Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

arts alert: Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

May 10th, 2012

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

@MnCitizen

May 9, 2012

1. Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

2. Minnesota Museums Study has Big Numbers

3. Fun Summer of Legacy Weekends Announced

4. Cultural Data Project Launch Coming June 1

5. Get a Bumpersticker From Minnesotans United for All Families

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1. Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

The power of your grassroots advocacy was proven again this week when Rep. Drazkoswski (R) offered a floor amendment to divert Legacy dollars to pay for debt service for some of the state’s building projects. Reps. Urdahl (R), Howes (R) and McNamara (R) all spoke against the move because it was an obvious attempt to substitute Legacy dollars for an existing funding source, something not allowed by the Constitution.

Only Rep. Wardlow (R) spoke in favor of the move, and it was overwhelmingly defeated on a vote of 92 to 37! That’s even better than the margin we had on the last floor vote on a similar issue. Over in the Senate, Senator Parry (R) introduced an identical bill that was withdrawn without a vote. Clearly your loud calls to leave Legacy funding alone have had an impact at the legislature.

We have had fourteen bills introduced this year to divert Legacy funds to other things, so we must remain ever vigilent on protecting arts funding. The legislative session should end within the next week, and these legislators will go home to start running for reelection. There have been many retirements and we will see many new faces at the legislature next year. That is why MCA is putting together a big plan of action for the upcoming election season to make sure candidates know that Legacy funding should be protected for the arts. Stay tuned!

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2. Minnesota Museums Study has Big Numbers

As part of Minnesota Museums Month, the U of M released a news study of the “Economic Contribution of Museums in Minnesota.” The report was authored by Brigid Tuck and Bruce Schwartau and showed that museums have a big impact in the state:

Minnesota has 562 museums, that employ 1700 full and part-time workers for daily operations, plus 1100 full and part- time contract people working on capitol renovations.
Minnesota’s museums have a total economic impact of $674M/year.
Minnesota museum’s tourists alone generated an estimated $53M in econoimc activity in Minnesota, employing an additional 690 workers.
An estimated 1.7M people visited Minnesota museums outside of their home region in 2011.
In total, volunteers at Minnesota’s museums contributed an estimated 1.1M hours of labor in 2011.

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3. Fun Summer of Legacy Weekends Announced

Minnesota Legacy Destination Weekends Showcase Amendment-Funded Projects

Bemidji, Cook County, St. Cloud and Willmar Lakes Featured. First up: Detroit Lakes

Five Minnesota communities are holding Legacy Destination Weekends, one each in May through September, featuring arts, history and outdoors activities to showcase projects funded through the Legacy Amendment. In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that provides funding to natural resources, arts and culture, and parks and trails projects across the state. The Legacy Destination program is a collaboration of Explore Minnesota Tourism, Conservation Minnesota, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and the host communities.

The events include an eclectic mix of activities, such as art exhibits, concerts or theater performances, naturalist programs, historic site events and exhibits, or guided hikes, bike rides or canoe trips. Each Legacy Destination has designed its own weekend to highlight local cultural and outdoors assets, including those that received Legacy Amendment support.

“Legacy Destination Weekends are a fun, creative way to show Minnesotans the results of their support,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “The events are designed to draw visitors to communities, as well as engage area residents.”

This is the second year of the Legacy Destination program. The participating communities applied to participate in the program, which required that at least three Legacy Amendment funded projects be included in the weekend event.

“Minnesotans voted to dedicate funds to our state’s great resources,” said Paul Austin, executive director of Conservation Minnesota, “and they can see the results first-hand at these Legacy Destinations.”

“These five fun weekends let Minnesotans enjoy the great things that are happening in the arts and outdoors because of the Legacy Amendment,” said Sheila Smith, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.

The 2012 schedule for Legacy Destination Weekends:

May 17-19, Detroit Lakes

June 11-15, Bemidji

July 19-22, St. Cloud

August 17-19, Willmar Lakes Area (New London, Spicer, Willmar)

September 8-16, Cook County (Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail and area).

First Up: Detroit Lakes To Host Legacy Weekend May 17-19

-A full weekend highlighting legacy funded projects-

Visitors will enjoy a weekend of mosaic art, winged visitors and World War II history as part of a diverse weekend of arts, history, and outdoor events in and around Detroit Lakes over the weekend of May 17-19. Local parks, trails, and museums are the setting for Legacy Destination Weekend, which highlights local projects that are supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

“Every weekend in Detroit Lakes brings a wide variety of interesting events in which locals and visitors alike can participate,” said Cleone Stewart, Detroit Lakes Tourism Director. “And this year, we are picking an especially exciting weekend in the area, and encouraging people from all around to come check out what we have to offer.”

Highlights of the weekend’s schedule are listed below. A more detailed schedule of events is available online at http://visitdetroitlakes.com/things-to-do/legacy-destination/

Mosaic Mania. This art outreach project promotes creativity among area school students by using recycled glass and windows in glass mosaics. Class projects are gathered for a display at the historic Detroit Lakes Pavilion 4 pm-7 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012 during Parkfest. The Mosaic Mania projects are put on silent auction, with proceeds supporting arts and children’s programming. Parkfest will also include a free concert by Doc & The Scrubs, featuring big band, swing and easy listening music. Mosaic Mania is made possible by a Legacy Grant through the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Minnesota on the Homefront. This traveling exhibit from the Minnesota Historical Society’s “Exhibits to Go!” program is a legacy sponsored statewide opportunity. “Minnesota and Becker County on the Homefront, World War II” exhibits are on display free to the public 10 am-4 pm Thursday, May 17-Saturday, May 19. The Becker County Historical Society and Museum will host the “Minnesota on the Homefront” exhibit through Saturday, May 19, with a closing reception held from 10:00 am-12:00 pm that day. Enjoy music of the era, light refreshments, and a final chance to see the efforts of Minnesota and Becker County’s people to support our troops in WWII. Legacy funds make the Minnesota Historical Society’s “Exhibits to Go!” program possible.

The 15th Annual Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds running all weekend and features trips into the field, which provides insight into how legacy funds benefit many bird species and wildlife. Attendees will learn on the Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge fieldtrip how removing trees on the prairie increases bird nesting success and restoring wetlands replenishes the 99 percent of drained wetlands in western Minnesota. A fieldtrip to Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge will reveal how tree shearing fosters young forest habitat that benefits several species of birds. The festival is also the 25th anniversary of the first releases of Trumpeter Swans at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in a successful restoration program. The Festival of Birds received a 2011/2012 Legacy Grant recipient for Becker County habitat work through LCCMR’s Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund and LSOHC’s Conservation Partnership Legacy program.

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4. Cultural Data Project Launch Coming June 1

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is a powerful online management tool designed to strengthen the arts and cultural sector, and it is coming to Minnesota on July 1, 2012 through the combined efforts of Minnesota’s arts grantmakers. The CDP’s unique system enables arts and cultural organizations to track trends and benchmark their progress through sophisticated reporting tools, while gathering reliable, comprehensive data that grantmakers, researchers, and advocates can use to better understand the sector.
To take part in the CDP, arts and cultural organizations fill out an online Data Profile once a year. The Data Profile contains financial, programmatic, and operational sections, and is designed for organizations of every size and discipline, from festivals and fiscally sponsored groups to museums, theatres, historic sites, publications, and more. The CDP then enables users to generate instant reports to participating grantmakers; create annual reports; run trend reports; and compare key aspects of their operations to an anonymous pool of peer organizations.

As thousands of arts and cultural organizations enter data into the system each year, the CDP is becoming an unprecedented source of high-quality, longitudinal information for researchers and advocates seeking to report on the impact and needs of the arts and cultural sector. CDP data has informed dozens of research publications around the country, from economic impact studies to capitalization analyses. Advocates have used the data to lobby for increased arts funding or avert drastic budget cuts. Organizations participating in the Minnesota CDP will allow the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence of the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country.

Stay tuned for more information! Sign up for the mailing list so you are in the loop: http://www.mnculturaldata.org/emailsignup.aspx For more information: http://www.mnculturaldata.org/home.aspx

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5. Get a Bumpersticker From Minnesotans United for All Families

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and over 350 nonprofit, civic and faith organizations (including almost 50 arts organizations to date) have endorsed the campaign against the marriage amendment that will be on the ballot in November 2012. Marriage is a fundamental freedom that shouldn’t be denied to anyone, and we don’t think this reflects the way we do things in Minnesota.

Minnesotans United for All Families is building a statewide campaign to defeat the amendment. Want to volunteer or get involved? Pledge to Vote No and donate to the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign here: http://mnunited.org/get-involved/.

Bumper stickers are now available! This has been a popular item with supporters, sign up for one here: http://action.mnunited.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=6337.

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Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

Facebook Twitter @MNCitizen Website Join Now YouTube

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Amendment to Divert $30M of Arts Legacy Defeated!

April 6th, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

April 5, 2012

It’s all good news today:

1. Floor Amendment to Divert $30M from Arts Legacy Defeated!

2. Bill to Delete Percent for Art Program Also Defeated

3. Bill to Limit “Clawbacks” From Nonprofits Passed

4. U.S. Senator Al Franken Joins Cultural Caucus, Launches Poetry Contest

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1. Floor Amendment to Divert $30M from Arts Legacy Defeated!

Yesterday, an amendment to divert $30M from Arts Legacy to state capitol renovations was defeated on a decisive vote of 77 to 52. Legislators recognized that the proper place to fund capitol renovations is in the state’s bonding bill, and not from Legacy.

This is a DIRECT RESULT of all of the grassroots contacts you have been making for the past several months asking legislators to preserve the intent of the Legacy Amendment, which is to fund arts and history activities across the state. So, thank you to all of you! The legislative session is moving fast and the fight is not yet over, so we need
to remain vigilent until session ends, which may be as soon as April 30.

Rep. Buesgens introduced this amendment, and Reps. Buesgens, Downey and Sondra Erickson spoke in favor of it. Our heroes, speaking against the amendment, were Rep. Howes, Urdahl, Loeffler, Kahn and Winkler.

How did your House member vote?

Those voting “No” (a good vote): Those voting “Yes” (bad vote):

Abeler
Allen
Anderson, P.
Anzelc
Banaian
Barrett
Benson, J.
Brynaert
Carlson
Champion
Cornish
Davids
Davnie
Dean
Dill
Eken
Falk
Fritz
Gauthier
Greene
Hansen
Hausman
Hilstrom
Hilty
Hortman

Hosch
Howes
Huntley
Johnson
Kahn
Kath
Kiel
Knuth
Koenen
Kriesel
Laine
Lanning
Lenczewski
Lesch
Liebling
Lillie
Loeffler
Mahoney
Mariani
Marquart
McElfatrick
McFarlane
McNamara
Melin
Moran

Morrow

MulleryMurphy, E.
Murphy,
M.
Myhra
Nelson
Nornes
NortonPaymar
Pelowski
Persell
Poppe
Rukavina
Scalze
Schomacker
Simon
Slawik
Slocum
Smith
Thissen
Tillberry
Torkelson
Urdahl
Wagenius
Ward
Winkler
Spk. Zellers

Anderson, B.
Anderson, D.
Anderson, S.
Beard
Benson, M.
Bills
Buesgens
Crawford
Daudt
Dettmer
Dittrich
Doepke
Downey
Drazkowski
Erickson
Fabian
Franson
Garofalo
Gottwalt
Gruenhagen
Gunther
Hackbarth
Hamilton
Hancock
Holberg
Hoppe

Kelly
Kieffer
Kiffmeyer
Leidiger
LeMieur
Lohmer
Loon
Mack
Mazorol
McDonald
Murdock
Murray
O’Driscoll
Petersen, B.
Peterson, S.
Quam
Runbeck
Sanders
Scott
Shimanski
Stensrud
Swedzinski
Vogel
Wardlow
Westrom
Woodard

Please say “Thank you!” to your legislator if they voted with us, and let your legislator know you are disappointed in their vote if they did not. House member emails can be found here: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp

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2. Bill to Delete Percent for Art Program Also Defeated

A bill that would have gotten rid of the Percent for Art Program administered by the Minnesota State Arts Board was heard and past by a House committee. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Mary Franson. MCA identified so many legislators opposed to the idea that the bill was removed from the agenda of the subsequent committee due to lack of interest, and the bill has not reappeared.

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3. Bill to Limit “Clawbacks” From Nonprofits Passed

Our partner organization the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits passed a bill that was signed by the Governor this week to limit “clawbacks” from nonprofits. Fraud clawbacks occur when there is an attempt to retrieve, or “clawback” money that was attained through fraud. The intent of the clawback is to provide financial relief to victims of the fraud. In the case of nonprofit organizations, money that was donated to an organization can be “clawed back” if the donor is found to have raised the money fraudulently. In this case the nonprofit organization has accepted a donation in good faith, without knowledge
that the money was raised through fraud, and they may be asked to give the money back for up to six years from the time of the gift. Currently
Minnesota nonprofits facing this situation are those that accepted donations from Tom Petters, Inc., which was later found to be a Ponzi scheme that defrauded many investors. The organizations accepting these donations had no knowledge, and no way of determining, that Petters was engaged in fraudulent activity. The bill reduced the period that donations to nonprofits are subject to clawback to two years.

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4. U.S. Senator Al Franken Joins Cultural Caucus, Launches Poetry Contest

Senator Al Franken has joined the Senate’s Cultural Caucus, a group of lawmakers who work together to support the arts in America. One of his first actions was to sign on to a “Dear Colleague” letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to support level funding for the NEA. The letter supports an FY2013 funding level equal to the President’s request of $154 million, which is the same as the amount provided by the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in the FY12 committee bill.

Senator Franken has also recently announced, in recognition of the Month of the Military Child and National Poetry Month in April, that he is hosting a poetry contest for children of military families in Minnesota. He would be greatly appreciative if you would help spread the word.

“Being part of a military family isn’t easy,” said Sen. Franken. “With this poetry contest, I hope to not only recognize the extraordinary work of men and women serving across the world, but also their children, who sacrifice so much when a parent is called away.”

The contest is open to all school-age children of military families in Minnesota. The three age categories are 1) Kindergarten to sixth grade; 2) Seventh to ninth grades; and 3) 10th to 12th grades. Winners from each category will receive an invitation to attend a reception at Sen. Franken’s St. Paul office to meet the
senator and his wife, Franni. Top winning poems in each category will be framed and displayed in Sen. Franken’s offices in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. The overall winner will receive
an autographed book by famed Minnesota author Garrison Keillor.

For entrance in Sen. Franken’s poetry contest, please submit a poem by April 16, 2012 to poetry@franken.senate.gov or by mail to:

Office of Sen. Al Franken, c/o ‘Poetry Contest’, 60 Plato Boulevard East, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55107

Participants may only submit one entry, no longer than 300 words. Each entry must include the child’s name, the parent/guardian’s name, a phone number and home address, and the name of the child’s school. Please clearly indicate participant’s age category.

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And follow us today on Twitter @MNCitizen #artslegacy and on Facebook

RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen #artslegacy

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Arts Advocacy Day Spurs Action

March 12th, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

March 9, 2012

1. Arts Advocacy Day Spurs Action

2. Cultural Data Project Coming to Minnesota

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1. Arts Advocacy Day Spurs Action

One of the great things about Arts Advocacy Day is all of the information we get from advocates about what legislators were thinking. Despite our smaller crowd, the same thing happened this year. We have been acting on that information this past week and I wanted to fill you in.

Only a few legislators are now seriously talking about using Legacy funding for the stadium. This is a DIRECT RESULT of the grassroots power we unleashed in November. They are saying that “its’ not worth the trouble” to use Legacy for this purpose. So, kudos to all of you and your collective action! While we can’t declare victory until
the stadium project is signed and done (or the legislative session ends without a deal), we are increasingly satisfied that your outpouring of grassroots disgust did the job.

The new threat is the diversion of Arts Legacy to pay for the renovations of the state capitol. (The capitol needs $200M+ of repairs). In response, since Arts Advocacy Day we have been activating strategies to stop the diversion from happening. There are many versions of this proposal being discussed, but this week Rep. Buesgens introduced a bill to divert $30M of arts legacy each year for seven years to the renovations. That would take a third of Arts Legacy away, reducing arts grants significantly across the state.

There is a lot happening at the Capitol but our principle concern now is with the state capitol renovation
project. We are not against the capitol renovations, we just want them to use bonding for the project rather than legacy.

If you couldn’t get to the Capitol on Arts Advocacy Day, it’s not too late to ask your legislator to protect arts legacy funds using our easy to use website at:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN

And follow us today on Twitter @MNCitizen #artslegacy and on Facebook.

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2. Cultural Data Project Coming to Minnesota

We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch on June 1, 2012 of the Minnesota Cultural Data Project (Minnesota CDP).

The Minnesota CDP, a powerful online financial management and reporting tool, will give arts, cultural and historical organizations in Minnesota access to state of the arts technology to help strengthen their management capacity and demonstrate their value and impact in communities.

Why is MCA Involved?

The CDP has been proved to be a powerful tool for arts advocacy. States where it is already in place have access to great data about the breadth and impact of the arts in their states. Check out the great materials based on CDP data created by:

Michigan: http://creativestatemi.artservemichigan.org/
Philadelphia: http://www.philaculture.org/research/2011-portfolio/key-findings
And San Diego: http://www.culturaldata.org/2011/04/11/2010-san-diego-economic-impact-report-arts-and-culture-innovation-and-creativity-in-paradise/

We will be able to start creating great advocacy tools about Minnesota’s arts community that we can’t do now due to lack of data.

What’s in it for Arts Organizations Who Participate?

The CDP will offer your organization an array of tools to understand, analyze and report on your own performance. Over time, the CDP will make it easy for you to benchmark and compare your own information to aggregate records from other cultural organizations in Minnesota and other participating states. And it will help all of us in the nonprofit cultural community to make our case – to board members, potential donors and grantmakers, advocates, and policy-makers – for investment in our sector.

A first series of orientation sessions for nonprofit arts, cultural and historical organizations will be scheduled in June 2012. Additional sessions will be held across the state throughout the year. Please visit our site now (www.mnculturaldata.org) and register for our email alerts, so we can make sure you will receive more details on the Minnesota CDP, including information on how to register for an orientation session, when we get closer to the June 1, 2012 launch date.

The Minnesota CDP will be provided to all nonprofit cultural organizations in Minnesota free of charge, courtesy of the Minnesota CDP
partners.† Participating grantmakers are committed to streamlining the application process for cultural organizations and many will be recommending or requiring participation in
the CDP as part of their grant application or reporting processes starting in fall/winter of 2012.

Questions? Visit www.mnculturaldata.org

The Minnesota Cultural Data Project is made possible through the leadership of the members of the Minnesota CDP Task Force:
F.R. Bigelow Foundation
Forum of Regional Arts Councils of Minnesota
Jerome Foundation
Mardag Foundation
The McKnight Foundation
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota State Arts Board
City of Saint Paul
The Saint Paul Foundation
Target

Additional support is provided by:
Bush Foundation
General Mills Foundation
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Minnesota CDP Launch Advisory Committee:
Minnesota Theater Alliance
Springboard for the Arts
VocalEssence

The Minnesota CDP is operated by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen #artslegacy

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alerts: Take Action- Today is Arts Advocacy Day!

March 1st, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

February 29, 2012

Take Action – Today is Arts Advocacy Day!

Today over 500 Arts Advocates will be roaming the halls of the State Capitol to talk to their legislators about protecting Legacy funding for its intended uses. Some legislators continue to talk about diverting Legacy funding to state building projects such as the state capitol renovations or a stadium.

This kind of diversion would take money out of every community in the state that should be going to arts activities. The grants and services of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils help people in every corner of the state gain access to the arts.

Join their voices by contacting your legislators today!

Can’t get to the capitol on Wednesday?

Ask your legislator now to protect arts legacy funds using our website at:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN

And follow us today on Twitter @MNCitizen #artslegacy and on Facebook.

Together, we are the strongest arts advocacy network in the country. Go Team!

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RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen #artslegacy

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day Feb. 29th- Today is the Last Day to Register!

March 1st, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

February 27, 2012

Arts Advocacy Day is Wednesday, Feb. 29 – Today is the Last Day to Register!

It may be snowing on Wednesday, but we will be at the Capitol come rain or shine (or snow)!

Join your arts friends and advocates at the Capitol on Feb. 29 to thank legislators for getting Legacy funding gets into every community across the state, and ask them to oppose diversion of Legacy to unconstitutional things like the stadium.

Arts Advocacy Day is a fun way to make your voice heard. We visit legislators in teams, led by someone who has experience in talking to legislators about the arts. You will meet people from all across the state who agree with you about the importance of the arts!

Join us at the Capitol on February 29!

Get all the info you need on the day, and register, here: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/.

Advocacy Day attendees will be eligible for discounts to a variety of arts events in the Twin Cities. You’ll get info. about these opportunities once you’ve registered.

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Can’t get to the capitol on Wednesday?

Ask your legislator to protect arts legacy funds using our website at:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN

And follow us on Twitter @MNCitizen #artslegacy

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RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day Feb 29th Register Now!

February 17th, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

February 17, 2012

1. Arts Advocacy Day is Feb. 29 – Register Now!

2. Newspapers Across the State Oppose Diversion of Legacy Funds

———————————–

1. Arts Advocacy Day is Feb. 29 – Register Now!

Arts Advocacy Day is just 12 days away!

Join your arts friends and advocates at the Capitol on Feb. 29 to thank legislators for getting Legacy funding gets into every community across the state, and ask them to oppose diversion of Legacy to unconstitutional things like the stadium.

Arts Advocacy Day is a fun way to make your voice heard. We visit legislators in teams, led by someone who has experience in talking to legislators about the arts. You will meet people from all across the state who agree with you about the importance of the arts!

Join us at the Capitol on February 29!

Get all the info you need on the day, and register, here: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/.

Advocacy Day attendees will be eligible for discounts to a variety of arts events in the Twin Cities. You’ll get info. about these opportunities once you’ve registered.

———————————–

2. Newspapers Across the State Oppose Diversion of Legacy Funds

We’ve launched a statewide media tour along with partner organization Conservation Minnesota to protect Legacy funds. As a result, this past week newspapers across the state have posted articles and editorials in favor of protecting our state’s Legacy.

Several have also quoted two important legislators – Rep. Dean Urdahl and Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, who are Chairs of the House and Senate Legacy committees that oversee where those funds go. Both have repeatedly stated that they oppose diversion of Legacy funds to a stadium, and that they want to make sure that voter’s intent is protected.

THANK YOU to Rep. Urdahl and Sen. Ingebrigtsen for taking a stand for protecting Legacy funds!

Here’s a few great quotes:

“On one point the legislator (Legacy Chair Sen. Ingebrigtsen) and the arts and conservation supporters all agree. They don’t want to see Legacy money going to fund a Vikings stadium. “Absolutely not,” Ingebrigtsen said. “It doesn’t cut it.”” -Brainerd Dispatch

” Urdahl says they are constantly looking for ways to make sure the Legacy Fund isn’t used to backfill, or supplant budget cuts elsewhere.” -YourQ102, Willmar.

“Legacy Funds meant for arts, water, not stadium.” – Detroit Lakes

“The chairs of both the House and Senate Legacy Committees, Dean Urdahl of Grove City and Bill Ingibritsen of Alexandria have said they don’t think Legacy Funds should go toward a Vikings stadium.” -KWLM Willmar

“Groups advocating for the four Legacy funding recipients were alerted and 13,000 calls or letters to legislators were generated, Smith said. “The outrage was fast and furious.”” - Duluth News Tribune

From the West Central Tribune in Willmar: “The Legislature should not play games with Legacy Amendment funding”

See you in St. Paul on Feb. 29!

———————————–

RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Caucuses Across the State Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

February 8th, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

February 8, 2012

1. Caucuses Across the State Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

2. Next Step: Register for Arts Advocacy Day Now!

———————————–

1. Caucuses Across the State Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

Last night arts advocates in every corner of the state introduced resolutions at their precinct caucuses opposing the use of Legacy funding to pay for a Vikings stadium. This is an important step in Minnesota’s political life, because it help sets party platforms on issues that people care about. Here’s some reports that have come in so far:

“We passed it unanimously in Minneapolis.”

“Mine passed in Stillwater”

“My caucus cheered!”

“I took it to my small town Cromwell caucus and we unanimously voted for it – all 20 some of us - people didn’t know about this threat and were glad to hear it. Very well written! It will go on to the Carlton County caucuses which we hope to make.”

“We passed the resolution in Staples to oppose legacy funding for a stadium!!!!”

“Our caucus passed the Legacy resolution as well and I’m on the resolutions committee, so it’ll be on the recommended slate for SD64 as well.”

“We passed the legacy resolution… Fun night in St. Paul!”

“Roseville 55a passed unanimously.”

“It passed in Pine City.”

“District 61, south Mpls, passed MCA’s resolution to prohibit Legacy money from being used for a stadium!”

Thank you to all who took time to attend their caucuses and make their voices heard!

More background on the Legacy/stadium issue can be found here: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/news/no-legacy-for-stadium/. (Note that MCA is not taking a stand against a Vikings stadium overall, just against taking Legacy funding to pay for it).

———————————–

2. Next Step: Register for Arts Advocacy Day Now!

Behind the scenes, legislators are STILL talking about diverting Legacy funds for a stadium, so our focus on Arts Advocacy Day will be to talk about how arts Legacy funding is creating jobs and opportunities in the arts in every community. Diverting Legacy funds to a stadium would take money out of every corner of the state.

Arts Advocacy Day is a fun way to make your voice heard. We visit legislators in teams, led by someone who has experience in talking to legislators about the arts. Meet people from all across the state who agree with you about the importance of the arts.

Join us at the Capitol on February 29!

Want to stop legislators from diverting Arts Legacy funds? Get all the info you need on the day, and register, here: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/.

Advocacy Day attendees will be eligible for discounts to a variety of arts events in the Twin Cities. More info to come!

———————————–

RESOURCES:

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed members.

JOIN NOW: www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

TWITTER: @MNCitizen

YOUTUBE: MNCitizensforthearts

COOL STUFF TO BUY: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any reason.

GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding, contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your local Regional Arts Council.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Join Us: Say NO to Use of Legacy for Stadium at Your Precinct Caucus Feb. 7th

February 1st, 2012

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
@MnCitizen

January 31, 2012

Join Us: Say NO to Use of Legacy for Stadium at Your Precinct Caucus on Feb. 7

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 PM, Minnesota’s arts people and conservationists have a chance to make our voices heard against Legacy being used for the Vikings stadium. Each party holds their own precinct caucus meetings, and just for showing up, you have the right to introduce a resolution on any topic you want. Legislators will respond to the issues that citizens bring to caucuses.

You can find out where your caucus will be here: http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.

Print this out and take it with you to introduce at your caucus!

—————————————

BACKGROUND:

Minnesotans passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 by a huge margin to protect Minnesota’s land, water, parks and arts. Now legislators are talking about diverting arts Legacy funds to pay for a Vikings stadium.

PRECINCT CAUCUS RESOLUTION:

· Whereas thousands of Minnesotans worked together on the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment campaign to provide dedicated funds for the outdoors and the arts, diverting these funds to pay for a Vikings stadium is not only illegal, but a bait and switch to the 1.6 million taxpayers who voted for the amendment,

· Whereas, using legacy funds to support a single for-profit business instead of conservation and arts initiatives in hundreds of cities and towns will deprive communities across Minnesota of needed resources and jobs,

· Whereas, ignoring the constitution is a slippery slope, and allowing diversion of the arts fund against the will of voters will make legislators feel empowered to divert the outdoor, parks and clean water funds as well,

· Whereas, there is no mention of funding for stadiums anywhere in the constitution, and not once, in all of the legislative debate, nor during the campaign to pass the amendment, was there any mention of using the funds for a stadium,

BE IT RESOLVED that the ________________ Party opposes even a single penny of Legacy Amendment funding being diverted for a Vikings Stadium.

More background on the Legacy/stadium issue can be found here: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/news/no-legacy-for-stadium/

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Legislative Session Begins, Arts Advocates on Alert

January 26th, 2012

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

January 25, 2012

Legislative Session Begins, Arts Advocates on Alert

1. Diversion of Legacy to Stadium Still a Threat, and Other Issues

2. Register Now! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day is Feb. 29

3. Advocacy Day Hotel Accomodations

4. Watch for the Cultural Data Project Coming to MN

—————————————

1. Diversion of Legacy to Stadium Still a Threat, and Other Issues

The Legislature came back to St. Paul this week and one of the hottest issues is the Vikings Stadium. Your outpouring of calls and letters to legislators in November has had one effect – they’ve stopped talking publicly about using Arts Legacy funding for a stadium. Unfortunately, behind closed doors it’s still on the table so we must remain vigilant. MCA has been working hard to make sure that Legacy funds are not a part of the final package. Now that legislators are back in town so we have to stay on our toes. In addition to the stadium issue, here are other things we are watching:

“Supermajority” Constitutional Amendments: A number of different proposals would go to voters in November 2008 to create a new supermajority requirement to pass tax increases in the state. This could be a threat not just to arts funding but to the whole state. This is the reason California’s budget is always in crisis; it’s impossible for the legislature to come to agreement about how to solve the state’s budget because the supermajority requirement sets the bar too high. If you liked the deadlock and special session we had last summer, you should love this amendment because it would create perpetual deadlock. Get more info. on the proposals here.
The Minnesota State Capitol needs over $200M in repairs, and Governor Dayton has included some money for the renovations in his bonding bill, the traditional source of funding for the Capitol. Unfortunately, some legislators are considering using Arts Legacy funds for the project, which could divert resources away from the arts and history activities in every county. We will be monitoring the discussion and will let you know where it goes.
When the Legislature is in town, anything can happen! That’s why you should sign up for Advocacy Day to make sure that arts funding is protected:

—————————————

2. Register Now! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day is Feb. 29

Arts Advocacy Day on Feb. 29, 2012 – which is Leap Day! A day hard to forget.

Get empowered! Arts people from every corner of the state will join us at the Capitol for a rally and then to go out as groups to meet with legislators. We will have fun, learn new things, and have an interesting day together at the Capitol. Join other artists, arts administrators, arts lovers, musicians, and people like you for this empowering day of advocating for the arts.

Register now at http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/.

See a video from previous Advocacy Days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d5VTr_V3f0

More info. on the day at http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/events/advocacyday/ad2012/

See you there!

—————————————

3. Advocacy Day Hotel Accomodations

Arts Advocacy Day is fast approaching! We have reserved a block of rooms at the Best Western Plus “Kelly Inn” for a Group Rate of $89. The Best Western Plus “Kelly Inn” is located at: 161 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55103

The rooms are reserved for Tuesday February 28th. DEADLINE FOR RESERVING A ROOM IS FEB. 7, 2012.
To reserve a room please contact the Kelly Inn at 651-227-8711, mention that you are with MCA and the Group Code: ARTS.
The 15 Rooms include 8 (2 Queens) & 7 (Kings) all at the same group rate of $89.

—————————————

4. Watch for the Cultural Data Project Coming to MN

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is coming to Minnesota! The Cultural Data Project is an online tool that helps build the arts sector by allowing arts organizations to track, report and compare data, helps public and private funders see trends and plan effective use of resources, and helps advocates develop field-wide strategies. Minnesota’s foundations, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils and the Minnesota Historical Society are all working together to bring it here. It will provide new useful info. for advocacy as well as some great tools for both arts grantees and
Minnesota’s foundations.

This year has been another extremely busy year for the CDP. After the launch of this initiative in Arizona this past February, the project launched in Rhode Island in May, in Vermont in August, and in Washington DC in October. With the addition of these states, the CDP is now in operation in 11 states (plus DC) across the country and close to 12,000 arts and cultural organizations are using the system.

Soon you can start using the CDP as well! The Minnesota CDP is scheduled to launch on June 1, 2012. As Minnesota’s foundations prepare to roll out the project in our state, they will be sharing more information with you as we get closer to the launch. So, stay tuned.

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

MCA and over 100 nonprofit and civic organizations have endorsed the campaign against the marriage amendment that will be on the Ballot in November 2012. (For a list of endorsing organizations, go to: http://www.mnunited.org/page.cfm?pageid=2.) More arts organizations are signing on every day. We believe that the work of the nonprofit and creative sectors would be harmed by this
amendment. If your arts organization, nonprofit, business, church or faith group would also like to take a stand
against discrimination and for the Golden Rule, you can download the endorsement form also on this page. Want to volunteer or get involved? Pledge to Vote No and donate to the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign here: http://www.mnunited.org/index.cfm

—————————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2012, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Renew Your Membership With MCA Before Year’s End!

December 30th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

December 29, 2011

1. Renew Your MCA Membership Before Year’s End!

2. Congresswoman Betty McCollum Update on the NEA

3. Save The Date! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29

4. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

1. Renew Your MCA Membership Before Year’s End!

MCA has been working hard on your behalf this year, protecting arts funding from all kinds of dangers including the threat to use it to fund a Vikings stadium(!) MCA is made up of arts advocates like you from all over the state. Together, we are a powerful force!

Please renew your MCA membership today:

mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

—————————————

2. Congresswoman Betty McCollum Update on the NEA

Representative Betty McCollum provides this update from Washington DC:

Congressional Compromise Restores Funding for National Endowment for the Arts

“On December 16th, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2012 passed the House, providing $146.2 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Earlier this year, House Republicans proposed a paltry $135 million for the NEA, while Tea Party Republicans fought to eliminate the NEA entirely. The final funding level for the NEA is a decrease from FY 2011’s $155 million, but the compromise saves the NEA and the essential support it provides to the cultural life of
America’s communities.“

“As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the
NEA, I supported this compromise agreement and will continue to make preserving funding for the arts a policy priority in this very challenging political environment. The hard work of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and their dedicated members was enormously important in this effort. Making your voices heard with calls, letters and emails to your elected representatives made a difference. As we look ahead, we need to continue working together to maintain arts funding next year when another tough budget fight begins. To read my statement on why the NEA deserves support, see here.”

Rep. Betty McCollum serves on the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for
the Humanities.

—————————————

3. Save The Date! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29

Happy Holidays from MCA! We hope you have a happy and joyful holiday season.

As we look ahead to 2012, we can see that we will need to advocate to protect arts funding from being diverted to stadiums, among other things. So we’ve already set the date for Arts Advocacy Day on Feb. 29, 2012 – which is Leap Day! A day hard to forget. So put it in your calendar now with more details to come.

—————————————

4. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is coming to Minnesota! The Cultural Data Project is an online tool that helps build the arts sector by allowing arts organizations to track, report and compare data, helps public and private funders see trends and plan effective use of resources, and helps advocates develop field-wide strategies. Minnesota’s foundations, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils and the Minnesota Historical Society are all working together to bring it here. It will provide new useful info. for advocacy as well as some great tools for both arts grantees and
Minnesota’s foundations.

This year has been another extremely busy year for the CDP. After the launch of this initiative in Arizona this past February, the project launched in Rhode Island in May, in Vermont in August, and in Washington DC in October. With the addition of these states, the CDP is now in operation in 11 states (plus DC) across the country and close to 12,000 arts and cultural organizations are using the system.

Soon you can start using the CDP as well! The Minnesota CDP is scheduled to launch on June 1, 2012. As Minnesota’s foundations prepare to roll out the project in our state, they will be sharing more information with you as we get closer to the launch. So, stay tuned.

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

MCA and over 100 nonprofit and civic organizations have endorsed the campaign against the marriage amendment that will be on the Ballot in November 2012. (For a list of endorsing organizations, go to: http://www.mnunited.org/page.cfm?pageid=2.) More arts organizations are signing on every day. We believe that the work of the nonprofit and creative sectors would be harmed by this
amendment. If your arts organization, nonprofit, business, church or faith group would also like to take a stand
against discrimination and for the Golden Rule, you can download the endorsement form also on this page. Pledge to Vote No and donate to the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign here: http://www.mnunited.org/index.cfm

—————————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert Save the Date! Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29th 2011

December 30th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

December 20, 2011

1. Save The Date! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

3. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

1. Save The Date! MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29

Happy Holidays from MCA! We hope you have a happy and joyful holiday season.

As we look ahead to 2012, we can see that we will need to advocate to protect arts funding from being diverted to stadiums, among other things. So we’ve already set the date for Arts Advocacy Day on Feb. 29, 2012 – which is Leap Day! A day hard to forget. So put it in your calendar now with more details to come.

—————————————

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

MCA has been working hard on your behalf this year, protecting arts funding from all kinds of dangers including the threat to use it to fund a Vikings stadium. (!) MCA is made up of arts advocates like you from all over the state. Together, we are a powerful force!

Please renew your MCA membership today:

mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

—————————————

3. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is coming to Minnesota! The Cultural Data Project is an online tool that helps build the arts sector by allowing arts organizations to track, report and compare data, helps public and private funders see trends and plan effective use of resources, and helps advocates develop field-wide strategies. Minnesota’s foundations, the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils and the Minnesota Historical Society are all working together to bring it here. It will provide new useful info. for advocacy as well as some great tools for both arts grantees and
Minnesota’s foundations.

This year has been another extremely busy year for the CDP. After the launch of this initiative in Arizona this past February, the project launched in Rhode Island in May, in Vermont in August, and in Washington DC in October. With the addition of these states, the CDP is now in operation in 11 states (plus DC) across the country and close to 12,000 arts and cultural organizations are using the system.

Soon you can start using the CDP as well! The Minnesota CDP is scheduled to launch on June 1, 2012. As Minnesota’s foundations prepare to roll out the project in our state, they will be sharing more information with you as we get closer to the launch. So, stay tuned.

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

MCA and over 100 nonprofit and civic organizations have endorsed the campaign against the marriage amendment that will be on the Ballot in November 2012. (For a list of endorsing organizations, go to: http://www.mnunited.org/page.cfm?pageid=2.) We believe that the work of the nonprofit and creative sectors would be harmed by this amendment. If your arts organization, nonprofit, business, church or faith group would also like to take a stand against discrimination and for the
Golden Rule, you can download the endorsement form also on this page. Pledge to Vote No and donate to the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign here: http://www.mnunited.org/index.cfm

—————————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alerts: MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

December 13th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

December 13, 2011

1. MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

—————————————

1. MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

ISSUE BACKGROUND:

The MCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse the Minnesotans United for All Families Campaign, which will work to defeat the marriage amendment that will be on the ballot in November of 2012.

The amendment defines marriage as between “one man and one woman.” The intention of this amendment is to ban gay people from marrying. There is a similar law already in Minnesota statute.

Minnesota business people such as John Taft of RBC and Charlie Zelle of Jefferson Lines have come out in opposition to the amendment because of the negative effect it will have on their ability to recruit the very best executive talent to the state. Newspapers in every corner of the state and people of all political parties have also come out against the amendment for this and other reasons. Over 100 non-profit, arts, civic and religious organizations have endorsed the Minnesotans United campaign so far.

WHY MCA CHOSE TO GET INVOLVED:

THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY’S STAKE IN THE AMENDMENT

1. Minnesota’s creative community thrives because of the contributions of all kinds of creative people, including gay people. Passage of this amendment would hang a “not welcome” sign on our borders to a significant portion of the creative community and would cause damage to our image as a great place to be an artist. This amendment could limit our state’s ability to recruit the best and the brightest to be a part of our state’s future. Economist Richard Florida said in The Creative Class that regions with high concentrations of technology workers, artists,
musicians, lesbians and gay men, or “the creative class” fosters an open, dynamic personal and professional environment, which in turn attracts more creative people, businesses,
and capital. We believe in the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. That’s the kind of place we believe Minnesota is, and the kind of place we want it to be in the future.

2. Our arts community, of which we are a part, is already organizing itself in opposition to the amendment. For example, “Minnesota Artists for Equality” has already put on a show to raise money for the campaign. Many arts organizations are coming on board to oppose the amendment.

3. MCA’s board long ago adopted and abides by a nondiscrimination policy which includes sexual orientation:

“Minnesota Citizens for the Arts believes that the diversity of Minnesota’s artistic and cultural resources and traditions is what makes this state so rich and vibrant. MCA will create and abide by policies that increase and support diversity and access within the organization and will provide leadership to the field in advancing arts opportunities for all Minnesotans. MCA will ensure that our programs are available to all Minnesotans regardless of age; religion, cultural, ethnic and racial differences; physical and mental abilities; economic status; gender; sexual orientation; and geography.”

4. Nonprofits can, and should, take a stand on issues. (However your nonprofit can’t get involved in “partisan” politics, either for or against candidates). The rules for nonprofit engagement with a constitutional amendment campaign have changed only slightly since we all worked on the Clean Water, Land and Legacy campaign. Issue advocacy is an important and effective way for nonprofits to improve our world.

OTHER NONPROFIT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits has also endorsed the campaign. MCN’s reasons are as follows:

1. Placing this amendment on the ballot has serious negative consequences for the ability of nonprofits to do their work. The pitting of one group of Minnesotans against another undermines Minnesota’s spirit of civil society, voluntarism, and cooperation. The divisiveness surrounding the amendment campaign can undermine nonprofits’ abilities to work together on the community needs they are formed to address. This amendment represents a serious long- term threat to Minnesota’s ability to inspire service, compassion and mutual respect among future
generations.

2. The amendment is inconsistent with the spirit of the Minnesota Constitution. The basic framework of the Minnesota Constitution and its Bill of Rights in Article I is to guarantee the rights of citizens, not to restrict rights of minorities. Minnesota state law already prohibits same sex marriage and civil unions, making a constitutional amendment unnecessary.

3. The tactic of amending the constitution to put the rights of a minority to a popular vote is inconsistent with the civil rights traditions of Minnesota. Since 1948, Minnesota has been in the forefront of support for civil rights protections, when Minnesota’s leaders called on America to “get out of the shadow of states’ rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.” Minnesota’s nonprofits work hard to provide services and
promote participation in ways that respect all of the people in their communities. Amendments with similar language in other states have had policy implications that directly affect nonprofits
and the people they serve. Nonprofits affected by such policy changes would include those working in the areas of adoption, domestic violence, youth development, human services, health care and public education.

4. Over 100 nonprofit and civic organizations have endorsed the campaign thus far, including many MCN members, who have each seriously weighed the consequences of this amendment. (For a list of endorsing organizations, go to: http://www.mnunited.org/page.cfm?pageid=2.)

While a number of religious and other organizations have endorsed this amendment, and reasonable people can reach different conclusions, we believe that the work of the nonprofit and creative sectors would be harmed by this amendment.

WANT TO HELP?

If you personally would like to volunteer or donate to the Minnesotans United for All Families campaign, or find out more information, you can do so here: http://www.mnunited.org/index.cfm

WANT TO ENDORSE?

If your arts organization, nonprofit, business, church or faith group would also like to take a stand against discrimination and for the Golden Rule, you can download the endorsement form at the bottom of this page: http://www.mnunited.org/page.cfm?pageid=2.

Thanks, all.

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

MCA has been working hard on your behalf this year, protecting arts funding from all kinds of dangers including the threat to use it to fund a Vikings stadium. (!) MCA is made up of arts advocates like you from all over the state. Together, we are a powerful force!

Please renew your MCA membership today: mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

—————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Using Legacy For Stadium Would be a Betrayal of Voters

December 8th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

December 7, 2011

Using Legacy For Stadium “Would be a Betrayal of Voters”

RALLY:

Yesterday’s rally and hearing at the State Capitol was an important opportunity for arts advocates. We drove home our message, “Not one penny of Legacy for stadium” by emphasizing how unpopular the idea is with the Minnesota public.

One of the 40+ protesters, Angie Keeton, brought a sign saying “We Are the 77%,” a reference to the Star Tribune poll that found 77% of Minnesotans oppose using the Arts Legacy fund this way. (Look for pictures of the rally on MCA’s Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/mncitizensforthearts).

HEARING:

The hearing room was packed, and seats were hard to come by.

Tom Hanson, former Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner for the Pawlenty administration (and now lobbyist for MCA), pointed out that using the Legacy fund would bring delay and uncertainty to the stadium financing, as there undoubtedly would be a lawsuit against using the fund, and because the Vikings would have to return to the Capitol every two years as arts advocates do to ask for continuing appropriations from the fund. He also noted that public is very opposed to using Legacy funding, already delivering 13,000+ calls and letters to legislators against the idea.

Bill Strusinski, representing public television, remarked that during the many years debate at the legislature and with voters, using the fund for a stadium was never discussed.

From the Minnesota Historical Society, David Kelliher said that MHS has awarded 500+ grants, and the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils 2500+ grants, in all 87 counties so far from the Arts Legacy funds, and that these grants would be lost to towns all across the state if they were diverted to a stadium.

Don McMillan from the Outdoor Heritage Alliance was scheduled to appear with us but couldn’t be at the hearing because he was sick, so Molly Pederson from Conservation Minnesota read his remarks, which pointed out that if the legislature can misuse the Arts Legacy fund, they’ll be after the Land, Water and Parks funds next.

In response to the testimony, Minneapolis’ Sen. Scott Dibble said he’s gotten hundreds of emails opposed to the idea of stealing Legacy funding, and none in favor.

Senator Richard Cohen of St. Paul, also on the committee, remarked:

· Neither legislators or voters thought Legacy funding would go to stadium when they voted for it,

· If you can misuse Arts Legacy funding this way, there’s no stopping using the land, water, or parks funds too,

· and that using Legacy funding is the LEAST POPULAR option with the public for funding a stadium for the Vikings

PRESS:

Minnesota’s press corps covered the hearing extensively:

“Lawmakers also discussed the possibility of diverting money from the state’s Legacy fund, replenished by a statewide sales tax approved by voters in 2008 to fund arts and cultural programs. About two dozen people from the arts community protested that idea outside the hearing room.

“When we got this through the Legislature, when we sold it to voters, never once was there even a suggestion it would go to the Vikings,” said Sheila Smith, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. “This would be a betrayal of voters.”

- Austin Daily Herald and the Columbus, Indiana Republic

“No one spoke Tuesday in favor of funding a stadium with money the state collects for outdoors and arts projects. That had been discussed earlier, and hallways near the meeting room Tuesday were filled with arts and outdoors supporters holding signs opposed to the concept.”

-The West Central Tribune, Willmar and Forum Communication’s Capitol Chatter

Online newspaper Minnpost declared that funding for the stadium “isn’t going to come from” the Legacy Arts Fund. (Nice to hear, but we don’t think we’re out of the woods yet):

“Almost a sure thing: The money to fund a stadium isn’t going to come from the arts and cultural legacy money. That trial balloon, floated by a legislator months ago, never gained much altitude.

And it was shot full of holes by arts groups at Tuesday’s lengthy joint Senate committee meeting.

A large delegation of arts supporters stood outside the hearing room carried not so subtle signs for legislators to ponder, such as: “Did Zygi doorknock in 2008? We did.”

But it wasn’t just the arts crowd making a point that a football stadium doesn’t qualify for Legacy Amendment spending.

Outdoor organizations sided with the arts folks, too.

“They [outdoor organizations] understand that if they [legislators] can steal arts and culture funds, they’d be next,” said Sheila Smith, executive director of the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, who helped organize the arts turnout.

WCCO’s Pat Kessler had the best video coverage of the rally, and Almanac’s Mary Lahammer also posted a brief rally video.

Thanks again to everyone who came to the rally, testified, or has contacted their legislators through our website http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN. This fight is not over yet, but your work is making a difference!

NEXT STEPS?

A Special Session to fund the stadium is still being discussed. Stay tuned.

—————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Come to Capitol Tomorrow on Your Lunch Hour to Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium.

December 7th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

November 29, 2011

1. Come to Capitol Tomorrow on Your Lunch Hour to Oppose Using Legacy $ for Stadium!

2. “Artist” is One of the Ten Happiest Jobs

3. Charitable Giving in Minnesota Drops as Recession Continues

—————————

1. Come to Capitol Tomorrow on Your Lunch Hour to Oppose Using Legacy $ for Stadium

We want to make sure legislators know that the majority of Minnesotans oppose using Legacy funds for a stadium. Join us at the Capitol over your lunch hour for just an hour or so, from 12:00-1:00. Join us outside Room 15 (on the Ground floor) at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to ask legislators not to use Arts Legacy funds for a Vikings Stadium. The Senate has scheduled a hearing for 12:30 on that day. We will have signs and buttons for you to wear, although you can make your own signs! Look for arts friends wearing “Arts
Advocate” buttons. We need you there!

Our message? “Not One Penny of Legacy for a Stadium!”

Can you join us?! Let us know by emailing staff@mncitizensforthearts.org or calling us at 651-251-0868.

If you can’t be at the Capitol and still haven’t sent a letter to your legislators, it’s not too late to take action! You can send letters to the Governor and legislature here: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN

Minnesota is with us. A recent Star Tribune Poll found that 77% of Minnesotans are against using Legacy for a stadium:

“The idea floated recently of using Legacy funds, which are dedicated to projects benefitting the environment, arts and cultural heritage, was shot down by the poll respondents — 77 percent opposed using Legacy funds for a stadium, compared to 21 percent in favor.”

—————————

2. “Artist” is One of the Ten Happiest Jobs

Forbes magazine is reporting that “Artist” is one of the ten happiest jobs (it’s number seven) as reported in a General Social Survey by the National Organization for Research at the University of Chicago.

“Why were these jobs with better pay and higher social status less likely to produce happiness? Todd May writing in the New York Times argues that “A meaningful life must, in some sense then, feel worthwhile. The person living the life must be engaged by it. A life of commitment to causes that are generally defined as worthy — like feeding and clothing the poor or ministering to the ill — but that do not move the person participating in them will lack meaningfulness in this sense. However, for a life to be meaningful, it must also be worthwhile.”

See the rest of the list here.

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3. Charitable Giving in Minnesota Drops as Recession Continues

The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) released its Giving In Minnesota, 2011 Edition research report, the most comprehensive analysis of charitable giving in the state. The report shows giving by individuals, foundations and corporate giving programs totaled $4.9 billion for the 2009 research year, a decrease of 9.3 percent from 2008.

The majority of the state’s charitable giving – 72 percent in 2009 – comes from individuals. Individual giving in Minnesota declided 11.3 percent from 2008 to 2009. Foundation and corporate grantmaking, accounting for 28 percent of the whole, decreased by 3.6 percent from 2008.

More data on Minnesota giving patterns is available in the report.

—————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Join Us!: Dec. 6th at Senate Hearing to Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium.

December 7th, 2011

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
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

November 29, 2011

1. Join Us! Dec. 6 at Senate Hearing to Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

2. Star Tribune Poll Finds 77% of Minnesotans Against Using Legacy for Stadium

3. Minneapolis Celebrates Legacy Weekend Dec. 2-4

—————————

1. Join Us! Dec. 6 at Senate Hearing to Oppose Using Legacy $ for Stadium

Arts advocates will be gathering outside Room 15 at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to ask legislators not to use Arts Legacy funds for a Vikings Stadium. The Senate has scheduled a hearing for 12:30 on that day. Join us there for just an hour or so, from 12:00-1:00. We will have signs and buttons for you to wear, although you can make your own signs! Look for arts friends wearing “Arts Advocate” buttons. We want to make sure legislators know that the majority of Minnesotans oppose using Legacy funds for a stadium. (See info on the Star Tribune’s poll below).

Our message? “Not One Penny of Legacy for a Stadium!”

Can you join us?! Let us know by emailing staff@mncitizensforthearts.org or calling us at 651-251-0868.

If you can’t be at the Capitol and still haven’t sent a letter to your legislators, it’s not too late to take action! You can send letters to the Governor and legislature here:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/state/main/?state=MN

—————————

2. Star Tribune Poll Finds 77% of Minnesotans Against Using Legacy for Stadium

The Minneapolis Star Tribune held some great news for arts advocates:

“The idea floated recently of using Legacy funds, which are dedicated to projects benefitting the environment, arts and cultural heritage, was shot down by the poll respondents — 77 percent opposed using Legacy funds for a stadium, compared to 21 percent in favor.”

The poll found that using Legacy funds is the LEAST POPULAR option for funding the stadium.

—————————

3. Minneapolis Celebrates Legacy Weekend Dec. 2-4

Experience the legacy of natural resources, arts and culture in Minneapolis as it hosts Legacy Destination Weekend Dec. 2 – 4. This urban Legacy Weekend will highlight the importance of arts, history and outdoor resources to the community that have been positively impacted from funding provided through the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.

Featuring local organizations such as the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum and American Swedish Institute along with sites like the beautiful Lake Harriet, all of these resources received funding from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, an initiative approved by Minnesota voters in 2008 to provide financial support for a variety of conservation, parks and cultural programs. The Minneapolis Legacy Destination Weekend is part of a monthly series being held in communities throughout Minnesota to highlight local cultural and outdoor opportunities by drawing residents and visitors to an assortment of fun activities.

The Legacy Destination Weekends program is a partnership of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism promotion office.

A detailed schedule of events is available online at Minneapolis.org/legacy. Among the events on the Legacy Weekend schedule, consider these examples:

Take a backstage tour of Guthrie Theater, world renowned for its theater and architecture. Plus, catch performances of A Christmas Carol and Charlie’s Aunt to experience the best of Minneapolis theater.
The Reindeer Run around Lake Harriet is a quirky 5K or 1K for all age groups where holiday outfits are not required but admired. Proceeds of the race go to the Toys for Tots program, providing holiday gifts to underprivileged children.
Mill City Museum will host the final round of the Star Tribune’s annual Taste Holiday Cookie Contest. Get inspired for holiday baking when the finalists bake their winning recipes in the Mill City Museum Baking Lab. Visitors can drop in and meet the finalists, learn more about the history of the recipes, get baking tips for the holiday season and best of all, sample each of the winning cookies.
Holiday Story Time at the American Swedish Institute, a cozy activity for children ages 2-10.
The Walker Art Center will open its doors to the public for Wall-to-Wall Walker: A free 10-hour open house event. Highlights include live music, art-making activities for all ages and amazing exhibitions featuring Graphic Design: Now in Production and Dance Works I: Merce Cunningham/Robert Rauschenberg. Or make a night of it by checking out the best of British advertising at the British Arrows Awards followed up by drinks and snacks at the Walker Pub. Admission is free from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. all three days.

Minneapolis hotels are offering special rates for visitors staying in Minneapolis during Legacy Weekend. For a list of hotels and the packages they offer visit minneapolis.org/visitor/promotions-deals/deals.

ABOUT LEGACY FUNDS

The Guthrie, Walker, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and American Swedish Institute activities are funded, in part, by Legacy grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Mill City Museum activities are funded, in part, by a Legacy grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. The Legacy Parks & Trails Fund benefits Minneapolis Parks & Recreation as the Legacy Clean Water Fund tests Lake Harriet’s water quality; and the Legacy Arts & Culture Fund provides resources to the Minneapolis Central Library for arts and history programming.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit of the greater Minneapolis area.

Online: www.minneapolis.org

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meetminneapolis?ref=ts

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/meetminneapolis

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristen Montag, 612.767.8038, kristenm@minneapolis.org and Minneapolis_PR on Twitter

—————————

RESOURCES

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/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
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 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!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

Arts Alert: Amendment to Divert $30M of Arts Legacy Defeated!

Arts Alert: Arts Advocacy Day Spurs Action

Arts Alerts: Take Action- Today is Arts Advocacy Day!

Arts Alert: Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day Feb. 29th- Today is the Last Day to Register!

arts alert: Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day Feb 29th Register Now!

Arts Alert: Caucuses Across the State Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

Arts Alert: Join Us: Say NO to Use of Legacy for Stadium at Your Precinct Caucus Feb. 7th

Arts Alert: Legislative Session Begins, Arts Advocates on Alert

Arts Alert: Renew Your Membership With MCA Before Year’s End!

Arts Alert Save the Date! Arts Advocacy Day Will Be Feb. 29th 2011

arts alerts: MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

arts alert: Using Legacy For Stadium Would be a Betrayal of Voters

arts alert: Come to Capitol Tomorrow on Your Lunch Hour to Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium.

arts alert: Join Us!: Dec. 6th at Senate Hearing to Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium.

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