3/28/03

1. MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD RESTORES SOME INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANTS
2. NATIONAL ARTS PICTURE HEATS UP
3. STATE ARTS FUNDING THREATENED: CALL OR WRITE YOUR LEGISLATOR
4. VOLUNTEER TO SAVE THE ARTS

1. MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD RESTORES SOME INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANTS

Yesterday the Minnesota State Arts Board used private reserve funds to restore a portion of the Individual Artist grants that had been cut due to Gov. Pawlenty’s unallotment in February. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts’ board of directors unanimously voted to encourage the MSAB to take this move. This will restore about half of the Individual Artist grants that were cut this year. By using private funds unallotted for other uses, the State Arts Board’s action will not affect its overall state funding.

In the current fiscal year, only the Individual Artist and Folk Arts grants had been unfairly affected by cuts so we are glad to see some of the money restored. For information on the new deadlines and process for these grant programs, call (651) 215-1600, Toll-free (800) 8MN-ARTS, TTY number (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) (651) 215-6235, or e-mail msab@arts.state.mn.us.

Why was this action necessary? In February Gov. Pawlenty, in response to a deficit in the current fiscal year, cut a number of ongoing programs and services. This cut, called an “unallotment” was intended to bring the state’s budget into balance before the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2003. This is a different issue than the 40% reduction in state arts money that the Governor has proposed for the next two years. (See below).

2. NATIONAL ARTS PICTURE HEATS UP

National Arts Advocacy Day was held earlier this week in Washington, D.C. by Americans for the Arts. A small group from Minnesota visited our congressional delegation to talk about federal support for the arts and tax policy affecting philanthropy and non-profits. We had particularily good meetings in person with Rep. Betty McCollum (St. Paul), Rep. Jim Ramstad (Western Suburbs) and Sen. Mark Dayton.

One of the most important federal arts issues to Minnesota is an attempt to increase federal funding for the arts from approximately $115 million per year to $171 million. Minnesota benefits from NEA funding in two ways. The first way is through direct grants to various cultural endeavors around the state. You can see a list of these direct grants to Minnesota for 2003. The second way NEA funds get to Minnesota’s citizens is through a grant to the Minnesota State Arts Board which is then used to support granting all over the state. To contact your member of Congress with a quick email asking them to support arts funding, just click here. You can write your own message, or click on the pre-written “Support Cultural Agencies through Arts Advocacy Day!” message. The Americans for the Arts website also has position papers on various federal issues affecting non-profit arts.

3. STATE ARTS FUNDING THREATENED: CALL OR WRITE YOUR LEGISLATOR

“Ten letters can influence a legislator.” -Rep. Alice Hausman

“If you don’t mobilize, you will lose.” -Rep. Matt Entenza

There has never been a more important time to write to your legislator!

Despite a thousand people coming to the state capitol in the most successful Arts Advocacy Day in history, Governor Pawlenty has proposed cutting arts funding for the next two years by 40%. Obviously, the state’s deficit is affecting everything in the budget, and we’ve already stated that we know everything will be cut and we are willing to do our fair share. However, we think the proposal to cut the arts out of proportion to the state’s actual deficit is very unfair. We reiterate that the cuts to the arts should be no more than 14% (the actual size of the state deficit is 14%), rather than the now 40% cut.

A cut at this time of economic peril for Minnesota’s arts community would be devastating. In response to a recent MCA survey, 65% of arts organizations reported they expected deficits both this year and next, even after cutting services, programs, staff and wage freezes. Corporate and foundation support for the arts is also going down because of the bad stock market. This cut would affect everyone, because these funds reach every Minnesota county via the grants of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils to individual artists, arts organizations, schools and community groups across the state. Some of your favorite arts programs may not survive.

We urge people to call or write their legislator about this unfair disproportionate treatment of the arts. You can get phone numbers and addresses here. You can add your voice to the choir of arts advocates. Contact the Governor too at (651) 296-3391 or 800-657-3717.

Here’s our message: “It’s unfair to cut the arts so much! Please keep arts cuts at or below 14%, the actual size of the state deficit!”

4. VOLUNTEER TO SAVE THE ARTS

Volunteers Needed! MCA needs your help contacting arts advocates to urge them to call their legislators about cuts to arts funding. Can you volunteer on one of these dates?

Mon. April 7, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Tue. April 8, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Wed. April 9, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Thur. April 10, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Sat. April 12, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Mon. April 21, 5:30 -8:00 pm
Tue. April 22, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Wed. April 23, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Thu. April 24, 5:30 - 8:00 pm

Location: MCA Office, 2233 University Ave W. #355, St. Paul (three blocks east of the intersection of University and Raymond). Please RSVP to Geri at mca@mtn.org or 651-251-0868. We’ll provide you with all the info you need, snacks, beverages, and UNDYING APPRECIATION! Advocates in Greater Minnesota area codes: We may be able to fax you calling to do from home. Let us know if you are available and we’ll see if there is calling to be done in your area code.

3/12/03

Despite a thousand people coming to the state capitol in the most successful Arts Advocacy Day in history, we are shocked to see the Governor’s new proposal today to cut an additional $2.5 million per year out of arts funding for the next two years. This is on top of the 22% cut reduction he’d already proposed. This new proposal would bring arts funding down by a total of 40%. This is also contrary to the public outcry against the cuts he’s already proposed.

The Governor brought out the new cut proposal today in response to a predicted additional state shortfall of $125 million for the next biennium, due to a slightly worsening financial picture. Cuts to the arts were one of the largest cuts in the new proposal. Most of the other changes were shifts in payments and other smaller revisions to the budget.

Obviously, the state’s deficit is affecting everything in the budget, and we’ve already stated that we know everything will be cut and we are willing to do our fair share. However, we think the proposal to cut the arts out of proportion to the state’s actual deficit is very unfair. We reiterate that the cuts to the arts should be no more than 14% (the actual size of the state deficit is 14%), rather than the now 40% cut.

A cut at this time of economic peril for Minnesota’s arts community would be devastating. In response to a recent MCA survey, 65% of arts organizations reported they expected deficits both this year and next, even after cutting services, programs, staff and wage freezes. Corporate and foundation support for the arts is also going down because of the bad stock market.

On Feb. 27, a thousand Minnesota arts advocates came to the state capitol and asked their legislators in persons to lessen cuts to the arts. Whether or not you could be there, please make your voice heard soon by calling or writing your legislators and the governor to ask them to support the arts. The good news is that the legislative session goes on for several more months, and we can lessen these cuts if we can get legislators on our side.

We urge people to call the Governor’s office (651) 296-3391 or 800-657-3717 and even more importantly to call their legislators about this unfair disproportionate treatment of the arts. You can get phone numbers and addresses here. You can add your voice to the choir of arts advocates.

Here’s our message: “It’s unfair to cut the arts so much! Please keep arts cuts at or below 14%, the actual size of the state deficit!”

3/5/03

1. WILL THE STATE’S NEW EDUCATION STANDARDS INCLUDE THE ARTS?
2. ARTS FUNDING THREATENED. CALL OR WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS AND THE GOVERNOR.
3. MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD SEEKING INPUT

1. WILL THE STATE’S NEW EDUCATION STANDARDS INCLUDE THE ARTS?

MCA’s sister organization, the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education (MAAE), is organizing people to protect the availability of the arts in Minnesota’s public schools. The state’s “Profile of Learning” has been under fire since it was created as too burdensome for schools and teachers to deliver. It is a foregone conclusion this year that the Profiles will be dumped in favor of something else for Minnesota’s schools. Both the Profile and the federal “Leave no Child Behind” act included the arts as part of a basic education. The questions is, will Minnesota’s new standards?

The new Commissioner of Education gathered a group of people together to recommend replacement standards - but the arts are not yet included. They have announced that their first draft of new reading, writing and math standards is ready for review. (In just a few weeks, the parents, business people, educators and others drafted a document based on work in other states). Public meetings will be held on March 5 & 6. Contact MAAE for more info (below).

The Senate DFL has also proposed a new set of standards, but theirs do include the arts. (Senate file 639). It requires repeal of the Profile of Learning and development of replacement standards in math, English, science, social studies, arts and literature. The bill will now proceed to hearings in the Senate Education Committee.

Contact the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education if you are interested in working on this issue or attending the public meetings mentioned above: kathleen@allarts4allkids.org or www.allarts4allkids.org

2. STATE ARTS FUNDING THREATENED. CALL OR WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS AND THE GOVERNOR.

Governor Pawlenty has proposed a 22% cut to arts funding in Minnesota for the next two years. The state provides funding to the arts in Minnesota by funding the Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils, which give out grants and services in every Minnesota county. Nearly every arts activity in Minnesota benefits from these grants.

A cut at this time of economic peril for Minnesota’s arts community would be devastating. In response to a recent MCA survey, 65% of arts organizations reported they expected a deficit this year and next, even after cutting services, programs, staff and wage freezes. Corporate and foundation support for the arts is going down because of the bad stock market. A cut of state grants at this time would make it a “perfect storm.”

On Feb. 27, a thousand Minnesota arts advocates came to the state capitol and asked their legislators in person to lessen cuts to the arts. If you could not be there, please make your voice heard soon by calling or writing your legislators and the governor to ask them to “please support the arts.” You can get phone numbers and addresses for legislators here. Add your voice to the choir of arts advocates.

3. MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD SEEKING INPUT

The Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) is developing a strategic plan that will dictate priorities and programs for the coming three years. In order to create a plan that meets the needs of all Minnesotans, they will hold eleven regional forums around the state to gather feedback from artists, arts organizations, arts educators, and arts participants. Ultimately, these forums will generate the ideas that will shape the Arts Board’s strategic plan. Your voice is important! Please plan to attend the forum, to discuss the current state of the arts in Minnesota, share your vision for its future, and offer ideas for achieving those goals. The complete list of forums (location, date, time), and information on how to register to attend, is available on the Arts Board web site http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/strategicplan.html (or log on to the Arts Board web site and choose “Strategic Planning” from the pull-down menu on the front page). You need not attend the forum in your own region, but instead can register for the date and location that is most convenient for you.

2/28/03

1. A THOUSAND ARTS ADVOCATES RALLY
2. COULDN’T BE THERE? WRITE YOUR LEGISLATOR!

1. A THOUSAND ARTS ADVOCATES RALLY

A thousand Minnesotans converged on the State Capitol yesterday at MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day to talk to their legislators about the importance of the arts and why cuts should be minimized. This was the largest Arts Advocacy Day in history! Thank you to all of the people who came from every corner of the state to be a part of this amazing day. Some people drove over six hours to attend, spending the night before in St. Paul so they could be there for important meetings with legislators. Buses of arts advocates came from Rochester and Bemidji, among other locales.

At the morning rally, only half of the attendees could fit into the hall at the Minnesota History Center, so MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith and Lobbyist Larry Redmond led simultaneous orientations inside and outside of the hall. Legislative supporters Rep. Ron Abrams (Chair of the House Tax Committee), Sen. Dallas Sams (Chair of the committee in the Senate that will consider arts funding) and Sen. Dick Cohen (powerful head of the Senate Finance Committee), spoke to the crowds and offered their support. Meetings between arts constituents and legislators went on all day.

We carried a message of moderation Ð while we know everything in the budget is being cut as part of the state’s huge deficit problem, we don’t want arts cuts to be disproportionate. We asked legislators to reduce Governor Pawlenty’s proposed 22% cut to the arts to just 14%. (The state’s deficit is 14% of the whole). Advocates also thanked past legislative supporters for recognizing the critical role the arts play with respect to Minnesota’s quality of life and its ability to attract tourists, businesses, and residents.Many meetings were positive despite the bleak outlook on the state’s budget. Many legislators pledged to do what they could to minimize the cuts.

At 2:00 the House floor session opened with a sampling of Minnesota artists performing right in the House Chamber, hosted by Speaker Steve Sviggum, Rep. Ron Abrams, Sen. Richard Cohen, as well as long time arts supporter Rep. Jim Rhodes. Members and staff of the House and Senate and the general public packed the house. Performers included: eighth graders from Ramsey International Fine Arts School Pops Orchestra, led by teacher Pat Kelly, Daniel Montenegro, tenor, Minnesota Opera, Angela Fuller, first violin, Minnesota Orchestra and JAZZAX Saxophone Quartet.

2. COULDN’T BE THERE? WRITE THE GOVERNOR and YOUR LEGISLATOR!

This huge Arts Advocacy Day was just the beginning of the work we will have to do this year to protect arts funding.

CALL OR WRITE: If you couldn’t come to Arts Advocacy day, your voice still needs to be heard. Call or write to Governor Pawlenty and your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding. Governor Pawlenty can be reached at:

Governor Tim Pawlenty
130 State Capitol
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3391 / (800) 657-3717

2/18/03

MANY ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING DEFICITS THIS YEAR AND NEXT
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
SIGN UP for Arts Advocacy Day, Feb.27 We are making individual appointments with legislators for everyone who comes to advocacy day, so we need to know ASAP if you are coming: Deadline is Feb. 19!
CALL/WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
VOLUNTEER
1. GOVERNOR PAWLENTY PROPOSES BIG ARTS CUTS

Governor Pawlenty today released his plans for fixing the state’s deficit problem for the next two years. As a part of his plans, he has proposed a 22% cut in arts funding. This cut to the arts is much larger than the actual state deficit. The state has a deficit that represents about 14% of its overall budget. Because the governor pledged to hold schools (which make up about half of the state budget) harmless for cuts, and also pledged not to increase taxes, all other parts of state government are in line for big proposed cuts. Between the grants and services of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils, state funding for the arts reaches every Minnesota county.

A cut of this magnitude, on top of the cuts to Individual Artist and Folk Arts grants already made this year, are a devastating blow to Minnesota’s cultural community which is already suffering from the effects of the bad economy (see study below). For the next several months the Minnesota Legislature will determine its response to the Governor’s proposals.

It is VERY IMPORTANT for all arts advocates to contact their own legislators and say, “please protect the arts!” (see below for contact info.) It is up to all of us to make our voice heard if we want to protect arts funding this year.

OTHER CUTS: The Governor’s proposal is very complicated and we are still studying it. We learned just before this went out that the Perpich Center for the Arts budget is proposed to be cut by 15%. More details to follow.

2. MANY ARTS ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING DEFICITS THIS YEAR AND NEXT

The state is considering cuts to the arts in a time when many organizations are experiencing stressful budget times. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts surveyed arts organizations of all budget sizes from across the state on 2/1/03 about current financial conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS:

84 organizations responded to the survey (so far).
Reponses were evenly divided between large, medium, and small sized organizations, and organizations from metro, suburban, and rural Minnesota.
Over 62% reported that they expected deficits this year and next.
40% of organizations reported an increase of over 10% in operating deficits, a sign of fairly significant change.
The projected deficits have multiple causes, most significantly a decrease in corporate and foundation giving, government income, and increased expenses. Most organizations reported that they are cutting expenses to try to avoid a deficit. This includes cuts to programs, services, operations, and shows.
Approx. 25% listed layoffs and wage freezes as possible responses to the potential deficits.
SURVEY RESULTS:

The questions, and responses:

Do you project that your organization will end up with a deficit for the current fiscal year?
YES: 55 of responding organizations - or 65%
Do you project that your organization will end up with a deficit for the next fiscal year?
YES : 52 of responding organizations, or 62%
Do either of these represent more than a 10% increase in operating deficits from the previous year?
YES: 34 of responding organizations, or 40%
If you are projecting deficits, what do you see are the main cause(s)? (Please number them #1-biggest impact to #6-lowest impact) Ranked in order of response frequency of top three causes for each organization:
Decrease in corporate/foundation giving -64%
Decrease in government income-64%
Increase in expenses-44% (health insurance increases were mentioned)
Decrease in earned income (ie, ticket sales, admissions, subscriptions and registrations)- 29%
Decrease in individual giving/memberships - 23%
Decrease in endowment income - 17%
3. WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A. SIGN UP FOR ADVOCACY DAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

We are making individual appointments with legislators for everyone who comes to advocacy day, so we need to know as soon as possible if you are coming: JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Threats to the arts this year are the worst they have ever been. We need a big turnout on Arts Advocacy Day to demonstrate to legislators that Minnesotans want the arts to be treated fairly. Click here for information and sign up forms.

B. CALL OR WRITE:

If you can’t come to Advocacy Day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding. You can get phone numbers and addresses here. (Visit the U of M Alumni Association elected officials finder if you don’t know who your legislators are.)

C. VOLUNTEER:

February 19, Wednesday,
9:00 am-7:00 pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul

February 24, 25, 26, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul

February 27, Thursday
7:30 to 9:30 am
at the MN History Center

and

1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
at the Minnesota State Capitol
Ushers needed on Arts Advocacy day.
Please call 651-251-0868 or e-mail mca@mtn.org if you can help at any of the above times.

2/12/03

1. FORMER GOVERNOR ARNE CARLSON TESTIFIES IN FAVOR OF ARTS FUNDING
2. MANY MINNESOTA ARTS ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING DEFICITS THIS YEAR AND NEXT
3. WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A. SIGN UP FOR ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEB. 27 Don’t wait until the last minute - since we’re setting up appointments for you, we need to know you’re coming asap.
B. CALL/WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
C. VOLUNTEER
1. FORMER GOVERNOR ARNE CARLSON TESTIFIES IN FAVOR OF ARTS FUNDING

Today at the Minnesota State Capitol, former Governor Arne Carlson testified in front of Rep. Bob Gunther’s Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee in favor of state arts funding. He was joined in his testimony by Bob Booker, Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board, Brenda Flintrop, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Manuel Laureano, principal trumpet with the Minnesota Orchestra and Co-Artistic Director of the Minnesota Youth Symphony (MYS) and Linnea Brashears, who plays violin with MYS. We are grateful to the testifiers for taking the time to make a case for the arts. They all did a wonderful job of testifying in front of this important committee. Gov. Carlson, in particular, talked about how the arts set Minnesota apart from other states in the Midwest, that our vibrant cultural community is a recruiting and tourism draw for our area, and how the arts contribute to the economic vitality of Minnesota. He also talked about the decline in corporate and foundation assets and how that is affecting the budgets of arts organizations across the state. The testimony was well received by Rep. Gunther and his committee members. This hearing was a very important first step for us as we wait to hear what Gov. Pawlenty will propose for the arts in his next yearâs budget. Stay tuned.

2. MANY ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING DEFICITS THIS YEAR AND NEXT

The state is considering cuts to the arts in a time when many organizations are experiencing stressful budget times. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts surveyed arts organizations of all budget sizes from across the state on 2/1/03 about current financial conditions:

HIGHLIGHTS:

84 organizations responded to the survey (so far).
Reponses were evenly divided between large, medium, and small sized organizations, and organizations from metro, suburban, and rural Minnesota.
Over 62% reported that they expected deficits this year and next.
40% of organizations reported an increase of over 10% in operating deficits, a sign of fairly significant change.
The projected deficits have multiple causes, most significantly a decrease in corporate and foundation giving, government income, and increased expenses.
Most organizations reported that they are cutting expenses to try to avoid a deficit. This includes cuts to programs, services, operations, and shows.
Approx. 25% listed layoffs and wage freezes as possible responses to the potential deficits.
SURVEY RESULTS: The questions, and responses:

Do you project that your organization will end up with a deficit for the current fiscal year? - YES: 55 of responding organizations or 65%
Do you project that your organization will end up with a deficit for the next fiscal year? - YES : 52 of responding organizations, or 62%
Do either of these represent more than a 10% increase in operating deficits from the previous year? - YES: 34 of responding organizations, or 40%
If you are projecting deficits, what do you see are the main cause(s)? (Please number them #1-biggest impact to #6-lowest impact) Ranked in order of response frequency of top three causes for each organization:
* Decrease in corporate/foundation giving ?64%
* Decrease in government income-64%
* Increase in expenses-44% (health insurance increases were mentioned)
* Decrease in earned income (ie, ticket sales, admissions, subscriptions and registrations) 29%
* Decrease in individual giving/memberships 23%
* Decrease in endowment income 17%
3. WHAT CAN YOU DO? SIGN UP FOR ADVOCACY DAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DON”T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.

We are making individual appointments with legislators for everyone who comes to Advocacy Day, so we need to know as soon as possible if you are coming.

A. JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Threats to the arts this year are the worst they have ever been. We need a big turnout on Arts Advocacy Day to demonstrate to legislators that Minnesotans want the arts to be treated fairly. Click here for information and sign up forms.

B. CALL OR WRITE: If you can’t come to Advocacy Day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding. You can get phone numbers and addresses here.

C. VOLUNTEER:

February 18 and 19, Tuesday and Wednesday
9:00 am-7:00pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul

February 24, 25, 26, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul

2/7//03

1. PAWLENTY CUTS ARTS FUNDS
2. WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A. SIGN UP FOR ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEB. 27,
B. CALL/WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
C. VOLUNTEER!

1. PAWLENTY CUTS ARTS FUNDS:

Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed a budget bill to solve the state’s short-term budget deficit problem about a month ago. Part of the proposal cut $344,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota State Arts Board’s (MSAB) budget that would have gone to the Individual Artist and Folk Arts grants in the next few months. There was also a small cut to the MSAB’s operations budget. The bill went to the legislature, which needed to work out a deal on the deficit reduction plan by today. They failed to come to an agreement, so today the Governor began cutting programs. The state’s budget is required by law to be balanced by June 30, 2003.

What was cut today?

-$40,000 in MN State Arts Board operating funds
-$344,000 in grant funds, including all of the MSAB’s Folk Arts grants for the year, and about half of the Individual Artist grantsfor FY03.

The Pawlenty administration cut any money still left unspent for the fiscal year, and because the affected grants are usually made in the spring, they have not yet been spent. These grant funds would have been awarded in the individual artist and folk arts grants programs. Regional Arts Council funding was unaffected, as were all of the other MSAB program grants, because the grants have already been paid for this fiscal year. (Obviously, the state can’t cut funds that have already gone out the door). We are very disappointed in this proposal, because it unfairly targets one segment of the community for cuts simply because their grants are usually made at the end of the year.

Other cuts of note:

$130,000 from the Perpich Center for Arts Education (this is much less than the House proposal of $331,000 in cuts)
$1,066,000 from the Minnesota Historical Society budget
$240,000 from the Humanities Commission
$270,000 from the MN Zoo

In addition to the above operation and grants cuts, the $2 million in bonding funds awarded to the Guthrie in 2000 was cancelled.

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

The worst thing we have to report is that this first round of cuts will not be our biggest problem this session. While these proposed cuts are significant, we are afraid that greater cuts are undoubtedly coming as part of the need to resolve the stateâs huge $4.5+ billion budget deficit. The next round of budget cutting will begin next week on Feb. 11 when the Governor releases an outline of his FY04-05 budget. Unfortunately, not just individual artist and folk arts programs, but all other arts programs as well, will be at risk in the next round of budget cutting. We will continue to monitor the situation and speak to legislators about these important programs in the coming days and weeks, and will do our best to keep you informed.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

These grantees are the first casualties of the retrenching of state government, and are examples of what will happen to the rest of the arts community soon if people don’t get involved, and communicate to their legislators how important the arts are to Minnesota.

JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Threats to the arts this year are the worst they have ever been. We need a big turnout on Arts Advocacy Day to demonstrate to legislators that Minnesotans want the arts to be treated fairly.Click here for information and sign up forms.
If you can’t come to advocacy day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding! You can get phone numbers and addresses here.
PLEASE PASS THIS EMAIL ALONG TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED
VOLUNTEER:
February 18 and 19, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 am-7:00pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul Please call 651-251-0868 or contact us if you can help.

February 24, 25, 26, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Volunteers needed to prepare for Arts Advocacy Day
MCA office: 2233 University Ave W, #355, St. Paul Please call 651-251-0868 or contact us if you can help.

1/28/03

ARTIST BRIEFING
On funding for Individual Artist Programs and What’s Happening at the Legislature:

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts invites you to a briefing at the Southern Theatre in Minneapolis (directions below) on Friday, Feb. 7, from 3:30-4:30* p.m.

AGENDA:

Welcome and Why We’re Here. - Sheila Smith, Executive Director, MCA

What This Means to Individual Artists. - Chris Osgood, Director of Artists Services, Springboard for the Arts (and current Minnesota State Arts Board Member)

Why is this Happening at the Legislature Now? - Larry Redmond, MCA’s Lobbyist

Effects of Cuts on Grants at the Minnesota State Arts Board. - Amy Frimpong, MSAB Artist Assistance Program Officer

What You Can Do About It! - Will Lager, MCA Field Worker, and Sheila Smith

(*We have to be out of the Southern between 4:30 and 5:00 because they have a show that night.)

DIRECTIONS: The Southern Theater is located at 1420 Washington Ave. S., in the Seven Corners area of Minneapolis, one block south of 35W.

From the East: Heading west on highway 94, take the Cedar exit, turn right, follow Cedar about one mile to the cross street 15th Avenue and turn right to park in the public ramp.
From the West: Heading east on 94, take the Riverside exit, turn left back across the freeway, turn left onto Riverside, follow to the intersection of Riverside and Cedar, turn right, follow Cedar to 15th Avenue (several blocks), turn right and park in the public ramp.
From the South: Traveling north on 35W, take the exit for U of M/3rd Street/Highway 122. Road splits into 3 lanes. Stay in the lane marked “West Bank.” At the stoplight, turn right. The Southern is one the left in that block.
From the North: Traveling south on 35W, take the Washington Ave. exit. Turn left. Cross the freeway overpass. The Southern is on the left in the first block.
PARKING: A public ramp is located just one half block east of Washington on 15th Avenue, next door to the Holiday Inn, and right around the corner from the Southern.

RECAP: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LEGISLATURE NOW?

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed a budget bill to solve the state’s short-term budget deficit problem. Part of the proposal cut $344,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota State Arts Board’s (MSAB) budget that would have gone to the Individual Artist and Folk Arts grants in the next few months. There is also a small cut to the MSAB’s operations budget. In the House, a version of the bill with all of the cuts was passed quickly by two Committees, as expected, without changes. A Senate Committee, however, voted to restore most of the grant money, with the exception of $64,000 in Folk Arts grants. It is expected that a conference committee will be appointed today or tomorrow to work out the differences between the two (House and Senate) bills.

Governor Pawlenty said today that if the House and Senate can’t agree on a short-term budget solution by the first week of February, he will use his authority to “un-allot” funds to make the budget balance. Therefore, there is intense pressure is on legislators to get this bill done quickly.

AFFECT ON INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANTS AT THE MN STATE ARTS BOARD:

As a part of a deficit reduction proposal, the administration has proposed cutting $344,000 in Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) grant funds that have not yet been awarded for this year. These grant funds would have been awarded in the individual artist and folk arts grants programs. Regional Arts Council funding was unaffected, as were all of the other MSAB program grants, because the grants have already been paid for this fiscal year.(Obviously, the state can’t cut funds that have already gone out the door). The Pawlenty administration is proposing, and so far it appears the House is going along with, taking money that is still left unspent for the fiscal year, and because the affected grants are usually made in the spring, they have not yet been spent. We are very disappointed in this proposal, because it unfairly targets one segment of the community for cuts simply because their grants are usually made at the end of the year.

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

The worst thing we have to report is that this first round of cuts will not be our biggest problem this session. While these proposed cuts are significant, we are afraid that greater cuts are undoubtedly coming as part of the need to resolve the state’s huge $4.5+ billion budget deficit. The next round of budget cutting will begin when this short-term FY03 budget deficit has been solved. This will begin on Feb. 18 when the Governor’s FY04-05 budget proposal will be delivered to the legislature. Unfortunately, not just individual artist and folk arts programs, but all other arts programs as well, will be at risk in the next round of budget cutting. We will continue to monitor the situation and speak to legislators about these important programs in the coming days and weeks, and will do our best to keep you informed.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

These grantees are the first casualties of the retrenching of state government, and are examples of what will happen to the rest of the arts community soon if people don’t get involved, and communicate to their legislators how important the arts are to Minnesota.

JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for information and sign up forms.
If you can’t come to advocacy day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding! You can get phone numbers and addresses here.
PLEASE PASS THIS EMAIL ALONG TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED.

1/24/03

1. ARTS CUTS MOVE THROUGH HOUSE AND SENATE
2. MCA TO CONDUCT “CRISIS IN ARTS ECONOMY SURVEY”
3. WHAT CAN YOU DO? SIGN UP FOR ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEB. 27, OR CALL/WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
4. ARTS EDUCATION DAY IS FEB. 5

1. ARTS CUTS MOVE THROUGH HOUSE AND SENATE To RE-CAP:

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed a budget bill to solve the stateâs short-term budget deficit problem. Part of the proposal cut $344,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota State Arts Boardâs (MSAB) budget that would have gone to the Individual Artist and Folk Arts grants in the next few months. There is also a small cut to the MSABâs operations budget. Last week a Senate Committee voted to restore the grant money and sent their version of the bill to be heard on the Senate Floor on Jan. 23. WHAT’S NEW: In the Senate, the bill made it past the Senate floor with the arts money intact, with the exception of $64,000 in Folk Arts grants, which was cut out again. In the House, a version of the bill with all of the cuts was passed quickly by two Committees, as expected, without changes. Their version of the bill will go to the House floor sometime next week. In addition, Rep. Phil Krinkie, newly Chair of the Capital Investment Committee in the House, passed out of his committee a bill that would delete the $2 million in bonding money for the Guthrie Theatre that was passed several years ago. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: A conference committee will be appointed to work out the differences between the two (House and Senate) bills. Governor Pawlenty said today that if the House and Senate can’t agree on a short term budget solution by the first week of February, he will use his authority to “un-allot” funds to make the budget balance. Therefore, there is intense pressure is on legislators to get this bill done quickly. THE BIGGER PICTURE: The worst thing we have to report is that this first round of cuts will not be our biggest problem this session. While these proposed cuts are significant, we are afraid that greater cuts are undoubtedly coming as part of the need to resolve the stateâs huge $4.5+ billion budget deficit. The next round of budget cutting will begin when this short-term FY03 budget deficit has been solved. This will begin on Feb. 18 when the Governor’s FY04-05 budget proposal will be delivered to the legislature. Unfortunately, not just individual artist and folk arts programs, but all other arts programs as well, will be at risk in the next round of budget cutting. We will continue to monitor the situation and speak to legislators about these important programs in the coming days and weeks, and will do our best to keep you informed. To find out more about why these funds are at risk and what you can do about it, go to our website at www.mtn.org/mca.

2. MCA TO CONDUCT “CRISIS IN ARTS ECONOMY SURVEY”

Proposals to cut state arts funding are coming at a very difficult time for the arts community. We want to put the stateâs cuts into context by collecting information about how the bad economy is hurting the arts community on a variety of levels. The information we collect will be used, in aggregate form, to supplement legislative testimony and legislator meetings. We will be collecting information in a variety of ways: A. ORGANIZATIONS: As a start, a short survey has gone out to organizational grantees of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils, asking about projected deficits and the causes of those deficits. If you are connected with an arts organization and want to do the survey, it’s also posted on our website at www.mtn.org/mca. Please get the information back to us BY FEB. 1. B. INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS AND ARTS ADVOCATES IN GREATER MINNESOTA: If you have anecdotal information about how the bad economy is affecting individual artists (i.e. decreased sales, fewer showings) or the situation for the arts specifically in your part of greater Minnesota (i.e. the decision of the Blandin Foundation to cease giving to the arts), please send an email to: she-mca@mtn.org with any information you have BY FEB. 1. More facts will give us more tools to protect the arts at the legislature.

3. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

These grantees are the first casualties of the retrenching of state government, and are examples of what will happen to the rest of the arts community soon if people don’t get involved, and communicate to their legislators how important the arts are to Minnesota. A. JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..Click here for information and to sign up. B. If you can’t come to Advocacy Day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding! You can get phone numbers and addresses here.

4. ARTS EDUCATION DAY WILL BE FEBRUARY 5, 12:00-4:00 p.m.

The Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education is organizing a day at the state capitol in St. Paul just to focus on making sure that Minnesotaâ schools offer the arts. Arts educators can get more information and sign up on their website at www.allarts4allkids.org.

1/17/03

The legislative process is moving forward on consideration of the cuts to state government proposed by the Pawlenty administration to solve the state’s short term budget deficit problem for FY03. The good news is that Senate Finance Committees in the last two days have voted to restore some grant programs of various agencies that were proposed for cuts by the Pawlenty administration, including the $344,000 in funds that go to the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Individual Artist and Folk Arts programs. (However there is still a $40,000 cut to the MSAB’s administration budget). The bill they are considering will go to the Senate floor some time next week. However, the House has not yet taken any action, and because of the situation we are very pessimistic that the grant money will be restored in the end.

The worst thing we have to report is that this first round of cuts will not be our biggest problem this session. While these cuts are significant, we are afraid that greater cuts are undoubtedly coming as part of the need to resolve the state’s huge $4.5+ billion budget deficit. We are very saddened and dismayed by the way this first round of cuts have been proposed . As a part of a deficit reduction proposal, the administration has proposed cutting $344,000 in Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) grant funds that have not yet been awarded for this year. These grant funds would have been awarded in the individual artist and folk arts grants programs. Regional Arts Council funding was unaffected, as were all of the other MSAB program grants, because the grants have already been paid for this fiscal year.(Obviously, the state can’t cut funds that have already gone out the door). The Pawlenty administration is proposing taking money that is still left unspent for the fiscal year, and because the affected grants are usually made in the spring, they have not yet been spent. We are very disappointed in this proposal, because it unfairly targets one segment of the community for cuts simply because their grants are usually made at the end of the year.

The next round of budget cutting will begin when the short-term FY03 budget deficit has been solved. Unfortunately, not just individual artist and folk arts programs, but all other arts programs, will be at risk in the next round of budget cutting. This will begin on Feb. 18 when the Governor’s FY04-05 budget proposal will be delivered to the legislature. We will continue to monitor the situation and speak to legislators about these important programs in the coming days and weeks, and will do our best to keep you informed.

What can you do? These grantees are the first casualties of the retrenching of state government, and are examples of what will happen to the rest of the arts community soon if people don’t get involved, and communicate to their legislators how important the arts are to Minnesota.

JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27. Click here for information and sign up forms.
If you can’t come to advocacy day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding! You can get legislators’ phone numbers and addresses here.

1/14/03

The Pawlenty administration came out today with a proposal to solve the state’s short-term budget problem (for the fiscal year ending in July, 2003). As a part of this proposal, the administration has proposed cutting $344,000 in Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) grant funds that have not yet been awarded for this year. These grant funds would have been awarded in the individual artist and folk arts grants programs.

In addition, the proposal cuts an additional $40,160 from the Minnesota State Arts Board’s operations budget, which was already cut by about $20,000 earlier in the year. Regional Arts Council funding was unaffected, as were all of the other MSAB program grants, because the grants have already been made for this fiscal year. The Pawlenty administration is proposing taking money where it is still left unspent for the fiscal year, and because the affected grants are usually made in the spring, they have not yet been spent. We are very disappointed in this proposal, because it unfairly targets one segment of the community for cuts simply because their grants are usually made at the end of the year.

The proposal for cuts must now be approved by the legislature before they come to pass. Many people consider these cuts to be a foregone conclusion but we at MCA will be trying to find out if there is any way to save these grants. Within hours after the cuts were announced, MCA was meeting with important legislators to see if there is any way to save them. It is expected, however, that the legislature will move quickly to resolve this budget deficit because there are only a few months of the fiscal year remaining, and because a much larger budget deficit looms for next year.

This is just the first salvo in what looks like one of the most difficult years in memory for arts advocates. The state will be dealing with the larger issue of a $4.2 billion deficit for the next two years, after this round of cuts. The Pawlenty administration will propose a budget package to deal with that deficit on Feb. 18. In the upcoming budget, all grant programs will be affected, both MSAB and Regional Arts Councils.

What can you do? These grantees are the first casualties of the retrenching of state government, and are examples of what will happen to the rest of the arts community soon if people don’t get involved, and communicate to their legislators how important the arts are to Minnesota.

1. JOIN US ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY, FEBRUARY 27. Click here for information and sign up forms.

2. If you can’t come to Advocacy Day, call or write to your new legislators asking them to protect arts funding! Click here for legislators’ contact information.

3. VOLUNTEER: Can you help us put together the Advocacy Day Invitation mailing? This Thursday, Jan. 16, from Noon to 5:00, or Friday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the MCA office. Call MCA at 651-251-0868 to volunteer or send an email to mca@mtn.org.

State Spending Freeze also Hits Arts Board

On Thursday, January 9, 2003, all state agencies were directed by the Minnesota Department of Finance to:

not incur any new obligations with state funds, and
not spend any funds that are not under contractual obligation.
The state arts board expects that the freeze is a temporary step, which will be lifted once the governor and legislature agree on a plan to eliminate the state’s FY2003 budget deficit of $360 million. What does the state spending freeze mean to the arts field and to constituents?

Board approval of new grants: The board will not approve new grants or issue new contracts until the blanket freeze is lifted and the governor and legislature have reached an agreement on how to resolve the FY2003 budget deficit. However, the MSAB will continue to accept applications on or before the published application deadlines.
Payment of grants previously approved by the board: Any grants approved by the board before or at its December 5 meeting will be paid.
Upcoming panel review meetings/ workshops: Most panel meetings, etc. will be on hold until the blanket freeze is lifted and the governor and legislature have reached an agreement on how to resolve the FY2003 budget deficit. Check with the MSAB if you were planning to attend such events to find out if they are still being held. The exception is Statewide Audience Development Initiative workshops: SADI workshops will be held in the Twin Cities, in January and February, as planned.
A notice issued by the State Arts Board stated, “We understand that the spending freeze may be disruptive, and regret any negative consequences that may come from it. However, until new instructions come down from the Department of Finance, the Arts Board has no choice but to curtail spending, as directed. ”

1/8/03

1. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts - ARTS ADVOCACY DAY - Feb. 27, 2003
2. Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education’s - Arts Education Day at the Capitol. - Feb. 5, 2003
3. Forum on the Minnesota State Capitol and its Art - January 11, 2003
4. Minnesota Council of Non Profits - NonProfit Action Day - March 10, 2003
5. Other Non Profit Meetings in Greater Minnesota - January 13 and 14 (see details below on each event)

1. ARTS ADVOCACY DAY at the STATE CAPITOL FEBRUARY 27, 2003

Click here to sign up. Although Minnesota is facing a historic deficit, Governor-elect Tim Pawlenty has pledged not to raise taxes to fix the budget. So cuts to state agencies and programs, which could include programs which serve the arts through the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Regional Arts Councils - are almost certain. What is not certain is the depth of those cuts. With the unpredictable economy affecting artists across the state, we need state funding to be as stable as possible. We are aware of the deficit and aware that cuts will occur across the system, but we believe both the legislature and governor need to take a balanced approach to solving the deficit problem. Part of a balanced approach will be to treat the arts fairly.

Last session, with the help of arts advocates like you, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) convinced the Legislature to reduce the cut to the arts to 4%. It took the entire arts community to prevent even deeper cuts. This year, MCA will work hard to keep Minnesota arts funding safe. But we can’t do it alone. MCA has been successful at fighting cuts in the past with the help of arts advocates like you all across the state. You can add a powerful voice to the choir of arts advocates who believe the arts in Minnesota are worth fighting for. On Advocacy Day, organized by MCA, arts advocates from every corner of Minnesota come to the State Capitol to meet with their legislators and talk about the importance of the arts to our state and region.

This exciting day begins with a brief advocacy training session. MCA will set up appointments with legislators for you. You will not be alone-arts advocates go out in teams to meet with lawmakers. Each team is led by someone from the arts community who has participated in Advocacy Day before and who knows what to do. The most important person a legislator can hear from is YOU.

2. Join the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education for ARTS EDUCATION DAY at the Capitol: Wednesday, February 5

Noon to 4 pm. Join the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education and call on your state legislators. This session is a crucial one to protect hard-won policies and funding for arts education. Mark your calendars now–more information will be coming. The group will gather at noon at the Capitol and then, as teams, call on members of the House and Senate Education Committees and other key legislators until 4 PM. Your participation is needed. This will be an excellent time to get acquainted, talk about the importance of the arts to children and share stories of success. To sign up, send an e-mail to kathleen@allarts4allkids.org. A registration form and further information will be sent back to you.

3. MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL FORUM January 11, 2003

A forum on the Capitol’s history and its art in preparation for the centennial of its construction in 2005. The Forum is organized by the Minnesota Historical Society in preparation for the 2005 celebration of the centennial of the construction of the Minnesota State Capitol. The forum will review the history of the Capitol’s construction, the art created for its public spaces, and explore opportunities for the future.

WHERE: Minnesota History Center -3M Auditorium. (The history center is across Highway 94 from the State Capitol Building in St. Paul).
WHEN: January 11, 2003, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

4. Save the Date! March 10th is NONPROFIT ACTION DAY! Sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

More details to follow, or send an email to: info@mncn.org.

5. Other events of interest to nonprofit organizations in Greater Minnesota:
Bemidji Area Council of Nonprofits and MCN present: Getting Ready for the 2003 Session A Public Policy/Legislative Workshop Monday, January 13

8:30 - Noon. Topics include: The Nonprofit Economy Report, the fiscal and political landscape, lobbying strategies & tactics from a rural perspective. Meet at the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room, 2422 Ridgeway Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN. Registration: $50.00 (MCN and BACN Members: $40.00) The State Budget Forecast and Related Issues: How to Be Involved in the Debate Sponsored by Bremer Bank, Tuesday, January 14, 2003, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Bremer Bank, 302 SW 5th Street, in Willmar. Presenters are Jim Schowalter, Division Director, Minnesota Department of Finance, and Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Project. The event is free. To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Johnston at (320) 231-8140. To register call: (218) 759-8260

1/2/03

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts to Recieve Sally Ordway Irvine Award!

We at MCA are very proud to announce that we, and our lobbyist Larry Redmond, will be recieving a “Sally” award next week. Celebrating eleven years of the U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards, U.S Bank and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts recently announced the recipients of the 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards. The winners will receive their awards at the eleventh annual awards program at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul on Monday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m.

“We are very proud to be given this award.” said Sheila Smith, MCA’s Executive Director. “MCA’s work wouldn’t be possible without the participation of thousands of arts advocates across the state who work with us to make sure that their legislators know the importance of the arts to our communities. This award is rightly shared with every Minnesotan who has been a part of our coalition over the years. Together, we’ve made a real difference in how the arts have flourished in Minnesota.”

Larry Redmond, MCA’s Lobbyist, has been a part of the organization for over 25 years. “Larry’s contributions to the arts community have been so numerous that it’s impossible to articulate them all. His advice and leadership have been invaluable to our success at the legislature,” said Smith. The U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards are given annually to individuals and/or organizations that make significant contributions to Minnesota’s arts and cultural communities. The “Sallys” are presented in four categories: Vision, Initiative, Commitment and Education. The 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Award recipients are:

COMMITMENT: Lawrence M. Redmond & Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
VISION: KFAI Fresh Air Radio
INITIATIVE: Textile Center of Minnesota
EDUCATION: MacPhail Center for the Arts

“The diversity of the 2002 U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Award winners shows the depth of our artistic and cultural community,” said John Murphy, Minnesota state chairman, U.S. Bank. “Each of them provide a delightful variety of artistic expression and awareness: from the community airwaves of KFAI Fresh Air Radio, to the creation and preservation of textiles at the Textile Center of Minnesota, to music instruction for people of all abilities at the MacPhail Center for the Arts, to the tireless political analysis and foresight of Lawrence M. Redmond and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts on behalf of the Minnesota arts community. They have all made significant contributions.”

“The U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards are based on an award received by Ordway Center founder Sally Ordway Irvine in 1986. This award, now on display in Ordway Center’s lobby, was presented to Sally Ordway Irvine by First Trust (now U.S. Bank Trust) to recognize her singular role in making Ordway Center for the Performing Arts a reality. Three of the categories for the U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Awards - Vision, Initiative, and Commitment - are taken from the wording on this award. The fourth category, Education, was added in 1996 because of its importance in building understanding, use, and support of the arts in young people and others.

“The U.S. Bank Sally Awards have special significance because these exceptional individuals and organizations are being recognized by their peers in the arts community,” said Ordway Center president and CEO David Galligan. “It is no exaggeration to say that the quality of cultural and civic life in the Twin Cities could be markedly different, and poorer, were it not for the remarkable accomplishments of this yearâs award winners.” Individuals and/or organizations chosen to receive a U.S. Bank Sally Ordway Irvine Award are presented with a crystal trophy and a $2,500 cash award. A committee comprised of representatives from Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and U.S. Bank, immediate past Sally Ordway Irvine Award recipients, professional grantsmakers, and other leaders from the arts community select the award recipients. Nominations are accepted from the public and the selection committee.

Recognized as one of the leading nonprofit performing arts centers in the nation, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors January 1, 1985. Home to a wide variety of arts performances, each year Ordway Center presents Broadway-style shows in its U.S. Bank Theater season, comprehensive, multicultural performing arts programs in its planet Ordway Target season, and serves approximately 40,000 children and adults in its Education at Ordway Center programs. In addition, Ordway Center hosts and presents the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival, with exceptional international performing arts geared towards the Midwest’s youngest audience members and their families. Ordway Center provides a home for four Resident Arts Organizations: The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, The Schubert Club, and the Saint Paul series of the Minnesota Orchestra. In 2001, Ordway Center served an audience of more than 350,000 from throughout the Midwest. Please see the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts web site at www.ordway.org for more information.

U.S. Bank is a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB). With assets in excess of $174 billion, it is the 8th largest financial services holding company in the United States. The company operates 2,133 banking offices and 4,680 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is home of the Five Star Service Guarantee which assures customers of certain key banking benefits and services or customers will be paid for their inconvenience. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.