Campus Arts Advocates
Since its inception in 2004, the Campus Arts Advocates program has educated student arts supporters on how to advocate effectively to different audiences including their peers, other artists and legislators. In the course of this training, CAA’s have the opportunity to make use of MCA’s vast resources and statewide network of arts advocates, and also work to connect their peers to this network while encouraging them to attend MCA’s annual Arts Advocacy Day at the Minnesota State Capitol. Opportunities of the program include sitting in on MCA board meetings, attending advocacy trainings, taking part in MCA events with legislators, and making use of MCA’s library of arts resources, such as our recently released Economic Impact Studies.
A great opportunity for a student who is passionate about the arts, the CAA program is not incredibly time-intensive but simply requires diligent communication. With numerous opportunities available through MCA, the more energy each advocate puts in, the more benefits they will take away.
Become a Campus Arts Advocate
Join today by downloading our CAA Sign Up Form and sending it to MCA.
Feel free to contact us with any questions at (651) 251-0868 or Staff@mncitizensforthearts.org.
CAA program duties are as follows:
- To attend an MCA-hosted CAA Kick-Off Party/advocacy training event;
- To receive MCA Arts Alert e-mails and disperse information to peers and student groups on campus;
- To introduce students on your campus to MCA and MCA’s work;
- To organize advocacy trainings on campus (optional); and
- To empower and organize students to attend Arts Advocacy Day at the state Capitol.
While we welcome Campus Arts Advocate sign-ups and work throughout the year, the majority of a CAA’s activities take place inbetween November and March, culminating with MCA’s annual Arts Advocacy Day event.
Campus Arts Advocates Upcoming Events & Timeline
While we welcome Campus Arts Advocate sign-ups and work throughout the year, the majority of a CAA’s activities take place in between November and January, culminating with MCA’s annual Arts Advocacy Day event in early February.
The basic timeline of a year’s activities is as follows:
November/December:
Potential CAA’s contact MCA to sign up for the program as MCA finalizes the year’s CAA roster
December 7th at 6 pm:
Our kick-off Arts Advocacy Pizza Party! We will be talkin’ advocacy and networking between campuses. Pizza, beverages, advocacy materials and friendly people will be provided! It will be held at our St. Paul office:
2233 University Ave W. #355
St. Paul, MN. 55114
RSVP to Tara…degnx002@umn.edu
January:
Attend a MCA event, begin brainstorming student groups and peers and making initial contact about arts advocacy and Advocacy Day. Continue talking to and solidifying individual’s and group’s interest in arts advocacy and Arts Advocacy Day, speak to arts department chairs on campus to allow Advocacy Day to be an excused absence, organize advocacy trainings on campus, organize transportation for peers to advocacy day.
January 5th:
MCA at the Walker Art Center
We are takin’ our efforts to the arts scene! Campus Arts Advocates will be at the Walker Art Center to promote arts advocacy across Minnesota! Volunteer to help us…email Tara at degnx002@umn.edu.
January 25th:
MCA’s Advocacy 101 training. Campus Art Advocates will delve deeper into the world of advocacy and learn effective skills for Advocacy Day in February. Students will also receive materials and lit to distribute at their campuses. It will be held at our St. Paul office, 2233 University Ave W. #355, St. Paul, MN. 55114
RSVP to Tara…degnx002@umn.edu
January 27th:
MCA presents Rock for the Arts…
7pm at the Triple Rock
18+
Featuring Story of the Sea, These Modern Socks and the rap artist Golden.
February:
The first week of February, turn in Advocacy Day sign-up sheets and see that those who signed up make it to the event.
February 14th, 2008 Advocacy Day:
MCA convenes at the State Capitol to support arts funding in the MN Congress. On Arts Advocacy Day, we are out in full force to say to our representatives, “Please support state arts funding!” This is the most important day of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts’ year!
March–October:
Continue connecting peers and friends to MCA & remain engaged in the political process surrounding Minnesota arts funding.
Any questions? concerns? daily affirmations?
Contact Tara
by email, degnx002@umn.edu
by phone, 612.670.9912
by pigeon call 2233 University Ave W. #355, St. Paul, MN. 55114