November 8 , 2010

1. How Will Election Affect the Arts?

2. Join Us For MCA’s Annual Meeting November 15

3. Legacy Logo Design Contest Launched by DNR

4. Arts Education Survey to be Conducted

5. Nominate Your Arts Heroes for Sally Awards

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1. How Will Election Affect the Arts?

If there is one thing that is constant in this world, it is change. Last week’s election outcome will mean lots of changes in both the State Legislature and in Congress, as well as the Governor’s office. How will all of this affect the arts?

ARTS CHAMPIONS LEAVING THE STAGE
Between retirements and election losses, a number of great arts advocates will no longer be at the legislature. Chief among them is Sen. Dennis Frederickson of New Ulm, a long-time MCA Arts All Star, who kept our old “Got Art?” poster framed in his office and who went out of his way on many occasions to make sure that the arts were protected both in Legacy amendment fights and in appropriations. He will be very much missed! Other friends of the arts who are leaving the Senate include Senators Tarryl Clark, Steve Dille, and Jim Vickerman. In the House, we will very much miss Arts All Star Rep. Loren Solberg, as well as arts-friendly members Mary Ellen Otremba, Dan Severson, and Robin Brown, as well as Speaker Margaret Anderson-Kelliher, who was pivotal in ensuring that the arts remained part of the Legacy Amendment. If you live in their districts, please send them a thank-you note for their years of hard work at the legislature on behalf of the arts.

NEW LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
With a shift of control from Democrats to Republicans in both the House and Senate, we will see new faces in control of both houses. In the Senate, Sen. Amy Koch (G-Buffalo) becomes the new Majority Leader, with Sen. Tom Bakk (D-Cook) stepping up to become Minority Leader. In the House, new Speaker Rep. Kurt Zellers (G-Maple Grove) will lead the House with Majority Leader Rep. Matt Dean (G-Dellwood/Stillwater). The House minority caucus will be led by Rep. Paul Thissen (D-Mpls). With these all-new faces at the helm, expect to see big changes in how the legislature is organized. Both sides will create a new and different committee structures, and the majority parties will appoint new Chairs to lead those new committees. So, if you are asking how will these new leaders treat the arts? It’s way too early to tell. It will take probably into the new year before we learn who will chair and serve on the committtees that oversee the arts. In the meantime, if you are a constituent of any of these new leaders, congratulate them on their new posts and tell them that you want them to protect the arts next session.

NEW GOVERNOR
One thing that does look like good news for the arts is Governor-Elect Dayton. What, you say? Isn’t there a recount in the Governor’s race? Yes, there is. But most election observers are saying that overturning the 8600 vote lead that Mr. Dayton has over Mr. Emmer is very unlikely. So, for now, we will assume that Mark Dayton will be Minnesota’s next governor. Why is this good news for the arts? Because he, as well as his family, have spent their entire lives being great arts advocates. See Mr. Dayton talk about his support for the arts in our pre-election video here: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/. At this point, the recount is expected to end on Dec. 14.

THEY STILL HAVE A TERRIBLE BUDGET DEFICIT
The election doesn’t change the fact that the state has a $6 billion budget deficit that the legislature and governor must solve next year. To give you some context, if the budget is balanced using only cuts, every single line of the state budget would have to be reduced by about 17%. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate and both vowing not to raise taxes, the likelihood is that it will be resolved more with cuts than with tax increases. I don’t categorically eliminate taxes (or “fees”) from the equation simply because Governor Elect Dayton’s position was that we should raise some taxes as part of the budget solution. Obviously he’ll have a tough fight ahead in trying to make that a part of the picture, but they will all have to compromise in the end to fix the deficit. However they resolve the problem, it will be tough to do and the arts will be challenged to avoid cuts in this environment. So STAY TUNED as we gear up for a tough year of fighting for the arts.

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2. Join Us For MCA’s Annual Meeting November 15

“Protecting What You Voted For”

At MCA’s annual meeting we will welcome new board members, thank retiring members, and talk about the threats and opportunities for the arts in the upcoming legislative sesison. See a brief presentation from MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith and lobbyist Larry Redmond, and mix and mingle with MCA members from all over the state.

Join us! Monday, November 15, from 5:30-7:00 pm., at the Bloomington Theatre Art Center, followed by Happy Hour at the nearby Green Mill. The beautiful Bloomington Theatre and Art Center is just off of 35W at 1800 Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington. See you there!

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3. Legacy Logo Design Contest Launched by DNR

You are invited to enter! Submit up to three logo designs that represent the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking entries for a contest to design a logo that will identify all projects funded by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Entries must be submitted by December 7, 2010. As the Amendment covers four different funds – clean water, land, parks and trails, and arts and history – the logo should encompass all four areas, or be usable for all four areas. Get more info. on the contest here:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/legacylogo/index.html.

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4. Arts Education Survey to be Conducted

Does every student in Minnesota have access to quality arts education? Reliable data is key to making informed decisions that will impact student achievement. The Perpich Center for Arts Education is conducting a Legacy-funded survey of both public and private schools that will:

• help increase the understanding of the current picture of arts education in our state
• provide schools with information to strengthen equity, access and learning in the arts
• be an additional lens, besides standardized tests, to provide data on our schools

How can a school participate?

• Find the survey at http://www.pcae.k12.mn.us/pdr/mnae_survey.html
• IF YOU ARE A TEACHER: Please encourage your school leader to complete the survey and offer your assistance with data collection.
• IF YOU ARE A PARENT: Please ask your local school leader (i.e., Principal) to complete the survey
• IF YOU ARE AN ARTS ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS WITH SCHOOLS: Data on your activities with the school over the last three years can be included in the survey. Help the teachers you work with create the data that will be needed to complete the survey.

Results will be available in the spring of 2012. The survey has been endorsed by the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association (MESPA), and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). For more information, contact Alina Campana, State Program Administrator, atalina.campana@pcae.k12.mn.us or 763-591-4803.

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5. Nominate Your Arts Heroes for Sally Awards

It’s that time of year again – to honor our arts heroes by nominating them for a “Sally” award.

The Ordway is seeking nominations for the 2010 Sally Ordway Irvine Awards (MCA was a recipient of the Sally Award for “Commitment” in 2003). The prestigious awards, now in their 18th year, provide an opportunity to recognize and honor extraordinary achievements in the visual and performing arts throughout Minnesota. Recipients receive $2500, recognition at an awards ceremony, and an award.

“Minnesota’s arts scene is so rich and vibrant that it’s difficult to keep up with all the great work being done around the state, ” said Patricia Mitchell, Ordway President and CEO. “We therefore rely on colleagues, arts enthusiasts and citizens to nominate individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on their community or on their artistic discipline. We want to cast the net as broadly as possible by seeking nominations from all corners of the state.”

Each year, one person or organization receives an award in each of four categories: Vision, Initiative, Commitment and Education. Nominations for the 2010 awards are being accepted through November 15, 2010. Individuals and organiztions from any artistic or cultural field are eligible, as long as their work took place in Minnesota. Nominees may be artists, professional administrators, volunteers or philanthropists.

After all entries have been received, a selection committee reviews the nominations and selects the four award winners, who will be honored at the Sally Awards ceremony at the Ordway on March 21, 2011.

Nominations forms and additional information are available online atwww.ordway.org/sallyawards

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!

October 15, 2010

1. New Video: Artists Say Why They Are Going to VOTE ART

2. Save the Date: MCA Annual Meeting November 15

3. Be an Educated Arts Voter

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1.New Video: Artists Say Why They Are Going to VOTE ART

The election is just two weeks away, and we need to get out the vote!

See why your artist friends and neighbors are going to VOTE ART on November 2:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y8HuLRDJh0&feature=sub

This election will make a big difference for the arts. There is a $6 billion deficit and the threat of new cuts is very real. Who makes those decisions will be very important to our community. Our great Media Intern Troy Zimmerman interviewed artists and arts people, including cool dude Chris Osgood, Louge-asaurus Rex, Rhymesayers and more!

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2. Save the Date: MCA Annual Meeting November 15

At MCA’s annual meeting we will welcome new board members, thank retiring members, and talk about the threats and opportunities for the arts in the upcoming legislative sesison. Join us! Save the date: 5:30-7:00 pm., location TBA.

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3. Be an Educated Arts Voter

The election is just a couple of weeks awy! MCA wants you to be an educated arts voter. We’ve got two great tools online for you to get ready to vote in November:

1. Watch MCA’s video of Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner

MCA is proud to present the second installment of our candidate videos featuring two of three contenders for the Governor’s office and their responses to questions on the arts. Go to: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/ We are still hoping to interview the GOP contender, Tom Emmer, who still has not yet responded to our requests for interviews.

2. Nearly 200 Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire:

You want to know if your local candidates support the arts? Find out how they answered our survey about arts issues: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/. We’ve information from candidates of all parties.

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!

October 11, 2010

1. Legacy Amendment Shows up in Jonathan Franzen’s #1 Best Seller “Freedom”

2. Nominate Your Arts Hero For a Sally Award

3. Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner Talk Arts At Debate

4. Vote Arts!

5. Save a Tree: Get Rid of Your Phone Book

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1. Legacy Amendment Shows up in Jonathan Franzen’s #1 Best Seller “Freedom”

Jonathan Franzen, author of “The Corrections” has a new #1 best seller. His new novel “Freedom” takes place in Minnesota and the main character works for the Nature Conservancy. He hates life, he hates cats, he hates pretty much everything. But towards the end of the novel he briefly mentions a few things that weren’t too bad, for example, “making cold calls on behalf of a new sales tax to support a state Land Conservation Fund, which had eventually garnered more votes than even Obama had — was similarly unobjectionable.”

How fun to see our campaign show up in a best selling novel!

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2. Nominate Your Arts Hero For a Sally Award

It’s that time of year again – to honor our arts heroes by nominating them for a “Sally” award.

The Ordway is seeking nominations for the 2010 Sally Ordway Irvine Awards (MCA was a recipient of the Sally Award for “Commitment” in 2003). The prestigious awards, now in their 18th year, provide an opportunity to recognize and honor extraordinary achievements in the visual and performing arts throughout Minnesota.

“Minnesota’s arts scene is so rich and vibrant that it’s difficult to keep up with all the great work being done around the state, ” said Patricia Mitchell, Ordway President and CEO. “We therefore rely on colleagues, arts enthusiasts and citizens to nominate individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on their community or on their artistic discipline. We want to cast the net as broadly as possible by seeking nominations from all corners of the state.”

Each year, one person or organization receives an award in each of four categories: Vision, Initiative, Commitment and Education. Nominations for the 2010 awards are being accepted through November 15, 2010. Individuals and organiztions from any artistic or cultural field are eligible, as long as their work took place in Minnesota. Nominees may be artists, professional administrators, volunteers or philanthropists.

After all entries have been received, a selection committee reviews the nominations and selects the four award winners, who will be honored at the Sally Awards ceremony at the Ordway on March 21, 2011.

Nominations forms and additional information are available online atwww.ordway.org/sallyawards

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3. Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner Talk Arts At Debate

At last week’s Minnesota Council of Nonprofit’s debate in Duluth, the candidates were asked to talk about their support for the arts.

Mark Dayton (D) talked about his long history in supporting the arts, and decried the decline in arts education. He applauded citizens for supporting the Legacy Amendment, and said that it’s the governor and legislature’s job to make sure it gets to every corner of the state.

Tom Horner (I) said that arts need to be elevated in society by ensuring access to arts education. He said he didn’t support the Legacy Amendment, but now that it’s here it needs to be protected.

Tom Emmer (G) declined to appear at the debate.

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4. Vote Arts!

Be an Educated Arts Voter:

MCA wants you to be an educated arts voter! We’ve got two great tools online for you to get ready to vote in November:

1. Watch MCA’s video of Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner!

MCA is proud to present the second installment of our candidate videos featuring two of three contenders for the Governor’s office and their responses to questions on the arts. Go to: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/ We are still hoping to interview the GOP contender, Tom Emmer, who still has not yet responded to our requests for interviews.

2. Nearly 200 Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire:

You want to know if your local candidates support the arts? Find out how they answered our survey about arts issues: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/. We’ve information from candidates of all parties.

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5. Save a Tree: Get Rid of Your Phone Book

Our partner organization the Conservation Minnesota has a great new website.

DontTrashThePhoneBook.org. This unique website is a “first in the nation” partnership between a conservation group and the publishers of phone directories to reduce waste. It makes it simple to opt-out of receiving the various yellow pages delivered in Minnesota and to understand your community’s recycling options for phone directories that you choose to receive.

Visit this website and choose the options that meet your needs. Then, help us spread the word about this important service. Together we can help Minnesotan’s make individual choices that reduce waste and protect our environment.

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!

September 17, 2010

1. New Video: MCA Interviews Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner!

2. Nominations for MCA’s Board Now Open

3. Nearly 200 Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire

4. Defending Property Tax Exemption for Nonprofits: Attend MCN’s Seminar Sept. 20

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1. New Video: MCA Interviews Governor Candidates Dayton and Horner!

MCA is proud to present the second installment of our candidate videos featuring two of three contenders for the Governor’s office and their responses to questions on the arts. Be an informed voter:

• Which ones committed to MCA’s position that 50% of the Legacy’s Arts and Culture Fund should go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Art Councils so that the funds get to all 87 Minnesota counties?

Find out by watching our video: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/ We are still hoping to interview the GOP contender, Tom Emmer, who still has not yet responded to our requests for interviews.

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2. Nominations for MCA’s Board Now Open

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 itby 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 learn
• Have mix of party affiliation
• Provide 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 advocacy
• Provide 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?).
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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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3. Nearly 200 Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire

You want to know if your local candidates support the arts? Find out how they answered our survey about arts issues: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/. We’ve surveyed candidates from all parties

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4. Defending Property Tax Exemption for Nonprofits: Attend MCN’s Seminar Sept. 20

Our partner organization the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is providing an important seminar for nonprofits that own property:

‘Be Nonprofit Ready: New Nonprofit Tax Exemption Toolkit’, September 20

Nonprofits that own property can apply for a property tax exemption. The exemption is intended to allow public charities to focus their resources on their mission related work. When this tax exemption was thrown into doubt by a court case, MCN worked to clarify the property tax exemption rules for nonprofits, culminating in the signing of a bill in 2009 that defined what is required for nonprofits to qualify for the property tax exemption.

With the new law enacted, it’s important that your organization understands how it works so that your next property tax exemption application is successful. Led by Rinal Ray, MCN’s former Property Tax Exemption Campaign Coordinator, together with Marcia Avner, MCN Senior Fellow, this workshop will equip you with all the tools and knowledge you’ll need to write a complete and compelling property tax exemption application.

Monday, September 20 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Conference Room
2314 University Ave W., Suite 20, Saint Paul, MN 55114

Fee: Free, but please RSVP

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!

August 16, 2010

YOU ARE INVITED to Town Hall Forum with Rocco Landesman from NEA

If you are coming, please RSVP!

The head of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, is coming to Minnesota at the request of Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-St. Paul) to talk about economic development through the arts. There will be a Town Hall Meeting and you are invited. Sign up now as space is limited!

Congresswoman Betty McCollum Invites You
to attend a town hall forum with the
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is pleased to invite Minnesota’s arts community to a town hall forum with Mr. Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Chairman Landesman is visiting Saint Paul as part of this “Arts Works” tour highlighting the important role of the arts in strengthening community and contributing to economic revitalization and development.

WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum & NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman
WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 2:30-3:30 PM
WHERE: Steppingstone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, Saint Paul (parking on the street or at the ramp near Cafe Latte)
RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, August 20, 2010 at 651-224-9191 (McCollum’s Office) or mccollumartsevent@mail.hous.gov

PARKING UPDATE: William Mitchell has offered the use of its overflow lot at the corner of Grotto and Summit. Please park there – NOT in William Mitchell’s regular parking lot, which they need for their students. You can also find street parking in the surrounding blocks, or park at the ramp on Victoria and Grand near Cafe Latte.

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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.

August 10, 2010

VOTE TODAY!

1. It’s Primary Day in Minnesota, and we have everything you need to be an informed arts voter:

2. YOU ARE INVITED to Town Hall Forum with Rocco Landesman from NEA

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1. It’s Primary Day in Minnesota, and we have everything you need to be an informed arts voter:

• Watch Video: MCA Interviews Governor Candidates!

MCA is proud to present our first-ever candidate video featuring the three DFL contenders for Governor Matt Entenza, Margaret Anderson-Kelliher and Mark Dayton and their responses to questions on the arts. Be an informed voter:

• Which candidate listens to Brother Ali?
• Which one sings along to GLEE?
• Which candidate says they are a “champion of the arts?”
• Which one says, of legacy funds, “the legislators should keep their hands off the people’s money?”
• Which ones committed to MCA’s position that 50% of the Legacy’s Arts and Culture Fund should go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Art Councils so that the funds get to all 87 Minnesota counties?
• And which one did not?

Find out by watching our video: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/ We have also already interviews Independent candidate Tom Horner, and will post his video soon (you can read the transcript on our website now). We are still hoping to interview the GOP contender, Tom Emmer, and the other Independent candidate, Rob Hahn. They have not yet responded to our requests for interviews.

• 200+ Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire

With the Primary coming up in just seven days, you want to know if your local candidates support the arts? Find out how they answered our survey about arts issues: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/.

• Find Your Polling Place

If you want a say in which candidates will be there in the General election in November, you need to vote. Every poll and campaign says the DFL primary is very close. There’s also a big primary in the Independent race. Make sure you have your say! It’s easy to find out where you vote on the Secretary of State’s wensite here: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. See you there! (I want to see all of you wearing your “I Voted” sticker).

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2. YOU ARE INVITED to Town Hall Forum with Rocco Landesman from NEA

The head of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, is coming to Minnesota at the request of Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-St. Paul) to talk about economic development through the arts. There will be a Town Hall Meeting and you are invited. Sign up now as space is limited!

Congresswoman Betty McCollum Invites You
to attend a town hall forum with the
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is pleased to invite Minnesota’s arts community to a town hall forum with Mr. Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Chairman Landesman is visiting Saint Paul as part of this “Arts Works” tour highlighting the important role of the arts in strengthening community and contributing to economic revitalization and development.

WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum & NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman
WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 2:30-3:30 PM
WHERE: Steppingstone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, Saint Paul (parking on the street or at the ramp near Cafe Latte)
RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, August 20, 2010 at 651-224-9191 (McCollum’s Office)

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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.

August 3 , 2010

1. New Video: MCA Interviews Governor Candidates!

2. 100+ Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire

3. VOTE in Primary on August 10

4. YOU ARE INVITED to Town Hall Forum with Rocco Landesman from NEA

5. Winona Legacy Weekend Brings Big Crowds

6. Grants for Leaders in Dance, Jazz, Presenting and Theatre

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1. New Video: MCA Interviews Governor Candidates!

MCA is proud to present our first-ever candidate video featuring the three DFL contenders for Governor Matt Entenza, Margaret Anderson-Kelliher and Mark Dayton and their responses to questions on the arts. Be an informed voter:

• Which candidate listens to Brother Ali?
• Which one sings along to GLEE?
• Which candidate says they are a “champion of the arts?”
• Which one says, of legacy funds, “the legislators should keep their hands off the people’s money?”
• Which ones committed to MCA’s position that 50% of the Legacy’s Arts and Culture Fund should go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Art Councils so that the funds get to all 87 Minnesota counties?
• And which one did not?

Find out by watching our video: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/governor-candidates/ We have also already interviewed Independent candidate Tom Horner, and will post his video soon (you can read the transcript on our website now). We are still hoping to interview the GOP contender, Tom Emmer, and the other Independent candidate, Rob Hahn. They have not yet responded to our requests for interviews.

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2. 100+ Legislative Candidates Respond to Our Arts Questionnaire

With the Primary coming up in just seven days, you want to know if your local candidates support the arts? Find out how they answered our survey about arts issues: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/.

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3. VOTE in Primary on August 10

Minnesota’s Primary election is on August 10, just seven days away! If you want a say in which candidates will be there in the General election in November, you need to vote. Every poll and campaign says the DFL primary is very close. There’s also a big primary in the Independent race. Make sure you have your say! It’s easy to find out where you vote on the Secretary of State’s wensite here: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. See you there! (I want to see all of you wearing your “I Voted” sticker on August 10).

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4. YOU ARE INVITED to Town Hall Forum with Rocco Landesman from NEA

The head of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, is coming to Minnesota at the request of Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-St. Paul) to talk about economic development through the arts. There will be a Town Hall Meeting and you are invited. Sign up now as space is limited!

Congresswoman Betty McCollum Invites You
to attend a town hall forum with the
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Congresswoman Betty McCollum is pleased to invite Minnesota’s arts community to a town hall forum with Mr. Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Chairman Landesman is visiting Saint Paul as part of this “Arts Works” tour highlighting the important role of the arts in strengthening community and contributing to economic revitalization and development.

WHO: Congresswoman Betty McCollum & NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman
WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2010, 2:30-3:30 PM
WHERE: Steppingstone Theatre, 55 Victoria Street North, Saint Paul (parking on the street or at the ramp near Cafe Latte)
RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, August 20, 2010 at 651-224-9191 (McCollum’s Office)

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5. Winona Legacy Weekend Brings Big Crowds

MCA joined with Conservation Minnesota, Visit Winona and the Great River Shakespeare Festival to celebrate a first-ever Legacy Weekend highlighting projects funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB), Regional Arts Councils, Historical Society and conservation in Winona on July 23-25, 2010. Over 600 people attended the morning Family Fest that highlighted conservation work on the Mississippi River, and another huge crowd showed up for the Great River Shakespeare Festival’s (GRSF) free music concert that evening (funded, in part, by the MSAB). There were many other fund events during the day.

The Winona Post did a great article on all of the positive things that have happened in Winona because of Legacy grants: http://www.winonapost.com/stock/functions/VDG_Pub/detail.php?choice=37275&home_page=1&archives=. Thanks to all who helped to organize a very fun day, especially Laurie Flanigan Hegge from GRSF, Pat Mutter from Visit Winona, and Paul Austin from Conservation Minnesota. You guys rock! Okay. So where are we going next? Stay tuned!

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6. Grants for Leaders in Dance, Jazz, Presenting and Theatre

Doris Duke Leaders in the Arts Fund: The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has approved a 2-year grant in the amount of $50,000 to the Amherst Wilder Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to support the creation of the Doris Duke Leaders in the Arts Fund, which will subsidize the participation of leaders in the fields of dance, jazz, presenting and theatre in the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute at the Wilder Foundation in St. Paul. For more information, or instructions on how to apply, please contact Paul Robinson at the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute at ppr@wilder.org or 651-280-2491. (Editorial note from Sheila Smith: I went throught his leadership program about ten years ago, and it was the best thing I ever did. You should apply if this applies to you!)

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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.

July 6, 2010

1. Rocco Landesman, Head of NEA, Coming to Minnesota – August 25

2. You Are Invited to a Reception to Thank Legislators for Arts Funding – July 14

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1. Rocco Landesman, Head of NEA, Coming to Minnesota – August 25

***SAVE THE DATE!***

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) is pleased to announce a visit by Mr. Rocco Landesman, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman, to St. Paul, Minnesota on August 25, 2010 as part of the chairman’s “Art Works” tour. On the visit, Chairman Landesman will discuss the NEA’s proposed “Our Town Initiative,” which would help implement planning and design projects and arts engagement strategies in communities that see the arts as an integral part of building community and a factor in economic revitalization and development.

Events will be planned to engage both artists and art organizations throughout the community.

Congresswoman McCollum serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which has jurisdiction over the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

Contact Maria Reppas in Rep. McCollum’s office for more info: maria.reppas@mail.house.gov or 202-225-6631.

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2. You Are Invited to a Reception to Thank Legislators for Arts Funding – July 14

Arts People! The MSAB has organized a reception to thank legislators for Arts and Culture Heritage funding to the arts community via grants from the MSAB and Regional Arts Councils. It’s next week, July 14, from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Ordway’s lobby in downtown St. Paul. It is important to have a large turnout of arts people to say “thanks” as we prepare to go into the next legislative session to ask for the next two years of funding.

Please come if you can, and RSVP to the MSAB at the email below. Here’s the invitation from the MSAB:

The Minnesota State Arts Board invites you to attend a reception to celebrate the first year of Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage fund.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010
4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Brief remarks at 5:30 p.m.

Hors d’oeuvres and nonalcoholic drinks will be provided. Cash bar available.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota

RSVP by Monday, July 12
msab@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 215-1600 | (800) 866-2787
Minnesota Relay 7-1-1

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN and #artslegacy
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!

July 2, 2010

1. Winona Showcases Arts and Outdoors Events in First Ever “LEGACY WEEKEND”

2. Hey, you with the Tweets

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1. Winona Showcases Arts and Outdoors Events in First Ever “LEGACY WEEKEND”

What a great idea!

Winona community leaders and businesses are drawing both attention and tourists with a weekend of community arts and outdoor events. That may not be surprising. But what makes this weekend unique is that each event demonstrates the impact of the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008.

Winona’s “Legacy Weekend” is being organized by the Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF), in partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, conservation partners and Visit Winona for July 23-24, 2010.

“Winona has both great outdoors and arts opportunities made possible, in part, by Legacy grants, and we thought it would make a fun weekend to combine them to give people access to all of the great things happening with the Amendment in Winona,” said Laurie Flanigan-Hegge, GRSF Advancement and Community Development Director. “It’s a positive thing for our area.”

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment created new resources for land conservation, water conservation, parks and arts. The state agencies given responsibility to manage these funds by the state legislature have just completed the first year of grants made possible by the amendment.

The weekend features a series of arts and historical events put on by organizations that have received grants from the Legacy amendment. (For more times, dates, and locations go to VisitWinona.com):

· The Great River Shakespeare Festival is offering four productions over three days; The Comedy of Errors, Othello, The Daly News, and It Goes Without Saying, with both afternoon and evening shows available, at the Winona State University performing Arts Center at 125 Mark St.

· The Great River Shakespeare Festival is also offering FREE outdoor family friendly concerts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. These events are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board from the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Culture Fund.

· Theatre du Mississippi, also a grantee of the Minnesota State Arts Board from Amendment funds, is offering “Drops and Drama” at the old Masonic Temple at 255 Main Street, featuring historic 1909 hand painted theatre backdrops presented with great music and dramatic readings. A truly unique experience! (Sat. at 1).

· It’s opening weekend for the Winona County Historical Society’s new museum wing in the History Center downtown (160 Johnson, St., Winona, Fri. 9-5, weekends 12-4). The Bunnell House, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture (on highway 61 at Homer, 10-5 Fri. & Sat., 1-5 Sun.) and the Arches Museum of Pioneer Life, a furnished log home, barn and school house from the 1860s (located between Stockton and Lewiston, 1-5 all three days) will be open for tours. The History Center alone has three floors of exhibits. These events are made possible, in part, by a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society from the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Culture Fund.

· The Winona County History Center will also host Mike Kennedy on July 24 at 1 p.m. He will give a talk on the lives of conservationist Will Dilg and philanthropist John Latsch in Wanek Hall.

The weekend also features outdoor activities that demonstrate the local uses of Amendment funds:

· The Winona Park Recreation Department will offer FREE canoeing and kayaking on East Lake Winona. The boats are housed at Lake Lodge, which is at the foot of Main Street. (Fri. 4-8, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 8-2). This event draws attention to the new state water testing regimen funded by the Legacy Amendment. With limited funding, many waters in our state, including Lake Winona, have not been tested or cleaned up if polluted. With the new Legacy dollars, every lake and river will now be tested once every 10 years so that clean up plans can be developed and implemented wherever needed.

· The FREE Huck Finn Family Fest will be held on Saturday, July 24 from 10 to 1 along the Mississippi River, (by the Marine Art Museum) and will offer free fishing lessons for the kids provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There will also be kid’s educational activities “How to Identify Snakes in our Area” and “Stream Tables: Create a Miniature River Basin”, offered by the DNR and Winona State University Geology Dept, respectively. The activity highlights work being done with Legacy dollars upstream where clean up plans for the Lake Pepin and St. Criox River watersheds are currently being developed. If implemented successfully, this work will have dramatic impacts on river water quality in Winona and beyond.

· A FREE self-guided scenic tour of bluffs in Winona and the surrounding area show the benefits of $500,000 in new Legacy funding that the Minnesota Land Trust will use to permanently protect similar landscapes along the nearby Root River. Visitors can take a walk to visit Sugarloaf Bluff in Winona’s Memorial Park or go 12 miles south to Great River State Park to experience King’s Bluff and Queen’s Bluff. Each of these bluffs and the valuable wildlife habitat they contain have been previously protected and preserved through state and local efforts.

· Fifty FREE tickets to the Great River Shakespeare Festival shows will be available at local libraries on a first come, first serve basis.

Coincidentally, Columbus replica ships the Pinta and Nina will also land in Winona’s Levee park over this same weekend. The ‘Nina” was built completely by hand without the use of power tools, and Archeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel,’ a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

The Great River Shakespeare Festival is currently in its seventh season. The result of a unique collaboration between Festival founding directors, civic and business leaders, corporations, foundations, individual donors, and a 300-plus member strong volunteer organization, the Festival has attracted over 60,000 attendees since its 2004 inaugural season. In addition to its professional company productions, GRSF offers free weekend concerts (co-produced with Theatre du Mississippi), a host of education and community outreach events, and this season, its first non-Shakespearean production, the new WWII musical, The Daly News. Call for tickets: 507-474-7900.

Contacts:
Pat Mutter, Visit Winona, pmutter@visitwinona.com, 507-474-4151
Laurie Flannagan Hegge, Great River Shakespeare Festival, lauriefh@grsf.org, 507-474-7900 Ext. 116

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2. Hey, you with the Tweets

We are, like many others, experimenting with various uses for social networking. If you are on Twitter and work at an arts organization, please tell us some of the great things you are doing with Arts Legacy money using the tag: #artslegacy. Start a conversation!

We’re onTwitter: @MNCITIZEN

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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/

• TWITTER: @MNCITIZEN
• FACEBOOK: Search for: 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!