legislature the ballot question bypasses the Governor to go directly to voters in November 2008. Then, if passed by the voters, funding for cultural heritage will triple from current levels and will be in place at that higher level for the next 25 years.

This new source of stable, dedicated funding could create a renaissance for the arts in Minnesota. Minnesotans will have greatly expanded opportunities for access to the arts and artists and arts organizations will see new creative opportunities statewide. Our cultural heritage, along with our beautiful natural environment, are at the core of what makes Minnesota a great place to live. This proposal, combining my two favorite things about my home state, makes perfect sense.

We are already organizing a statewide campaign with conservationists to make the proposal a reality.

The next year will bring new and exciting challenges to arts advocates in Minnesota, with the potential to make the greatest impact we’ve ever been able to make. Watch this space as history unfolds. We look forward to an exciting and successful 2008.

Happy Holidays
from Sheila Smith
and the Board and Staff of MCA

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2. Give the Gift of Arts Advocacy

Everyone needs Arts Advocacy! We’ll make it easy for you:

Give an MCA membership on MCA’s secure web site at:
mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at:
www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

Happy Holidays!

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4. Event Reminders from MCA:

Minnesota’s Arts Advocacy Day
February 14, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Minnesota History Center and Minnesota State Capitol
More information here: http://mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/
Register On-line Now: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Ugq3_2f8alNd0TXXWulLHyAg_3d_3d

Explore Minnesota Cultural Tourism Conference
January 22-24, 2008 (Cultural Tourism Day is January 23)
Alltel Civic Center, Mankato
More information here: industry.exploreminnesota.com/2008_Minnesota_Conference_on_Tourism.html

National Arts Advocacy Day
March 31-April 1, 2008
Washington, D.C.
More information here: www.artsusa.org/events/2008/aad/default.asp

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Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts

View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts

Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center called the Arts Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!

Things You Need To Know: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone. MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us/racs/index.htm.

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