November 3 , 2009

1. Come Celebrate the First Anniversary of the Passage of Vote Yes on Nov. 16!

2. Senator Cohen Appointed to President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities

3. More Hearings on Arts and Culture Fund in Minneapolis, Rochester, and Marshall

4. Another Access Point for Amendment Resources: MPR

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1. Come Celebrate the First Anniversary of the Passage of Vote Yes on Nov. 16!

You Are Invited to the Annual Meeting of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts on Monday, November 16th, 2009

Join us as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the passage of Vote Yes! and talk about how funds are already being distributed. Thank MCA’s 2009 Legislative Arts All Star Award recipients, Sen. Cohen, Sen. Tomassoni, Rep. Lillie, Rep. Gunther and Rep. Morgan. We will also welcome new board members to the board and thank retiring members for their service.

Come celebrate the success of the past year and raise a glass to the
first state in the nation to enshrine the arts in their constitution.

An Informal Evening in Two Parts:

#1. Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. (With Cake)
at James Sewell Ballet, Minneapolis.
The James Sewell Ballet is located on the 2nd floor of Hennepin Center for the Arts at 528 Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

#2. Then Raise A Glass in Celebration! 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Informal Cash Bar)
at Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant.
Gluek’s is located at 16 N 6th St, in downtown Minneapolis, right next to Hennepin Center for the Arts.

Admission is free! Please R.S.V.P. to MCA by calling (651) 251-0868 or e-mailing staff at mncitizensforthearts.org.

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2. Senator Cohen Appointed to President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities

We are delighted to report that Sen. Richard Cohen, a frequent hero for the arts at the Minnesota legislature, has been appointed to President Obama’s Committee on Arts and Humanities. He was sworn in today by Vice President Joe Biden at the White House, is scheduled to meet with Michelle Obama, the honorary chair, on Wednesday, and will also attend a concert in the East Room of the White House.

The President’s Committee focuses on arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy, economic revitalization through the arts and humanities and special events dedicated to recognizing excellence in these areas. The committee works with three primary agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Other members include some pretty amazing names – cellist Yo-Yo Ma, actors Sarah Jessica Parker, Forest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard, and Ed Norton, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, among others.

Congratulations to Senator Cohen! Send him a note of congratulations to: Senator Richard Cohen, 121 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155-1606.

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3. More Hearings on Arts and Culture Fund in Minneapolis, Rochester, and Marshall

• Mon, Nov. 16 – Rochester Community and Technical College, Heinz Center, 851-30th Ave SE, Rochester, 5-7 PM
• Tue, Nov. 17 – Eastside Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd Street NE, Minneapolis, 5-7 PM
• Wed, Nov. 18 – Southwest Minnesota State University, Charter Hall, Rooms 201 & 217, 1501 State Street South, Marshall (Park in “A” or “B” Lots on East side of Campus), 5-7 PM

The legislature has required the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB), Historical Society, and Humanities Commission to set up a planning group and process to recommend 10 and 25 year plans for the Arts and Culture Fund. There will be six public hearings at which they will take public testimony about what should be in the plan. It cannot be stressed more urgently that the arts voice needs to be heard loud and clear at these hearings.

The constitutional amendment, approved by voters in November 2008, added a provision to Minnesota’s constitution that provides for an increase in the sales tax to support outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, as well as “Arts, arts education, arts access, and the preservation of our history and cultural heritage.”

This was the “arts amendment” and we have always advocated that the majority of these resources should go to the MSAB and Regional Arts Councils to support the arts accross the state. This is also true for the Minnesota Historical Society and local historical societies. Our tried and true system for the arts (and for history) is the most efficient way to get these resources out to every corner of the state where they are so badly needed. It’s also true that Minnesota Citizens for the Arts was responsibile for the inclusion of the arts in the amendment, and led, with conservationists, the statewide campaign to pass the amendment with the voters last November. This planning group needs to hear these messages loud and clear.

The first two years of amendment resources have already been appropriated by the legislature to the MSAB, Regional Arts Councils, and other agencies. Therefore the result of this new process probably won’t affect appropriations for these first two years. It is also important to note that current legislators cannot bind the hands of future legislators. This means that the plan created by this group is only, in effect, advisory. Nonetheless, it could set some unwelcome precedents if done badly.

The 13-member committee includes only three representatives of the arts: David O’Fallon, president and CEO, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis; Rebecca Lynn Petersen, executive director, Fergus Falls Center for the Arts; and Pam Perri Weaver, board member, Minnesota State Arts Board. They are all wonderful champions for the arts. Still, it seems to me very inappropriate that the legislature has set up a process to talk about how the “Arts Amendment” should be spent that is not made up primarily ofarts voices. Nonetheless, it is what it is. And that makes it important that we make the arts’ voice heard at the hearings.

The agency’s press release says, “Representatives from the three organizations and 10 other history, arts and cultural organizations and libraries will work together to develop a plan that will go to the legislature to recommend how the proceeds of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund should be spent….Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Subsequent listening sessions will be held in coming months in locations across the state. An online survey will also be available. The results of this collaborative planning process will be reported to the legislature by Jan. 15, 2010. For more information about times and locations of upcoming public hearings and the online survey, visit www.ACHFMinnesota.org.”

Other members of this committee are Peggy Adelman, chief financial officer, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley; Jennifer Bloom, executive director, Learning, Law and Democracy Foundation, St. Paul; Michael Garcia, president and CEO, Duluth Children’s Museum; Allen Harmon, president and general manager, Duluth-Superior Area Educational Television; Andrea Kajer, deputy director, Minnesota Historical Society; Patricia Mulso, executive director, Freeborn Historical Society, Albert Lea; Jeff Nelson, public strategy managing director, Minnesota Public Radio, St. Paul; Brenda Raney, director of government relations, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul; Mark Ranum, director, Plum Creek Library System, Worthington; Stanley Romanstein, executive director, Minnesota Humanities Center.

Sincerely,

Sheila Smith, Executive Director

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4. Another Access Point for Amendment Resources: MPR

We are tracking for you when new partnership opportunities may be available for arts organizations because of amendment appropriations. The latest in the door is MPR, which is creating quite a few new programs, some of which may offer partnership opportunities. The contact person for all of these is Jeff Freeland Nelson, managing director, public strategy at jnelson@mpr.org.

This week they announced six new projects and a new partnership/innovation fund supported by amendment resources. They include expanded cultural content on the radio and the web through a program called Minnesota Today, recording and broadcasting performances by Minnesota cultural organizations including The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra, continuing to develop a publicly accessible archive of historic audio recordings in collaboration with other Minnesota cultural organizations. Additionally, there will be a Legacy Innovation Fund for small-scale innovative projects and/or partnerships, and I’m told this last program is the key avenue for arts organizations to partner with MPR.

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October 17, 2009

1. More Arts Access Points for Amendment Money

2. Citizens of Minnesota Given Award for Passing the Amendment

3. State Begins New Planning Process for Arts and Culture Fund

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1. More Arts Access Points for Amendment Money

After our many years of work and struggle to pass the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, I am happy to report that the benefits of the amendment in terms of grants are beginning to take shape. Primarily the grants of interest for the arts will be found at the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils, which I discussed in my last alert. Funds have also gone to several other agencies, so artists and arts organizations would be well advised to pay attention to these other multiple “Access Points” for Arts and Culture Fund dollars. Today’s information covers the Humanities Commission and the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Much additional detail on opportunities for the arts with Public Television cultural programming is coming soon, and yet more info. will follow in the coming weeks. It will all be consolidated on our website at www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

From the MINNESOTA HUMANITIES CENTER:

The Minnesota Humanities Center, which received four $125,000 grants for work with each of the four Minnesota ethnic councils:

“The Minnesota Humanities Center, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Council on Black Minnesotans, the Council on the Affairs of Chicano and Latino Minnesotans, and the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans are collaboratively creating new programs and events that celebrate and preserve the artistic, historical, and cultural heritages of the communities represented by each council.

As the partnership between the Humanities Center and the four councils is entirely new, much of our work is still in the planning stages. Currently, we are:

1) Enlisting a wide variety of partners to highlight to a broad public audience the significant cultural and artistic contributions made to our state by members of the communities represented by the four councils. This undertaking will have multiple benefits – both for the communities highlighted and for us all – and will launch no later than January 2010. The Humanities Center will be responsible for linking this effort to our collective emphasis on strengthening k-12 education in the arts and humanities across our state.

2) Developing artistic and cultural programming in response to needs articulated by those communities represented by the four councils. Programmatic ideas will come through the councils. The Humanities Center will be responsible for bringing other cultural partners to the table, contributing to the quality of the programming, coordinating a uniform process of measuring success against stated goals, and reporting financial and programmatic impact to the state legislature and the taxpayers.”

The PERPICH CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION is conducting a State Arts Education Survey:

“Notice of Request for Proposal for State Arts Education Survey
The Perpich Center for Arts Education is requesting proposals for the purpose of designing and executing three elements of a project to establish baseline information about the status of arts education in Minnesota public and private schools. Work is proposed to start after December 4, 2009. Request for Proposals will be available by mail from this office through Monday, October 26, 2009 at 4:00 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT). A written request (by direct mail or fax) is required to receive the Request for Proposal. After Monday, October 26, 2009, the Request for Proposal must be picked up in person. The Request for Proposal can be obtained from: Byron Richard, Education Research Coordinator, Perpich Center for Arts Education, 6125 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN 55422, Phone: (763) 591-4721 (work), Fax: (763) 591-4759, E-mail: Byron.Richard@pcae.k12.mn.us

Proposals submitted in response to the Request for Proposals in this advertisement must be received at the address above no later than 2:30 PM, Central Daylight Time (CDT), Monday, November 2, 2009. Hand delivered proposals must be delivered to the Perpich Center for Arts Education Receptionist in the Arts High School building. Late proposals will NOT be considered. Fax or emailed proposals will NOT be considered. This request does not obligate the State to complete the work contemplated in this notice. The State reserves the right to cancel this solicitation. All expenses incurred in responding to this notice are solely the responsibility of the responder.”

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2. Citizens of Minnesota Given Award for Passing the Amendment

The arts in Minnesota are more accessible to people with disabilities today – thanks in part to three individuals, one organization and a state full of voters who value the arts. The 12th annual Arts Access Awards are nominated by the public and presented by VSA arts of Minnesota, a statewide arts & disability organization, to recognize outstanding accomplishments by artists, arts organizations, advocates and educators that help create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts.

The 2009 VSA Arts Access Award recipients are:

The Voters of Minnesota for having the vision to pass the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, which will result in improved access to the arts for all people, including people with disabilities. This year VSA’s Awards Committee decided to try something different because a phenomenal action occurred last fall:

The Amendment was the largest arts and culture ballot initiative in American history.
It is estimated that the Amendment will generate $2.2 billion for the arts, arts education, and arts access and to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage over the next 25 years.
This will include about a quarter million dollars which the Metro Regional Arts Council is designating for a new grant program, to be administered by VSA arts of Minnesota, to assist arts organizations in making their facilities, programs and staffing even more accessible to people with disabilities.
Children who have not even been born yet will benefit from increased access to the arts and culture and to a cleaner, healthier environment because of the passage of the Amendment.
Dedicated funding for the arts is now in the Minnesota constitution.
There are literally a thousand heroes who contributed time and resources to this effort, led by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Sheila Smith, MCA Executive Director, and Ken Martin, Vote Yes! Campaign Manager. Congratulations to the Voters of Minnesota – this Jaehny is ours!
The other 2009 VSA Arts Access Award recipients are:

Most Active and Visible Minnesota Artist with Disabilities – Nicole Zapko, Bloomington performer who is Deaf, co-director of StoryBlend;
Outstanding Artist Educator of Students and Adults with Disabilities – Anne Krocak, Prior Lake;
Outstanding Organization Actively Supporting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities – WACOSA, Waite Park (St. Cloud area) nonprofit provider of arts programming for adults with disabilities;
Outstanding Individuals Actively Promoting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities – Caryl Barnett, St. Paul, long-time advocate of Audio Description and accessibility training for arts organization staffs.
This year’s awards were presented on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Vision Loss Resources in Minneapolis. The award, this year created by Nancy Ann Miller of Eveleth, is called the “Jaehny” in honor of Jaehn Clare, a co-founder of VSA arts of Minnesota.

Congratulations to all!

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3. State Begins New Planning Process for Arts and Culture Fund
The legislature has required the MSAB, Historical Society, and Humanities Commission to set up a planning group and process to recommend 10 and 25 year plans for the Arts and Culture Fund. There will be six public hearings at which they will take public testimony about what should be in the plan. It cannot be stressed more urgently that the arts voice needs to be heard loud and clear at these hearings.

The three organizations will host a series of listening sessions to obtain public input for a 10-year plan and 25-year framework for the use of funds made available through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The constitutional amendment, approved by voters in November 2008, added a provision to Minnesota’s constitution that provides for an increase in the sales tax to support outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, as well as “Arts, arts education, arts access, and the preservation of our history and cultural heritage.”

The first two years of amendment resources have already been appropriated by the legislature to the MSAB, Regional Arts Councils, and other agencies. Therefore the result of this new process probably won’t affect appropriations for these first two years. It is also important to note that current legislators cannot bind the hands of future legislators. This means that the plan created by this group is only, in effect, advisory. Nonetheless, it could set some unwelcome precedents if done badly. The 13-member committee includes only three representatives of the arts: David O’Fallon, president and CEO, MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis; Rebecca Lynn Petersen, executive director, Fergus Falls Center for the Arts; and Pam Perri Weaver, board member, Minnesota State Arts Board. They are all wonderful champions for the arts. Still, it seems to me very inappropriate that the legislature has set up a process to talk about how the “Arts Amendment” should be spent that is not made up primarily of arts voices. Nonetheless, it is what it is. And that makes it important that we make the arts’ voice heard at the hearings.

The agency’s press release says, “Representatives from the three organizations and 10 other history, arts and cultural organizations and libraries will work together to develop a plan that will go to the legislature to recommend how the proceeds of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund should be spent. The first session will be held at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul on Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Subsequent listening sessions will be held in coming months in locations across the state. An online survey will also be available. The results of this collaborative planning process will be reported to the legislature by Jan. 15, 2010. For more information about times and locations of upcoming public hearings and the online survey, visit www.ACHFMinnesota.org.”

Other members are Peggy Adelman, chief financial officer, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley; Jennifer Bloom, executive director, Learning, Law and Democracy Foundation, St. Paul; Michael Garcia, president and CEO, Duluth Children’s Museum; Allen Harmon, president and general manager, Duluth-Superior Area Educational Television; Andrea Kajer, deputy director, Minnesota Historical Society; Patricia Mulso, executive director, Freeborn Historical Society, Albert Lea; Jeff Nelson, public strategy managing director, Minnesota Public Radio, St. Paul; Brenda Raney, director of government relations, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul; Mark Ranum, director, Plum Creek Library System, Worthington; Stanley Romanstein, executive director, Minnesota Humanities Center.

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

Arts Action Center

October 9, 2009

1. Where is the Amendment Money?

2. Last Two! Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshops: New Ulm, Paynesville

3. Nominations Open for Sally Awards

4. Internship Openings at MCA

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1. Where is the Amendment Money?

Access Points For Amendment Resources:

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, passed by the voters in November, 2008, created new resources for land conservation, water conservation, parks and arts.

The agencies and programs that received legislative appropriations from the four funds are scrambling now to create programs to make grants across the state. Many of these plans are not yet finalized, but a road map is now emerging for arts and culture organizations and artists in terms of how to access the resources in the Arts and Culture Fund. Because the funds have gone to multiple agencies, artists and arts organizations would be well advised to pay attention to these mulitple “Access Points” for Arts and Culture Fund dollars. I have included a quick description of where each agency is in their planning process.

ARTS, ARTISTS AND ARTS ACCESS:

The Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils

Minnesota’s state arts funding system includes a state agency (MSAB) that does statewide programming and grant-making, and 11 regional arts councils (RACs) which each serve a set of counties with local grants and services. Collectively, they received $21,650,000 for grants and services for 1. Arts, and Arts Access, 2. Arts Education, 3. Arts and Cultural Heritage.

STATEWIDE: MINNESOTA STATE ARTS BOARD: In addition to some administrative money, 70% of the MSAB/RAC appropriation goes to the MSAB for statewide projects and services. After a lengthy and exhaustive set of regional meetings and public input, the MSAB has nearly completed its plan to get grants out to Minnesota communities. Right now it looks like they will be doing a combination of beefing up current programs for artists and arts organizations, and creating new programs to promote arts education partnerships, to fund touring and festivals, to fund free public access to arts events, and to fund new opportunities for artists. Once finalized (within a month or two), they will be posted on www.arts.state.mn.us. I will send out updates as more specific information becomes available.

REGIONAL ARTS COUNCILS: The RACs are receiving 30% of the appropriation, and each RAC is determining independently the new programs it will create in their region based on local community input. For various reasons they are each on a different timeline, for example, Region 9 in Mankato will start making their grants in November, 2009. Region 2, in Bemidji, will be launching in May, 2010. To find out what opportunities are available in your area, contact your local Regional Arts Council. Contact info. can be found at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/racs/index.htm.

MINNESOTA PUBLIC TV

All public TV stations in MN have received money to do more arts and cultural programming with their amendment funds. To find out what the stations in your area are planning, and to potentially partner with them, call your local station:

Twin Cities Public Television, Minneapolis / St. Paul, 651-222-1717, www.tpt.org

WDSE-TV Channel 8, Duluth / Superior & Hibbing, 218-724-8567, www.wdse.org

Lakeland Public Television, Bemidji / Brainerd, 800-292-0922, www.lakelandptv.org

Pioneer Public Television, Appleton / Worthington / Fergus Falls, 800-726-3178, www.pioneer.org

KSMQ-TV, Austin / Rochester, 800-658-2539, www.ksmq.org

Prairie Public Television, Moorhead / Crookston, 800-359-6900, www.prairiepublic.org

ART IN LIBRARIES

The state’s twelve regional library systems have received $4.25 million to provide arts and culture activities. All of the systems are looking for partnerships that will connect libraries, historical societies, arts organizations, and literacy. The library Legacy money must be spent in 4 categories: 1. Arts 2. Culture 3. Literary 4. MN History. If you want to partner with the libraries to provide programming, then you should get on the phone with your regional library system asap. Some of them are very unfamiliar with local artists and arts organizations. More information about their Legacy Fund planning, and contact information for each of the regional library systems can be found at: www.crplsa.info. Suzanne Miller, State Librarian, Minnesota Department of Education can also provide additional information. She can be reached at: 651-582-8791 or suzanne.miller@state.mn.us. There is also a blog where the libraries are tracking their activity with Legacy funds at: http://www.crplsa.info/pages/viewrecentblogposts.action?key=CRPLSA.

STATEWIDE: All twelve regional library systems have set aside 10% of their allocation for a statewide initiative. While not confirmed, it looks like it will be used for a Greatest Generation program in partnership with the State Historical Society.

THE TWELVE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS: The other 90% will be split between the twelve regional library systems. (The allocation for each of the regional library systems is based on the existing “Regional Library Basic System Support” formula which is used to distribute the state’s appropriation for libraries, which includes factors for population and geographical area).

METRO AREA: The seven metro counties and the City of St. Paul each have a regional library system. Collectively, the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) covers them all. They have decided to hire Melinda Ludwiczak melinda@melsa.org from the Hennepin County Library to coordinate the Legacy Fund efforts for the whole metro area. MELSA will use approximately 40% of their funds to create programs and partnerships on a metro-wide level. The remaining 50% will be allocated by population to each of the eight member systems to enhance partnerships with local community agencies and provide arts, cultural heritage, literary and Minnesota history activities.

GREATER MN: The remaining regional library systems are each determining their own programming.

The Traverse des Sioux Regional Library, headquartered in Mankato, will partner with the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to get the money distributed.

In Duluth, the Executive Director of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is on the committee to help the library system (Arrowhead Library System) determine how best to utilize their funds.

The East Central MN Library system has posted a web page where they will post their plans: http://eastcentrallibraries.blogspot.com/2009/08/arts-and-culture-in-library.html

MN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Minnesota Historical Society has created a web page to describe their plans and promote potential grant opportunities for local historical sites and organizations: http://www.mnhs.org/about/grants/legacy/index.htm.

MN PUBLIC RADIO

As of this writing, I don’t have any advice except to call your local station and ask them what their plans are.

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2. Last Two! Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshops: New Ulm, Paynesville

So far three Cultural Heritage Tourism workshops have been held around the state to provide useful info. on using the web to promote your activities, and how to find partners to maximize your reach. There are only two more – in New Ulm and Paynesville – in the next few weeks. In these challenging times, how do you attract visitors to grow your audience? How can you make the most of scarce resources to promote your organization? By working together with other organizations and businesses in your community. It’s time to “Get a Little Help From Your Friends!”

What
Regional workshops on how to develop partnerships around cultural heritage tourism. Get some good ideas and network with others in your community and region.

Who Should Come

Staff and volunteers from community arts organizations, art studios/galleries, history museums, heritage festivals, lodging businesses, visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and other tourism marketing organizations.

When and Where

New Ulm: Wednesday, October 14, at Turner Hall, from 9:00am – 3:30pm

Paynesville: Monday, November 9, at Bug-Bee Hive Resort, from 9:00am – 3:30pm

Highlights

Keynote Presentation

Ontend Creative Partners is a group of business leaders, artists, film makers, writers and performers who are using their collective experience in business and the arts to help clients look at their business strategy in new ways. Carr Hagerman and Gordon Boudreau are both past “street performers” who will translate their streetwise wisdom into practical ideas for you to attract new business and keep current customers coming back for more. Gordon is the presenter in Thief River Falls, and Carr will be making the other presentations. Go to www.ontend.com to learn more.

Regional Panel

“Success Stories” of partnerships between arts/culture/heritage and tourism organizations that are bringing larger audiences and increased business to their community.

Breakout Sessions

With experts like Andrew Eklund, Founder and CEO of Cicerón Web Marketing, and Linda Muus, Account Manager for Greater Grand Forks CVB, SimmonsFlint Communications.

Registration

$45 if paid one week prior to the workshop; $59 thereafter; Registration includes lunch, break and workshop materials. Register online at: http://industry.exploreminnesota.com/culture/ -or- print registration form and fax to: 651/296-7095

Planning Partners: Thank You to Organizations Who Are Making This Possible: Minnesota State Arts Board – Explore Minnesota Tourism – Minnesota Historical Society – Bloomington CVB – Minnesota Arrowhead Association – Minnesota Heartland Tourism Association – Metro Tourism Committee – Southern Minnesota Tourism Association – Minnesota Association of Museums – Minnesota Citizens for the Arts – Visit Duluth – Meet Minneapolis

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3. Nominations Open for Sally Awards

Dear Arts Colleague:

Our state has many extraordinary people who inspire us every day through their creativity in the visual and performing arts. For 17 years, the Ordway has formally recognized their contributions through the Sally Ordway Irvine Awards. We invite you to join in the fun by recommending individuals and organizations to be considered for the 2009 Sally Awards.
As members of this state’s cultural community, we welcome your participation in this important Ordway tradition. It’s easy to do. Just think about those who have inspired you, your families or your friends, and forward their names to us as nominees for the 2009 Sally Awards. The Awards include four separate categories:

VISION | INITIATIVE | COMMITMENT | EDUCATION

Our arts scene is so rich and vibrant that it’s impossible for us to keep up with all the great work being done around the state. You probably know about artists who are not yet on our radar screen. Don’t keep their talents a secret! Any arts organization or individual in the state of Minnesota is eligible, as long as they have not already been a recipient.
The guidelines and nomination form are available on our website at ordway.org/sallyawards. Please consider making a nomination, and forward this invitation to your friends!

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Youngdahl at 651.282.3101.

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4. Internship Openings at MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA), a nationally renowned arts advocacy organization that lobbies for state arts funding, seeks an intern to begin October 12th. The position is part-time and flexible (approximately 20 hours per week), and pays a small hourly stipend.

MCA represents the arts community of Minnesota at the state legislature and lobbies for state funding of the arts, as well as other issues of concern to the non-profit arts community. MCA also does advocacy for the National Endowment for the Arts. To lobby effectively, MCA organizes grassroots advocacy around the state and keeps constituents educated and informed about the political process and the current state of arts funding throughout the year.

Interns will have exposure to and opportunities to interact with some of the movers and shakers in the arts community, as well as a working knowledge of the legislative process, arts funding structures in Minnesota and the basic functions of running a nonprofit. Perks include free tickets to performances and many opportunities to advance in the arts and/or political community.

Duties and projects included in the internship:

- Work with staff on current projects including grassroots organizing, candidate meetings, voter education, board meeting preparation, filing and data entry.

- Interns may also have the opportunity to identify and take on projects of interest that relate to arts advocacy.

A qualified applicant would possess the following skills:

- Understanding of the political process. Past political experience preferred.

-Interest in working with the arts community.

-Good communication skills, especially speaking with people on the phone.

-A self-starting, positive, self-motivated personality and a sense of humor.

-Good organizational skills and the ability to perform many tasks simultaneously.

-Computer literacy; preferably experience with Macintosh, Microsoft Word & Excel and database systems.

-Tech Savvy; understand basics of new media and improve MCA’s visibility on sites likes Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

-Independent and creative work habits.

APPLY NOW. Please mail or email resume and cover letter by October 1, 2009 to:

Mark Albers, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, 2233 University Avenue West, Suite 355, St. Paul, MN 55114, staff@mncitizensforthearts.org

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MCA VIDEO LINKS

Check out two great videos from Arts Advocacy Day Held February 24, 2009:

Here’s a video of highlights from the Arts Advocacy Day kickoff rally on MN Stories by Chuck Olsen:

http://www.mnstories.com/video/376/Arts-Adcovacy-Day

…and a 3 Minute Egg arts show by Matt Peiken with interviews of attendees and some footage of meetings with legislators:

http://www.mnstories.com/video/374/3-MINUTE-EGG-Arts-Advocacy-Day

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2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868

fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

Arts Action Center

September 28, 2009

1. Nominate Yourself for MCA’s Board: By Oct. 1

2. Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshops: Two Harbors (this week), St.Paul, New Ulm, Paynesville

3. Internship Openings at MCA

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1. Nominate Yourself for MCA’s Board

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is soliciting nominations for its Board of Trustees. Terms begin November, 2009 and will last for two years. Half of MCA’s 36 board members must come from the Twin Cities metro area, and half from Greater Minnesota. Interested? Fill out the form below and return it by October 1, 2009 by email, fax, or by snail mail to the above address.MCA seeks board members who:Have a willingness to work, volunteer and come to our meetings.Are people with political connections, political strategists, and people with an understanding of the political process, or are willing to learnHave mix of party affiliationProvide balance in terms of the size or type of organizations represented on the board (large, medium, small, arts education, individual artist, etc.)Have clout within their organizations and/or peers, and have the ability and willingness to communicate about the need for arts advocacyProvide other balances in terms of representing the state or the arts community (ie diversity in terms of age, race, etc).Your nomination to the board is more likely to be successful if you are a paid member of MCA and if you have previously been a part of Arts Advocacy Day, the Vote Yes campaign, or volunteered for the cause in some other way. (Please do not nominate someone else unless you have discussed it with them first, and they have provided an answer to the question “Why do you want to be on the MCA board).

__________________________________________________________________________________________

MCA Board Nomination Form

NOMINEE NAME:

Home Address:

Work Address:

Home Phone:

Work Phone:

Organization (If appropriate):

Title (If appropriate):

Legislative District # (If unknown, MCA can identify it for you):

Experience with your local arts community:

Political Experience (desired, but not necessary):

Why are you interested in serving on the MCA Board of Trustees?

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2. Attend Cultural Heritage Tourism Workshops Around the State

Get A Little Help From Your Friends!

In these challenging times, how do you attract visitors to grow your audience? How can you make the most of scarce resources to promote your organization? By working together with other organizations and businesses in your community. It’s time to “Get a Little Help From Your Friends!”

What

Regional workshops on how to develop partnerships around cultural heritage tourism. Get some good ideas and network with others in your community and region.

Who

Should ComeStaff and volunteers from community arts organizations, art studios/galleries, history museums, heritage festivals, lodging businesses, visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and other tourism marketing organizations.

When and Where

Two Harbors: Thursday, October 1, at Grand Superior Lodge , from 9:00am – 3:30pm

Saint Paul: Monday, October 5, at Minnesota History Center, from 9:00am – 3:30pm

New Ulm: Wednesday, October 14, at Turner Hall, from 9:00am – 3:30pm

Paynesville: Monday, November 9, at Bug-Bee Hive Resort, from 9:00am – 3:30pm

Highlights

Keynote Presentation

Ontend Creative Partners is a group of business leaders, artists, film makers, writers and performers who are using their collective experience in business and the arts to help clients look at their business strategy in new ways. Carr Hagerman and Gordon Boudreau are both past “street performers” who will translate their streetwise wisdom into practical ideas for you to attract new business and keep current customers coming back for more. Gordon is the presenter in Thief River Falls, and Carr will be making the other presentations. Go to www.ontend.com to learn more.

Regional Panel

“Success Stories” of partnerships between arts/culture/heritage and tourism organizations that are bringing larger audiences and increased business to their community.

Breakout Sessions

With experts like Andrew Eklund, Founder and CEO of Cicerón Web Marketing, and Linda Muus, Account Manager for Greater Grand Forks CVB, SimmonsFlint Communications.

Registration

$45 if paid one week prior to the workshop; $59 thereafter; Registration includes lunch, break and workshop materials. Register online at: http://industry.exploreminnesota.com/culture/ -or- print registration form and fax to: 651/296-7095Planning Partners: Thank You to Organizations Who Are Making This Possible: Minnesota State Arts Board – Explore Minnesota Tourism – Minnesota Historical Society – Bloomington CVB – Minnesota Arrowhead Association – Minnesota Heartland Tourism Association – Metro Tourism Committee – Southern Minnesota Tourism Association – Minnesota Association of Museums – Minnesota Citizens for the Arts – Visit Duluth – Meet Minneapolis

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3. Internship Openings at MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA), a nationally renowned arts advocacy organization that lobbies for state arts funding, seeks an intern to begin October 12th. The position is part-time and flexible (approximately 20 hours per week), and pays a small hourly stipend.MCA represents the arts community of Minnesota at the state legislature and lobbies for state funding of the arts, as well as other issues of concern to the non-profit arts community. MCA also does advocacy for the National Endowment for the Arts. To lobby effectively, MCA organizes grassroots advocacy around the state and keeps constituents educated and informed about the political process and the current state of arts funding throughout the year.Interns will have exposure to and opportunities to interact with some of the movers and shakers in the arts community, as well as a working knowledge of the legislative process, arts funding structures in Minnesota and the basic functions of running a nonprofit. Perks include free tickets to performances and many opportunities to advance in the arts and/or political community.Duties and projects included in the internship:- Work with staff on current projects including grassroots organizing, candidate meetings, voter education, board meeting preparation, filing and data entry.- Interns may also have the opportunity to identify and take on projects of interest that relate to arts advocacy.A qualified applicant would possess the following skills:- Understanding of the political process. Past political experience preferred.-Interest in working with the arts community.-Good communication skills, especially speaking with people on the phone.-A self-starting, positive, self-motivated personality and a sense of humor.-Good organizational skills and the ability to perform many tasks simultaneously.-Computer literacy; preferably experience with Macintosh, Microsoft Word & Excel and database systems.-Tech Savvy; understand basics of new media and improve MCA’s visibility on sites likes Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.-Independent and creative work habits.
APPLY NOW. Please mail or email resume and cover letter by October 1, 2009 to:

Mark Albers,

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts,

2233 University Avenue West,

Suite 355, St. Paul, MN 55114,

staff@mncitizensforthearts.org

June 24 , 2009

1. Arts Advocate Sheila Smith Wins National Award

2. State Arts Board Announces Process for Stimulus Grants

3. Governor “Unallots” to Balance Budget

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1. Arts Advocate Sheila Smith Wins National Award

At its annual convention in Seattle earlier this week, Americans for the Arts presented the 2009 Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award to Sheila Smith, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. The award honors an individual who has dramatically affected the political landscape through arts advocacy efforts at the state level.

Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO for Americans for the Arts, stated, “Sheila has been a tremendous leader and passionate advocate for the arts and arts education in Minnesota. Her unwavering commitment to local, state, and national support for the arts deserves this recognition.”

Sheila Smith has led Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) since 1996. Last year, MCA and the Vote Yes Minnesota campaign, successfully advocated for the passage of the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The state constitutional amendment will now dedicate three-eighths of one percent of the sales tax to preserve the state’s clean water, great outdoors, arts, and history for the next 25 years. The arts will receive 19.75 percent of the three-eights percent collected, which, when added to regular funding for the arts, adds up to approximately $30 million in the first year, tripling the current arts funding level.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization that organizes the arts community to lobby the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress. Its mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts.

The Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award is presented by the State Arts Action Network of Americans for the Arts.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of 49 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

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2. State Arts Board Announces Process for Stimulus Grants

The Minnesota State Arts Board has posted on its website the forms and process for getting out the $316,000 it has received for stimulus grants to the arts community. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Public Law 111-5) recognizes that the nonprofit arts industry is an important sector of the United States economy. Working in partnership, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and Arts Midwest are uniquely positioned to provide funds to help preserve jobs in Minnesota’s nonprofit arts sector that are threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.

In order to qualify for the state level grant, an arts organization must have received a grant from the MSAB or RACs in the last several years, among other criteria. Also, organizations who get a stimulus grant from the NEA (announcements of the awardees are expected any day now), cannot receive a state level grant. More information is available here: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/2010/arra.htm.

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3. Governor “Unallots” to Balance Budget

In a historically unprecedented move, Governor Tim Pawlenty decided to balance the budget himself without an agreement with the state legislature. Last week he announced a series of cuts and shifts to close a budget gap of over $2 billion. As of this writing, arts funding seems to be unaffected by his actions. Part of the reason for this is that the new amendment resources are dedicated and must be spent on what the amendment outlines. It would not help to balance the state budget if the Governor unalloted those expenditures, as the money would still be held in trust in the Arts and Culture Fund to be spent next session. The general fund dollars, however, were potentially vulnerable.

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VIDEO LINKS

Check out two great videos from Arts Advocacy Day Held February 24, 2009:

Here’s a video of highlights from the Arts Advocacy Day kickoff rally on MN Stories by Chuck Olsen:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/376/Arts-Adcovacy-Day

…and a 3 Minute Egg arts show by Matt Peiken with interviews of attendees and some footage of meetings with legislators:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/374/3-MINUTE-EGG-Arts-Advocacy-Day

May 19, 2009

Another Historic Victory for the Arts!

Last night our seven year journey to create dedicated funding for the arts in Minnesota came to a victorious conclusion when the Senate, on a unanimous 67 to 0 vote, approved the bill that appropriates the first two years of proceeds from the constitutional amendment we passed last November. It is significant not just in Minnesota but also nationally, as it will put us among the top few states both in dollar investments in the arts and culture but also in per capita funding for the arts. Arts funding is under threat nationally as many states are suffering deficits like Minnesota. So our success in that context is even greater.

Funding to the arts via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils will increase by $21,650,000 per year for the next two years, for a total of $43.3 million over two years from the amendment. Added to the $8.6 million we passed in the state’s economic development bill earlier in the session, there will now be just over $30M in state funding for the arts annually, compared to just over $10M annually for the arts this year.

These funds will go out in grants and services to Minnesotans in every county, supporting artists and arts organizations, and increasing access to the arts for all Minnesotans. Congratulations!

WHAT’S IN THE BILL
Here’s how it breaks down (in each year 2010 and 2011):

• $16,775,000 for Arts and Arts Access Initiatives, “to support Minnesota’s artists and arts organizations in creating, producing and presenting high-quality arts activities; to overcome barriers to accessing high-quality arts activities, and to instill the arts into the community and public life in this state.”
• $3,245,000 for Arts Education Collaborations, for “high-quality, age-appropriate arts education for Minnesotans of all ages to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts”
• $1,080,000 for Arts in Cultural Heritage, “for events and activities that represent the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions, including folk and traditional artists and art organizations represented in this state, ” and
• $550,000 for Fiscal Oversight and Accountability (to the MSAB). The first three items above will be available 70% from the MSAB and 30% from the Regional Arts Councils.
• In addition to the dedicated arts funding above, the libraries received $4.25M per year which “may be used to sponsor programs provided by regional libraries, or to provide grants to local arts and heritage programs for programs in partnership with regional libraries,” so there may be opportunities for artists and arts organizations to work with libraries to deliver these programs.
• Also, the Humanities Center received $300,000 per year for “museums and organizations celebrating the ethnic identities of Minnesotans” to give out in grants, so there may be opportunities for some artists and arts organizations to work with the Humanities Center.

In addition, over the next two years the Minnesota Historical Society will receive $14.4 million, public TV $6.3M, MPR $2.65M, AMPERS (local public radio) $2.65M, children’s museums $1M, the Science Museum $900,000, MN Zoos $900,000, libraries $8.5M, Indian Affairs Council (for projects related to the preservation of native languages) $1.9M, Perpich Center $1M, and the Humanities Center, $2.1M.

OUR HEROES
There are several great heroes in this story but the greatest of these is Sen. Richard Cohen of St. Paul, the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and also the Co-Chair of the conference committee on our bill. Even though the House position was so bad on the the arts, he never waivered in his demand that at least 50% of the resources go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils so that they could go out in grants and services in every Minnesota County. His work in the conference committee was truly masterful, despite great odds. Another legislative hero is Sen. Tommassoni, who worked together with Sen. Cohen to make sure that the arts portion went where it was supposed to. In addition, Rep. Leon Lillie on the House side really helped the arts.

THANKS TO ALL
This wonderful outcome is also the result and culmination of the work of many people. Thank you first of all to the thousands of arts advocates who over the last seven years have had a hand in this momentous effort. Thank you to all of you who generated over 4200 letters to legislators in just the last couple of months, to those of you who phone-banked into legislative districts, the many hundreds of you who called your legislators, and the MCA board who, as usual, were heavily engaged and committed to advocating for the arts. It is the energy and enthusiasm of the Minnesota arts community, organized by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, that makes this outcome possible. Thank you also to MCA’s lobbyist Larry Redmond who has dedicated pretty much all of his professional life to working with MCA to benefit the arts community in Minnesota. Thank you also to his co-workers Brian Halloran and Christopher Orr. Thank you also most particularly to Sara Shaylie and Mark Albers, MCA’s staff, who organized a very effective and forceful grassroots effort to make sure legislators knew what their constituents wanted them to do.

THE BACK STORY: HOW WE GOT HERE
We’ve spent the last seven years trying to put in place dedicated funding for the arts in Minnesota. That need has become even more urgent as the economy has eroded and artists and arts organzations in Minnesota have seen resources for the arts dropping on every front, foundation support eroding, and contributions declining as households tighten their belts. In 2008 after many years of effort by a large coaltion that included MCA and conservation groups, the legislature approved a ballot initiative to go to voters, increasing the state sales tax by 3/8 of one percent to create four dedicated funds for land, water, parks and arts. We then ran a statewide Vote Yes! campaign with conservationists to pass the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. In November, 2008, the Amendment passed by 56% percent of the vote, a resounding confirmation that Minnesotans were willing to raise their own taxes to preserve and enhance Minnesota’s great quality of life. The constitution now says that the Arts and Culture Fund, in particular, must go to support “arts, arts education, arts access and the preservation of our history and cultural heritage.”

We had asked that at least 50% of the Arts and Culture Fund go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils to ensure that it really does go for arts, arts education, arts access and the preservation of our cultural heritage. Today, in the first year, we delivered just short of 49% to the MSAB and RACs, (although the percentage is slightly lower in the second year because they spend slightly more money). The biggest fights were over this: what is the definition of “arts” and “preservation of our history and cultural heritage?” In the conference committee, the one thing that the House would not budge on was money for libraries, although libraries were never contemplated as something the amendment would fund. As a compromise, the conference committee agreed to give just short of $5 million per year to the libraries, targeted for programs that will definately include the arts. But they also agreed to most of our request for the MSAB and RACs.

It was a really brutal process of endless hearings and many late nights. The worst night was Sunday when Larry Redmond, MCA’s lobbyist, and I spent the entire night at the capitol, running home at 6 a.m. for a few quick hours of sleep before we were back at the capitol again for a 9 a.m. meeting. But this phase was just as important as passing the amendment with the voters, because in the end would the resources really end up where we had worked so hard to put them?

WHAT NEXT
The biggest worry now is the melt down on the state’s huge deficit, which has resulted in the Governor threatening to “unallot” (cut) hunks of the state’s budget in order to make it balance. The general fund arts money that we passed a week ago is part of the state’s regular budget, although it is such a small amount of money in the larger picture it wouldn’t do much to fix the state’s deficit.

In addition, the Governor has the power to veto this bill, or to line-item veto portions of the bill. However, because these amendment resources are dedicated and must be spent on what the amendment outlines, it would not help to balance the state budget if the Governor does veto anything in the bill, as the money would still be held in trust in the Arts and Culture Fund to be spent next session.

The State Arts Board, led by Sue Gens, and Regional Arts Councils, led by Leslie Schumacher, have already been working on a strategic plan for how the money will get out to the field. The bill that passed also requires the MSAB to manage a planning process for how to invest these new resources and to do a lot of reporting to the legislature on the uses of the funds. In addition, the MSAB has also been charged to run a contest to create a logo to be posted on projects funded from the amendment.

When will the resources be available? The new tax creating the resources begins on July 1, and then there will be a few months of transition as the money gets into the funds. Then the MSAB and RACs must set up their grantmaking structures to start getting the funds out to support the arts for all Minnesotans.

Congratulations to all!

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VIDEO LINKS

Check out two great videos from Arts Advocacy Day Held February 24, 2009:

Here’s a video of highlights from the Arts Advocacy Day kickoff rally on MN Stories by Chuck Olsen:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/376/Arts-Adcovacy-Day

…and a 3 Minute Egg arts show by Matt Peiken with interviews of attendees and some footage of meetings with legislators:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/374/3-MINUTE-EGG-Arts-Advocacy-Day

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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/

• Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
• Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts
• Join MCA’s Facebook Page: Search for: MNCitizens Forthearts
• View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
• Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center 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!

April 15, 2009

1. Senate Committee Also Recommends Reducing Governor’s Arts Cuts!

2. Virtual Arts Advocacy Day Generates Over 1000 letters

3. Head of McKnight Foundation Takes a Stand for the Arts

4. Arts Issues Background – Updated

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1. Senate Committee Also Recommends Reducing Governor’s Arts Cuts!

Your voices are being heard! Today our Senate committee, nearly matching the House committee, also recommended drastically reducing cuts to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils from 50% to 10%. (The House committee last week recommended reducing the cut to 7.8%). Thank you to Senators Cohen and Tomassoni for helping the arts.

We expect, therefore, that after the bills pass the Senate and House floors and the differences are worked out in Conference Committee, that the final outcome for regular arts funding could very well fall somewhere between these two numbers. Funding for the arts as been just over $10M per year for the past two years. This Senate recommendation would bring it down to around $9.3M per year. There is still the danger that the state’s budget will take another downwards lurch, or other unforeseen events may affect the state’s budget. As they say, it’s not over until it’s over. But we should all be VERY happy with how your calls and letters have improved the outlook for the arts so far!

Still to come: decisions on how the state will spend the revenue from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, of which 19.75% must be spent on “arts, arts education and arts access and to preserve our history and cultural heritage.” It may be a week or two before we see the committee’s recommendations on this.

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2. Virtual Arts Advocacy Day Generates 1000+ letters

Thank you to all who participated!

Thank you to all who were a part of Virtual Arts Advocacy Day. The numbers are in and you’ve made a big splash! Since January 1, we’ve delivered over 2900 letters to legislators asking them to support the arts, over 1000 of these since we started the push for Virtual Arts Advocacy Day. On Monday we could hardly keep up with the letters as they rolled in.

The Winners: Everyone who participated in Virtual Arts Advocacy Day between April 1 and April 13 was eligible to win a free Arts Advocate t-shirt. And the randomly selected winners are…Hwai-Chyi Kuei of Shoreview, Alice Hofstad of Plummer, Jessica Rau of Minneapolis, Billy Curmano of Winona and Judith Niemi of St. Paul. Congratulations to you all.

It’s not too late to be a part of the action: Send a letter to your legislator TODAY saying you want them to protect the arts. You can do it in 5 minutes with our simple Arts Action Center. We give you talking points and set it up, all you have to do is enter your name and address and the letter will go automatically to the right elected officials.

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3. Head of McKnight Foundation Takes a Stand for the Arts

Kate Wolford, President of the McKnight Foundation, published an editorial in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Monday which endorses directing constitutional amendment resources to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. I thought it was important to share it with you:

Use a tried-and-trusted mechanism — the State Arts Board and regional councils
Updated: 04/10/2009 08:20:33 PM CDT, St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils are ready to serve.

More than 1.6 million Minnesotans voted to amend our state’s constitution in November. By passing the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, Minnesotans cast a historic vote to supplement traditional sources of funding to preserve and enhance the state’s cultural and environmental assets. But the amendment was only one important step toward serving voters’ intent.

To ensure that funds raised via the amendment are managed effectively for decades, it now falls on lawmakers to establish a statewide distribution plan before the Legislature adjourns on May 18. Fortunately for the amendment’s arts provision, a ready-made mechanism already exists: the Minnesota State Arts Board, an essential state-funded agency, working in partnership with Minnesota’s 11 Regional Arts Councils.

Since 1981, the Regional Arts Councils have been funded primarily through the State Arts Board and the privately endowed McKnight Foundation. The independent, locally led arts councils provide useful models of successful public-private collaboration to sustain progress. And the arts board, in its role as an enduring and respected state government agency, would further ensure the meaningful transparency, geographic reach, financial oversight and taxpayer accountability that this investment requires.

With statewide needs to be met and Minnesotans’ hard-earned investments hanging in the balance, such a public-private partnership promises the greatest opportunities for success. Collaboration between the arts board and the arts councils offers a time-tested, trusted network through which to equitably share resources and preserve the state’s arts and cultural heritage, as voters intended.

In a bleak economy, discussions tend to pit crisis-response spending against other investments. In both funding and planning, the arts are too often placed last on the list – a practice I probably hadn’t questioned before coming to Minnesota and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary contributions of the arts to the vitality of our state economy and civic life.

By their vote, it’s clear that many Minnesotans agree with me. We know robbing the future for a quick fix today is not a wise approach. That is why the majority voted to dedicate money for the next 25 years to “supplement traditional sources of funding (that) … may not be used as a substitute.” Maintaining public funding in addition to the constitutionally mandated supplement will strengthen our economy and build communities.

Recent studies by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts revealed that the state’s artists, arts organizations and audiences contribute more than $1 billion annually to our economy.

Before the economic downturn, the sector supported 28,000 full-time jobs and generated more than $118 million in state and local government revenue alone. Almost 45,000 Minnesotans donate an average of more than 40 hours per year to the arts and cultural activities, according to Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Of the artists themselves, four out of five volunteer monthly and more than 80 percent report that they vote in every election.

With so much at stake and a decisive voting majority watching, the Legislature must make good on its end of the deal to forge a sound plan for distribution of the amendment’s arts-related funding. In partnership with the regional arts councils, the Minnesota State Arts Board is uniquely positioned to lead this effort.

The voters have done their part. Now lawmakers have an opportunity to set a course of action that will serve the people of Minnesota for generations.”

Kate Wolford is president of the McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation. Reach her by e-mail at info@mcknight.org.

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4. Arts Issues Background – Updated

On election day, Minnesotans approved a once in a lifetime investment in the arts. Passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment is expected to create anywhere from $40 to $50 million annually to support the arts, arts access, arts education and history. The amendment also says these new resources should not be a substitute for traditional sources of funding. Unfortunately, the new money won’t be available for a while, perhaps not until late 2010 or 2011. (The new tiny increase in the state sales tax, created by the Amendment, doesn’t start until July, 2009, and then the funds raised by the tax will need to accumulate in the new Arts and Culture Fund before they can be spent).

The Amendment’s details will be sorted out in the Minnesota House Cultural and Outdoors Resources Finance Division, chaired by Rep. Mary Murphy, as well as Sen. David Tomassoni’s Economic Development and Housing Division in the Senate, this legislative session, which ends in May. The state has a huge deficit. Just like he has done before, the Governor has proposed cutting the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) and Regional Arts Councils by 50% over the next two years, and then eliminating the MSAB completely after that. This is contrary to the wishes of the voters who passed the amendment by 56% – a higher percentage vote than that received by President Obama in Minnesota. Minnesotans want MORE investments in the arts and culture, not less.

** MCA is delighted to announce that all of the calls and letters we have generated to Minnesota’s legislators are beginning to have their effect. Rep. Murphy’s House committee passed a bill to reduce the Governor’s proposed 50% cut to the arts to 7.8%. Now Sen. Tommasoni’s Senate committee for their part has recommended the cut be reduced to 10%. The final outcome should be somewhere in between those two numbers, as long as there are no other major shifts in the state’s deficit problem. Considering the context of the state’s massive deficit, this would be a very reasonable outcome for the arts.The final outcome will not be for months, but this is a very good first step! The seperate decisions on how the legislature will spend the revenues of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment are not expected for several weeks. Therefore, now is the perfect time to make your voice heard. Send your legislators a letter at the Arts Action Center.

MCA had a huge role in the Vote Yes! campaign to pass the amendment. Our position is that the legislature should, as we have been discussing for several years, appropriate at least 50% of the new resources from the amendment to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils, so that it does indeed reach every MN county through their grants and services and is not diverted to some other, unknown purpose. We also oppose eliminating the Minnesota State Arts Board or turning it into a private, non-profit, as it will largely be spending public dollars and should remain in the highly accountable, transparent public system.

Check out two great videos from Arts Advocacy Day Held February 24, 2009:

Here’s a video of highlights from the Arts Advocacy Day kickoff rally on MN Stories by Chuck Olsen:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/376/Arts-Adcovacy-Day

…and a 3 Minute Egg arts show by Matt Peiken with interviews of attendees and some footage of meetings with legislators:
http://www.mnstories.com/video/374/3-MINUTE-EGG-Arts-Advocacy-Day

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

• Give cool Arts Advocate gifts from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
• Join MCA’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/mncitizensforthearts
• Join MCA’s Facebook Page: Search for: MNCitizens Forthearts
• View MCA Advocates on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
• Take Action: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center 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!