MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen

October 21, 2012

1. Which Legislative Candidates Support the Arts? Vote SmART.
2. You Are Invited to MCA’s Post-Election Annual Meeting
3. Great Quotes from MCA’s Designation as Top Nonprofit!
4. 24% of High Income Donors Plan to Give More in the Next Few Years
5. Nonprofit Postage Hike Coming
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1. Which Legislative Candidates Support the Arts? Vote SmART.

This election will have a huge impact on the arts in Minnesota. Will the Legacy fund be protected? Will nonprofit tax exemptions be protected? Do legislative candidates understand the importance of the arts to our quality of life and economy?

Because you need to know the answers to these questions, MCA conducted a survey of candidates for the Minnesota Legislature last month, and the results are now available on line. Candidates were asked five questions about current arts policy issues so they could tell you how they would vote:

• 89% of candidates listed at least one arts organization that their family enjoys.
• 93% of respondants for the House, and 91% for the Senate said that they would support dedicating a significant portion of any new money in the Arts Legacy fund to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils to make sure that all Minnesotans have access to the arts.
• 84% of respondants for the House, and 89%  for the Senate, said that they would oppose any effort to use dedicated Legacy resources for pork barrel earmark projects.
• 97% of respondants for the House, and 94% for the Senate agreed that nonprofit organizations should continue to be exempt from taxes because their services benefit the public.
• Find out more about the 23 MCA Arts All Stars running for the legislature this year.

See for yourself:

These were the answers of those who responded to the survey. It’s just as interesting to see who did not respond. To find out if your local candidates answered the survey and what their answers are,  you can download a pdf of all responses here: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/actnow/legislatorsupport/

NOTE: To find out what your new legislative district is (All district lines have changed! You may need to go somewhere new to vote!) go to the Secretary of State’s website: http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

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2. You Are Invited to MCA’s Post-Election Annual Meeting

MCA’s Annual Meeting will come right after the election, giving us a chance to talk about how election outcomes will affect the arts in the state legislature and in congress. MCA’s lobbyist Larry Redmond and Executive Director Sheila Smith will talk about what the election portends for arts funding and other policy issues. Don’t miss it!

Join us!
WHERE: Illusion Theatre, in the Hennepin Center for the Arts, Minneapolis
WHEN: November 9, 2012, 6:00-7:00 PM
RSVP: Staff@mncitizensforthearts.org or 651-251-0868
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3. Great Quotes from MCA’s Designation as Top Nonprofit!

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts’ designation as a Top Nonprofit Providing Access to the Arts in Minnesota came with a nice profile on Guidestar that inlcudes quotes about our work. We’re very proud, (and blushing) so we’d like to share them with you, our members:

“ I think this organization probably has more impact on the arts in Minnesota as a whole, than any other group. They lobbied on behalf of the new Legacy sales tax funding activities in the arts, culture, and environment.”

“ They have strong leadership and energy. They have a great ability to catalyze their constituents and have effective communication across a broad network.”

“ They have great grassroots support.”

“ This organization is crucial to art advocacy. Additionally, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is used as an example of success at the national level.”

“Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a primary reason for this state’s national reputation as a cultural Mecca. For decades, MCA has created a coalition among arts organizations across the state, across all disciplines, and of all sizes. The passage of the Legacy Amendment (and the inclusion of the arts in that amendment) is due in great part to MCA.”

Thanks again to Guidestar and Philanthropedia!

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4. 24% of High Income Donors Plan to Give More in the Next Few Years

Bank of America recently released early findings from its annual study of high-net-worth donors. High-net-worth households have incomes greater than $200,000 or assets in excess of $1,000,000. According to the survey, 4f3 percent of survey households make more charitable contributions during the holiday season (October to Decemper). 24 percent said they expect to give more over the next three to five years, 52 percent plan to continue giving at their current levels, and 9 percent expect to cut back. The complete report, Bank of America Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy, will be available later this month.

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5. Nonprofit Postage Hike Coming

The Nonprofit Times reports that charities can expect rates for nonprofit standard mail to rise be an average of 2.5 percent next year. The United States Postal Office recently announced the new pricing, which would go into effect on Juan. 27, 2013, pending review and approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The PRC now has 45 days to respond to the USPS request for the new rates.

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arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert 

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

October 16, 2012

1. Which Presidential Candidate Supports the Arts?
2. MCA Named Top Nonprofit by Guidestar and Philanthropedia
3. Saying Farewell to a Friend of the Arts, George Pillsbury
4. You Are Invited to MCA’s Post-Election Annual Meeting:How Will the Election Affect the Arts?
5. Rural Arts Management Institute Begins in November 
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1. Which Presidential Candidate Supports the Arts?

President Barack Obama, Democratic Candidate:

As President, Barack Obama has proposed two increases in NEA and NEH funding and one decrease. At one point funding for the NEA reached a high of $167.5 million. In addition, Congress approved $50 million for the NEA in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.  President Obama also supported the creation of an “Artist Corps” of young artists who are trained to work in low income schools and communities and helped to promote cultural diplomacy by increasing funding for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

From President Obama’s website:

“Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling works – Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope – President Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.”

Mitt Romney, Republican Candidate

According to an article in the LA Times, as Massachusetts governor, Mr. Romney tried to restrain but not eliminate arts spending. He did not succeed: the State Legislature voted additional money each year. The most important arts legislation during his tenure was the 2006 creation of a Cultural Facilities Fund, which provides for annual grants to help nonprofit arts, historical and scientific organizations pay for construction projects. Romney vetoed the fund, but the legislature overrode him.

Reports vary on whether his intention is to cut national arts funding by half or eliminate it altogether as President. However, during a recent interview with Fortune, Republican candidate Mitt Romney said the following regarding federal funding for the arts, humanities and public television:

“Some of these things, like those endowment efforts and PBS, I very much appreciate and like what they do in many cases…But I just think they have to stand on their own rather than receiving money borrowed from other countries, as our government does on their behalf.”

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2. MCA Named Top Nonprofit by Guidestar and Philanthropedia
We are proud to announce that Minnesota Citizens for the Arts has been designated as a Top Nonprofit providing access to arts and culture in Minnesota. Of the 18 nonprofits recognized, Springboard for the Arts was number one and MCA was number two. Congratulations to everyone!

Philanthropedia, a division of GuideStar, and Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, which supports The Saint Paul Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation and 1,600 other affiliates across Minnesota, announced the results of custom research that identifies high-impact nonprofits improving access to arts and culture in the state of Minnesota. The research was commissioned to help donors learn about and support high-impact nonprofits in Minnesota. Some 123 sector experts participated in the research, which resulted in recognizing 18 nonprofits as high-impact organizations in the field of access to arts and culture.

Minnesota Philanthropy Partners has also commissioned research to identify high-impact environmental nonprofits (released in October 2011), workforce development nonprofits (released April 2012), and those improving access to healthy food (yet to be released).

The expert-identified nonprofits will be highlighted on Philanthropedia’s website, GuideStar’s Take Action website, and MNSights magazine, a free bi-annual magazine published by Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. To see the results, please visit: http://myphilanthropedia.org/top-nonprofits/minnesota.

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3. Saying Farewell to a Friend of the Arts, George Pillsbury

We are mourning the loss of a friend of the arts, George Pillsbury. George and his wife Sally have been long time supporters of MCA, the Guthrie Theatre, and many, many other arts organizations across the state. We have lost not just a friend but a civic leader who loved Minnesota and worked hard to make it a better place.

More here: http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2012/10/minnesotans-pay-tribute-civic-and-political-leader-george-pillsbury

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4. You Are Invited to MCA’s Post-Election Annual Meeting:

    How Will the Election Affect the Arts?

This election may mean big changes for the arts in the legislature and congress. Find out what the election results mean at MCA’s Post-Election Annual Meeting on November 9 at the Illusion Theatre in Minneapolis. You are invited! Just RSVP to staff@mncitizensforthearts.org. Or call us at 651-251-0868. See you there!

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5. Rural Arts Management Institute Begins in November

Are you an artist, performer, entrepreneur, administrator, volunteer and/or leader who makes the arts happen in a small town or rural area?  And are you looking for inspiration, training, colleagues and inspiration to do this work?

If so, you should sign up for Arts Wisconsin’s Rural Arts Management Institute, an essential, training and educational program that brings together a learning community to benefit artists, performers, organizational representatives and creative entrepreneurs in rural communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota and throughout the Upper Midwest.

Arts Wisconsin, Wisconsin’s statewide arts service, advocacy, and development organization, invites applicants for the sixth annual Rural Arts Management Institute, to be held at the nationally-acclaimed Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in Amery, Wisconsin, November 2012 through May 2013. More here: http://www.artswisconsin.org/ourservices/RAM.cfm

arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert 

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

October 9, 2012
1. Let’s Thank These Legislative Arts All Stars!
2. Walker Art Center Director Recieves Presidential Honor
3. State Arts Board Offering Training on New Online Grant System
4. Easy Online Tool Can Determine Economic Impact For Your Organization
5. What Are The Rules for Nonprofits in Election Years?
___________________________

1. Let’s Thank These Legislative Arts All Stars!

In the past couple of weeks MCA has awarded four additional legislators our Arts All Star Award for being champions of the arts at the Legislature and also for their support of in the arts in their daily lives:

Rep. Bobby Joe Champion (D-Mpls) received his Arts All Star Award at MacPhail Center for the Arts on Sept. 19. Rep. Champion has an interesting arts background. He worked with Flyte Tyme Productions and was co-founder and director of the Grammy-nominated Excelsior Choir. He has been very involved in youth music education for years. “I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition from such a fine organization. MCA represents the best of arts & culture in Minnesota, and I’ll continue to fight for the richness that the arts bring to our state.”

Sen. John Howe (R–Red Wing) received his Arts All Star Award before a performance of The Capitol Steps at the T B Sheldon Theatre in Redwing on Sept. 29. Sen. Howe, in addition to supporting the arts in his caucus and opposing the use of Legacy for a stadium, also sponsored a bill that would help the T.B. Sheldon Theatre’s renovations. As the former Mayor of Red Wing he oversaw a positive relationship with the city-owned T. B. Sheldon Theatre.

Sen. Terri Bonoff (D-Minnetonka) received her Arts All Star Award at Minnetonka Center for the Arts on Sept. 13. “I am especially honored to receive this award, as the arts are very important to me and my family, said Senator Bonoff. “Before being in elected office I was a guide at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. I am currently a Board Member at the Guthrie Theatre and my husband is a Board Member at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. We thank MN Citizens for the Arts for the work they do and I am pleased to be their partner.”

Sen. Sandy Pappas, (D-St Paul) provided leadership in helping the Ordway Center for Performing Arts get resources for their new theater, and received her Arts All Star Award there before a performance of Broadway Songbook on Sept. 28. “As a former actress, ongoing arts patron, and staunch supporter of the arts, I am delighted to receive this prestigious award, she said. Sen. Pappas once worked as a organizer for community programs in the arts and performed in a 1970s feminist theater group as well as recently in the Fringe Festival.

Thank you to all! To thank and congratulate these friends of the arts:

Rep. Champion: 329 State Office Bldg, St. Paul, MN 55155, rep.bobby.champion@house.mn

Sen. Howe: 323 State Capitol, St. Paul, MN 55155, sen.john.howe@senate.mn

Sen. Bonoff: 133 State Office Bldg, St. Paul, MN 55155, sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn

Sen. Pappas: 143 State Office Bldg, St. Paul, MN 55155, sen.sandra.pappas@senate.mn

And thank you again to the Arts All Stars we announced earlier this year:

Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (D-Plummer)

Sen. Bill Ingebrigsten (R-Alexandria)

Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City)

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2. Walker Art Center Director Receives Presidential Honor 

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the executive director of the Walker Art Center received a high honor from President Barack Obama.  Olga Viso was nominated by the president to become a member of the National Council on the Arts on Friday, Sept 21.

Viso, who has been at the Walker since 2008, currently serves on the board of directors of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. She will join Minnesota dancer and choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy on the council.

“I am confident that these outstanding men and women will greatly serve the American people in their new roles and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” President Obama said in a news release.

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3. State Arts Board Offering Training on New Online Grant System

The Minnesota State Arts Board is installing a new online grant system called WebGrants, and will be giving free online trainings on the new system this fall. If you aren’t already on the MSAB’s email list, you should sign up today to ensure you recieve messages with teh latest info from the Arts Board about the training sessions and the implementation of the new system at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/contact/enews_signup.htm

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4. Easy Online Tool Can Determine Economic Impact For Your Organization

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Calculator is a free and simple tool that makes it possible for you to esitmate the economic impact of your nonprofit art and culture organization — or even your entire nonprofit arts community. These estimates are based on research findings from the 182 study regions that were part of Arts &n Economic Prosperity IV, Americans for the Arts’ national economic impact study of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.

Try it out! http://www.americansforthearts.org/information_services/research/services/economic_impact/iv/calculator.html

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5. What Are The Rules for Nonprofits in Election Years?

WHAT YOU CAN DO: ISSUES.  There seems to be some confusion in the nonprofit community about whether or not they can get involved in issue campaigns during the election season. Did you know that nonprofits can get as engaged as they wish in issue campaigns? As a trusted voice in your community, your arts nonprofit can engage in issue advocacy at any time. This question has come up most often in relation to the two constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot.  Your nonprofit can endorse or oppose either amendment, and can urge your members and supporters to do so as well. You can post signs in or on your facility to endorse or oppose either amendment, you can offer your space and other resources to the campaigns on these issues, and you can communicate to your members and supporters urging them to support or oppose these issues.

WHAT YOU CAN’T DO: CANDIDATES. There is a big difference between issue advocacy (such as about the constitutional amendments) and campaigning for and against candidates. Nonprofits are not allowed to endorsed candidates, nor to provide their resources to candidates. So, if a candidate asks to use your facility for a fundraiser, you should charge them market rent and any associated costs for the event, just like you would any other renter. Don’t post campaign signs for candidates at your building and don’t endorse or oppose candidates in your communications.

THE MARRIAGE AMENDMENT:

So far 116 arts organizations have come out against the amendment that would limit the freedom to marry. If your arts organization would like to join them, let us know.

_______________________________________________

arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert 

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

September 30, 2012

1. Which MN Members of Congress Earned an “F” on the Arts?
2. MCA Seeking Board Members: Deadline Oct. 9
3. Grantmaking to the arts up 20 Percent in MN
4. Minnesotans Overwhelmingly Support Nonprofit Tax Exemptions
5. What Are The Rules for Nonprofits in Election Years?
___________________________

1. Which MN Members of Congress Earned an “F” on the Arts?

Americans for the Arts Act Fund PAC has come out with new grades for our members of Congress on arts issues, and it’s a mixed report. All of Minnesota’s members of Congress are up for election this year, so we thought you’d be interested in how our members of the U.S. House of Representatives fared in their rankings.

Despite evidence that the arts generate economic activity, fuel innovation and enrich communities, Congress funds the arts through the National Endowment for the Arts at a mere 47 cents per capita. As our leaders look to make the hard choices regarding the best use of limited federal resources, pro-arts voters have an opportunity to support candidates that understand the value of investment in creative community.

Details on how the grades were determined can be downloaded here: http://www.artsactionfund.org/pages/congressional-report-card and then clicking on “View the Full 2012 Congressional Arts Report Card.”

GRADE          NAME (In alphabetical order)

F            Michelle Bachmann (R) CD6 (Stillwater to St. Cloud)

F            Chip Cravaack (R) CD8 (Northeast MN)

B            Keith Ellison (D) CD5 (Minneapolis)

F            John Kline (R) CD2 (Southern TC Suburbs)

A+          Betty McCollum (D) CD4 (St Paul and Eastern TC Suburbs)

B+          Erik Paulsen (R) CD3 (Western TC Suburbs)

A+          Collin Peterson (D) CD7 (Northwest MN)

A+          Tim Walz (D) CD1 (Southern MN)

Ellison, McCollum and Peterson have also responded in detail to a survey on arts issues that is available here:

http://artsactionfund.org/pages/ask-your-candidate

As we get closer to the election, we will focus on candidates for the Legislature, who are all up for reelection this year, and the candidates for U.S. President. Be an informed ArtSMART voter!

___________________________

2. MCA Seeking Board Members: Deadline Oct. 9

Nominations for MCA’s Board Now Open

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is soliciting nominations for its Board of Trustees. Terms begin November, 2012 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 9, 2012 by email, fax, or by snail mail to the above address. There are approximately five board openings each year, and MCA’s bylaws ensure that board representation comes from all over the state.

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?).***

MCA Board Nomination Form: Answer these questions and send to: staff@mncitizensforthearts.org. More info: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/home/volunteer/

• 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?

_______________________________________________

3.  Grantmaking to the arts up 20 Percent in MN

According to new research by the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF), Minnesota grantmaking to the arts rebounded significantly in 2010, growing to $129 million, which is 20 percent above the mid-recession 2009 levels. The rise follows an almost steady decline in arts giving since 2004.

The analysis was based on more than 27,000 grants of $2000 or more, made by a sample of the 100 largest grantmakers in the state. MCF’s complete Giving in Minnesota, 2012 Edition, will be released in October.

Corporate grantmakers gave half of all grant dollars to arts organizations in 2010, increasing their support to nearly $63 million. Target Foundation and Corporation was Minnesota’s largest arts funder, providing around $34 milliion.

Private foundations contributed $44 million to the arts, culture and humanities. The McKnight Foundation gave almost $10 million and ranked third in overall grantmaking.

Community/public foundations donated $22 million to the arts, an 85% increase over 2009. Several large gifts accounted for most of the jump in this category.

“It’s great news for Minnesota that as the economy turned around, arts grantmaking did the same, ” says Bill King, MCF president. “We saw a similar decline followed by a rise in giving to the arts during 2001′s recession and recovery.”

More information on the report will be made available at www.mcf.org/research/giving.

_______________________________________________

4. Minnesotans Overwhelmingly Support Nonprofit Tax Exemptions

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits contracted with the Minnesota Center for Survey Research at the U of M to poll 800 Minnesotans about their opinion about nonprofit tax exemptions.

THE QUESTION:  “Nonprofit Organizations provide social services, health services, education and arts to the public. Under Minnesota law, nonprofit organizations have been free from paying sales or property taxes because of their services to the public. Do you agree or disagree that nonprofit organizations should CONTINUE to be free from paying sales and property taxes?”

THE RESPONSE: 86 percent of respondants agreed, showing broad support for nonprofits even through all of the ups and downs of the recent recession.

______________________________________________________

5. What Are The Rules for Nonprofits in Election Years?

WHAT YOU CAN DO: ISSUES.  There seems to be some confusion in the nonprofit community about whether or not they can get involved in issue campaigns during the election season. Did you know that nonprofits can get as engaged as they wish in issue campaigns? As a trusted voice in your community, your arts nonprofit can engage in issue advocacy at any time. This question has come up most often in relation to the two constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot.  Your nonprofit can endorse or oppose either amendment, and can urge your members and supporters to do so as well. You can post signs in or on your facility to endorse or oppose either amendment, you can offer your space and other resources to the campaigns on these issues, and you can communicate to your members and supporters urging them to support or oppose these issues.

WHAT YOU CAN’T DO: CANDIDATES. There is a big difference between issue advocacy (such as about the constitutional amendments) and campaigning for and against candidates. Nonprofits are not allowed to endorsed candidates, nor to provide their resources to candidates. So, if a candidate asks to use your facility for a fundraiser, you should charge them market rent and any associated costs for the event, just like you would any other renter. Don’t post campaign signs for candidates at your building and don’t endorse or oppose candidates in your communications.

THE MARRIAGE AMENDMENT:

So far 115 arts organizations have come out against the amendment that would limit the freedom to marry. If your arts organization would like to join them, let us know.

_______________________________________________

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

September 18, 2012

1. Nominate Someone Great for a Sally Award

2. MCA Seeking Board Members: Deadline Oct. 9

3. MCA Hiring Grassroots Field Worker: Deadline Sept. 23

___________________________

1. Nominate Someone Great for a Sally Award

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is gearing up the selection process for the next round of Sally Awards. The awards recognize extraordinary Minnesota artists who inspire us with their creativity and dedication to their craft.

The 2012 Sally Ordway Irvine Awards will continue this tradition, and you can be a part of it! The Ordway invites you to participate by nominating artists to be considered for the 2012 Sally Awards.

It’s easy to do. Just think about the artists who have inspired you, your family or your friends, and forward their names as nominees for the 2012 Sally Awards. Awards will include the following five categories:

ARTS ACCESS / VISION / INITIATIVE / COMMITMENT / EDUCATION

Minnesota’s arts scene is so rich and diverse that it’s impossible for us to keep up with the work being created every day in every corner of the state. Any arts organization or individual in the state of Minnesota is eligible, as long as they have not already received an award.

For info. on guidelines and a nomination form, go to ordway.org/sallyawards, or contact Kate Youngdahl at 651.282.3101.

___________________________

2. MCA Seeking Board Members: Deadline Oct. 9

Nominations for MCA’s Board Now Open

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is soliciting nominations for its Board of Trustees. Terms begin November, 2012 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 9, 2012 by email, fax, or by snail mail to the above address. There are approximately five board openings each year, and MCA’s bylaws ensure that board representation comes from all over the state.

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?).***

MCA Board Nomination Form: Answer these questions and send to: staff@mncitizensforthearts.org. More info: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/home/volunteer/

• 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?

_______________________________________________

3.   MCA Hiring Grassroots Field Worker. Deadline Sept. 23

The position is full time (40hrs.wk) and begins ASAP & ends June 30, 2013. Salary dependent upon experience.

Working closely with staff and board, the Field Worker will be a part of organizing the arts community for the 2013 legislative session. The Field Workers duties include, but are not limited to, legislative surveys, organizing coffee parties, mass mailings, candidate forums, moderating public meetings, arts all-star award events and drumming up calls and letters at pivotal moments. The Field Worker will also participate in the day-to-day workings of the office and will assist the Executive Director as needed. This person must be alert, flexible, and willing to work on changing projects that become identified during the year to reach our goals at the Legislature. Applicants must have access to a vehicle and be able to travel to greater Minnesota, although the majority of time will be spent at the office.

A qualified applicant would possess the following skills:

• Interest in, experience with, and an understanding of the state legislature and Minnesota’s political process and some experience in community organizing.
• Good communication skills, especially when speaking to crowds or with people on the phone.
• Experience and interest in working with a non-profit board and the arts community.
• College degree preferred, but not required if experienced.
• An organized, self-starting, positive personality with a sense of humor.
• Computer literacy; preferably experience with Apple Computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and database system Filemaker.
• Familiarity with social media pages, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

APPLY TODAY. More info here: http://www.mncitizensforthearts.org/home/volunteer/

Please mail or e-mail résumé and cover letter by September 23, 2012 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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RESOURCES

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

JOIN Today on MCA’s secure web site at: mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/

TWITTER: @MnCitizen

FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts

GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!

PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.

ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

@MnCitizen

August 30, 2012

1. Rep. Urdahl Accepts All Star Award Before Performing in Play

2. “Way North of Ordinary” Legacy Weekend in Cook County Sept. 8-16

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1. Rep. Urdahl Accepts All Star Award Before Performing in Play

Rep. Dean Urdahl (R- Grove City) received an Arts All Star Award from MCA on August 24th, 2012 at the Litchfield Opera House. The award was in recognition of Rep. Urdahl’s support of the arts in the 2012 legislative session and represents one of only a few Arts All Star Awards being presented this year.

“We are proud to thank a legislator who understands the importance of the arts to our communities,” said Sheila Smith, Executive Director of MCA. “He has been very important to making sure the intent of the Legacy Amendment is followed.”

The award is designed to show the arts community’s appreciation to legislators who display a significant understanding, interest, and support for the arts, and was presented before the show. Proving MCA right, Rep. Urdahl then performed as Ming the Merciless as part of the Flash Gordon section of the Old Time Radio show at the Litchfield Opera House.

“As chair of the Legacy Committee it is my duty to see that constitutionally dedicated money is spent properly. Money for the arts and culture has gone to many worthwhile projects, including the Litchfield Opera House. I look forward to working with arts advocates in the future to ensure that these funds are available to continue to teach and entertain the people of Minnesota,” said Representative Urdahl. “I am honored to receive this award.”

“At the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council (SMAHC) we are so thankful for Rep. Urdahl’s continued support of the arts and his work to ensure Legacy funds are used for their original purpose,” said Susan Marco. Susan is a Board Member of the SMAHC from the Dassel area.

The Clean Water Legacy Amendment was passed by Minnesota voters in 2008, creating four dedicated funds for land, water, parks and arts.

Thank Rep. Urdahl: 571 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

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2. “Way North of Ordinary” Legacy Weekend in Cook County Sept. 8-16

A public art competition, historical tours and a series of live musical performances by regional and national acts are all on tap for Cook County as they turn a Legacy Destination Weekend into an event they are calling Ten Days in September.

As the leaves start to change, music fans from throughout the region are expected to descend on Grand Marais for the much anticipated show by Trampled By Turtles and Low at the Mountain Stage at the North House Folk School on the shore of Lake Superior. The show’s intimate setting will make for a great night of music that will be recorded by National Public Radio for later broadcast on their Mountain Stage program.

“We like to say up here that we are way north of ordinary, and this is a perfect example,” said Suzanne Weber of the Cook County Visitor and Convention Bureau. “We’ll have a whole bunch of great music, as well as some artistic displays and a bunch of opportunities for people to learn about the history of this area.”

Many of the events that are a part of the Legacy Weekend have benefitted in one way or another from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that was adopted by the voters in 2008. The amendment created a new source of revenue for a number of outdoors and cultural projects throughout the state.  The Legacy Weekend program is a partnership between MCA, Conservation Minnesota, and ExploreMN Tourism.

Legacy Funded Activities Include:

September 8

Gunflint Trail Historic Homes Tour: Residents of Hungry Jack Lake, located in the mid-Trail region of the Gunflint Trail, will open up their historic cabins to the public for this special Gunflint Trail Historical Society fundraiser. Refreshments will be served. Starting location and time TBA.   The Gunflint Trail Historical Society has received legacy funding through the Minnesota Historical Society.

More Info: www.gunflinttrailhistoricalsociety.org

September 8-9

Radio Waves Music Festival – A 2 day Festival featuring two days of music by local and regional artists in an outdoor venue on the shores of Lake Superior. The festival offers fantastic food, children’s activities, dancing, and on-site camping. Radio Waves Music Festival was funded through a Legacy grant from the Arrowhead Regional Art Council. Tickets are only $5 per day, available at the gate.

More info at www.wtip.org

September 13-16

Unplugged XI: The Northern Harvest, For three nights, local regional and national acts will share a stage at North House Folk School for a music series. National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage will be on hand to record the performances for future broadcast. There will also be mini craft workshops modeled after classic North House courses, music workshops, an online auction and an artisan craft market, jam sessions, and presentations by craftspeople. The North House Folk School is funded in part through Legacy grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

More Info: www.northhouse.org

September 8 -16

Cascade River State Park: The WPA wayside, along Highway 61 was restored with a Legacy grant from the Art and Cultural Heritage Fund. Park trails are accessible for hiking from the wayside.

September 7-13

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center: Open daily in September, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The museum and nature center presents the cultural and nature history of the Gunflint Trail through interpretative and interactive exhibits located in the historic Chik-Wauk Lodge building. The grounds feature a number of hiking trails and picnic areas. Special exhibit on the history of Chik-Wauk Lodge. Admission fee. Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center have helped to preserve Minnesota’s history with the help of Legacy grants through the Minnesota Historical Society

For More Information: www.chikwauk.com

Other Non-Legacy Funded Activities also available:

September 7-14

Plein Air Grand Marais: A week-long Outdoor Painting Competition that features over 50 renowned painters, the scenic backdrop of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area   and various art activities which culminate in a dynamic exhibition of artwork. On September 13, artists will be invited to a competition where they each get 90 minutes to paint a local scene of their choice. They will all start out at Artists Point at 4 p.m. and then fan out around the area, before returning with their finished work at 5:30 p.m. Works created in this contest and others will be on exhibit and for sale through the end of the month at the Grand Marais Art Colony. The Grand Marais Art Colony is a grantee of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

More info: http://www.grandmaraisartcolony.org/

More information on the extended Legacy Destination Weekend is available at http://www.visitcookcounty.com/

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Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

Facebook      Twitter @MNCitizen     Website     Join Now    YouTube     

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

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

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

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

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

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

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

arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert

arts alert / arts alert / arts alert /arts alert / arts alert

MCA
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561
staff at mncitizensforthearts.org
www.mncitizensforthearts.org
@MnCitizen

June 19, 2012

1. Chairman of the NEA Says Minnesota a National Model
2. Rochester’s Arts Economic Impact: $38.2M/Year
3. St. Cloud Legacy Weekend
4. Free Training for Cultural Data Project

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1. Chairman of the NEA Says Minnesota a National Model

Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the NEA, was in town to visit with
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D- St. Paul) and a group of arts leaders
at the University Club in St. Paul.

“Minnesota is a national model for arts support, between passage
of the Legacy Amendment and the high arts participation rate of the
public,” he said.

As reported in an MPR story, he also told a group of arts organizations
at the History Theatre that he thought the fight over NEA funding would
be less severe than in previous years:

NEA funding comes before Congress next week. McCollum serves on the
congressional committee which will take up that discussion. Landesman
does not expect the debate to be as controversial as it has been in the
past and is confident the package will go through.
“I think they have bigger fish to fry, or something. I think
people accept the arts are important, they are an important part of
people’s daily lives,” Landesman said. “I don’t sense the
hostility toward the arts, per se. I think there is a hostility towards
spending money on anything. But I don’t sense we are being targeted in
the way we were sometimes in the past.”

See more about the visit in MPR’s story here.

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2. Rochester’s Arts Economic Impact: $38.2M/Year

Americans for the Arts Released Arts & Economic Prosperity IV last
week at their annual conference in San Antonio, TX. Rochester was the
only Minnesota city studied, and the numbers were big:

$19M total arts industry expendiatures each year in Rochester, MN
$19M spent by arts and culture audiences in Rochester annually
873 jobs supported
Nearly $1M in annual revenue to local government
Over $2M in annual revenue to state government

Total arts attendance in Rochester is just over 1 million people per
year, with 27% coming from outside the city. Average amount spent per
arts attendee, in addition to the cost of their ticket: nearly $19 per
person.

More detail from the study can be found here:

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/utr/1/NITHRWGSWP/EKFURWHDLP/8422901936#

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3. St. Cloud Legacy Weekend

You’ll want to reserve the weekend of July 20-22 for the St. Cloud
Legacy Weekend, with many fun activities to highlight the ways that
Legacy funding creates opportunities for Minnesotans to explore the
arts and the outdoors.

Here’s some of the fun activities that are already lined up:
Great Theatre’s “Theatre in the Park.” Free outdoor evening
theater experience held at Heritage Park, July 19-21 at 7:30 pm.
www.greattheatre.org

Paramount Theatre studio tour and arts exhibit. www.paramountarts.org

Production of “Chicago” on stage. Daytime film festival
featuring Minnesota film makers, including legacy recipient John Scott.
Pioneer Place on Fifth. www.ppfive.com

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, a 643-acre park comprised of 30
abandoned granite quarries, will feature the operation of the Liberty
derrick.

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/utr/1/NITHRWGSWP/CYZVRWHDLQ/8422901936

“Adventures in History” Enjoy a stroll through time at the
Stearns History Museum. www.stearns-museum.org

St Cloud Riverwalk Self-Guided History Tour. This educational tour
explores sixteen interesting landmarks along the Mississippi River.
Check out an mp3 player at the St Cloud Best Western Kelly Inn.

And more to come! Explore Minnesota has created a website where you can
find the details as they become available:

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/utr/1/NITHRWGSWP/FUMVRWHDLR/8422901936.

Legacy Weekends are a project of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts,
Conservation Minnesota, Explore Minnesota Tourism and local partners.

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4. Free Training for Cultural Data Project

The Cultural Data Project is here and free trainings are available
across the state!

The CDP’s orientation sessions will provide you with an
overview of the history and goals of the project, an introduction to
the types of data collected, and tips for how to get started completing
your Data Profile or using the CDP’s reporting features.

These sessions are a great way to get the most from the CDP, so
please feel free to attend with more than one representative of your
organization, including your executive director, your finance
manager/bookkeeper, your development director, or a board member.
For dates, times and more info:

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/utr/1/NITHRWGSWP/LRQWRWHDLS/8422901936

————————-
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

Facebook Twitter @MNCitizen Website Join Now YouTube

Everything MCA does is made possible by our passionate and committed
members.JOIN NOW:
www.mncitizensforthearts.org/join/membership/individual-memberships/TAKE
ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.orgCOOL STUFF TO BUY:
www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and
will not sell or distribute your name and info to anyone for any
reason.GRANTS: MCA is not a grantsmaker. For access to state funding,
contact the Minnesota State Arts Board www.arts.state.mn.usor your
local Regional Arts Council. ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts
advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure Minnesotans have
access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community
to lobby the Legislature and Congress on issues important to the
nonprofit arts community. If you are interested in advocating for the
arts, or want to learn how to activate people in your arts organization
or community, contact us at 651-251-0868 or staff at
mncitizensforthearts.org

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

@MnCitizen

June 4, 2012

MCA Is Hiring!

CONTACT:            Mark Albers

(651) 251-0868

GRASSROOTS FIELD WORKER POSITION AVAILABLE:

The deadline for applications is June 14th.

The position is full time (40hrs.wk) and begins July 1, 2012 & ends June 30, 2013. Salary dependent upon experience.

Working closely with staff and board, the Field Worker will be a part of organizing the arts community for the 2013 legislative session. The Field Workers duties include, but are not limited to, legislative surveys, organizing coffee parties, mass mailings, candidate forums, moderating public meetings, arts all-star award events and drumming up calls and letters at pivotal moments. The Field Worker will also participate in the day-to-day workings of the office and will assist the Executive Director as needed. This person must be alert, flexible, and willing to work on changing projects that become identified during the year to reach our goals at the Legislature. Applicants must be willing to do some travel to greater Minnesota, although the majority of time will be spent at the office.

A qualified applicant would possess the following skills:

-Interest in, experience with, and an understanding of the state legislature and Minnesota’s political process and some experience in community organizing.

-Good communication skills, especially when speaking to crowds or with people on the phone.

-Experience and interest in working with a non-profit board and the arts community.

-College degree preferred, but not required if experienced.

-An organized, self-starting, positive personality with a sense of humor.

-Computer literacy; preferably experience with Apple Computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and database system Filemaker.

- Familiarity with social media pages, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

APPLY TODAY.

Please mail or e-mail résumé and cover letter by June 14^th, 2012 to:

Mark Albers

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Avenue West, Suite 355

St. Paul, MN 55114

staff@mncitizensforthearts.org

————————————-

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

Facebook Twitter @MNCitizen Website Join Now YouTube

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

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

TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org

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

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

@MnCitizen

May 31, 2012

1. Cultural Data Project Launches Today

2. Bemidji Hosts Legacy Weekend June 11-17

3. 84 Arts Organizations Now Oppose Amendment

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1. Cultural Data Project Launches Today

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Minnesota Cultural Data Project (Minnesota CDP), a powerful online management tool designed to strengthen arts, cultural and historical organizations in Minnesota. Once it is up and running, it will provide us with powerful data to use in advocating for the arts.

The Minnesota CDP is a user-friendly online system for reporting arts organizational and financial data. To participate in the Minnesota CDP, organizations will fill out a Cultural Data Profile online once each year. After you’ve completed your first Data Profile, you will be able to run reports on your organization, which you can use to analyze your organization’s operations over time and inform your strategic planning; as one part of the grant application process to partnering funders; and to make your case to board members, potential donors and grantmakers, advocates and policy makers.

Arts organizations can get started by visiting the Minnesota CDP website www.mnculturaldata.org today! Create an account by selecting New User Registration. A first series of orientation sessions for nonprofit cultural organizations will be held in Minnesota later this month. Additional sessions will be scheduled across the state throughout the year.  CDP info sessions will be provided as webinars, and also in person in St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Duluth, Bemidji, Fergus Falls, St. Paul, Marshall, Mankato, Rochester with dates from June-August. Please check the Minnesota CDP website http://www.mnculturaldata.org/news.aspx for dates and details and to register. These important sessions will provide you with an overview of the history and goals of the Minnesota CDP, as well as an introduction to the types of data collected.  Please feel free to attend this session with more than one representative of your organization, including your executive director, your finance manager/bookkeeper and your development director. Also, you are very welcome to attend the session more than once, if you think you might like a refresher or if you would want to encourage additional staff from your organization to attend on different dates. Refreshments will be served.

Questions? The Minnesota CDP Help Desk is available from Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm your local time to answer any questions you might have. CDP Help Desk staff all have a background in the arts and look forward to speaking with you about your unique organization. Contact the Help Desk at help@culturaldata.org or 877-707-3282 (877-707-DATA).

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

The Minnesota Cultural Data Project is made possible through the leadership of the members of the Minnesota CDP Task Force: F.R. Bigelow Foundation, Forum of Regional Arts Councils of Minnesota, Jerome Foundation, Mardag Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Minnesota Council on Foundations, Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota State Arts Board, City of Saint Paul, The Saint Paul Foundation, and Target. Additional support is provided by: Bush Foundation, General Mills Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Minnesota CDP Launch Advisory Committee: Minnesota Theater Alliance, Springboard for the Arts, VocalEssence. The Minnesota CDP is operated by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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2. Bemidji Hosts Legacy Weekend

Where the Father of Waters meets the Northwood’s tallest tale, there is something for every family this Father’s Day weekend as Bemidji hosts a Legacy Destination Weekedn. Bemidji’s schedule of activities expands though out the week of June 11-15. Spotlight events include the Bemidji Book Festival, a historical look at Paul Bunyan, and an introduction to wildlife, fishing and archery that will help get people outside to enjoy a variety of summer activities offered in beautiful Bemidji area. Legacy Weekends highlight local projects that are supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment and are a partnership of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

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

Minnesotans voted in 2008 to set aside an increased portion of sales tax revenue to provide financial support for a variety of conservation, parks and cultural programs. The Legacy Destination Weekends program was created to draw attention to one region of the state a month so that projects supported by the Legacy Amendment can be highlighted. In June, the tour stops in Bemidji.

Highlights of the weekend’s schedule are listed below. A more detailed schedule of events is available online at: http://www.visitbemidji.com/specialevents/legacy-dest-2012.html

Bemidji Book Festival One of the highlights of this weekend in Bemidji is the Bemidji Book Festival, which has a series of readings and workshops slated for locations throughout town. Authors representing various genre include Carolyn Strom Collins, William Durbin, Anne Dunn, Laurie Hertzel, Margi Preus, Lise Erdrich, Nancy Carlson, Douglas Wood, Terri DeGezelle. Poetry slams and musical performances add to the mix of literary entertainment. Polar explorer, Anne Bancroft, will keynote the festival with a presentation on Friday night. An additional author reception and reading by Wendell Affield from his book Muddy Jungle Rivers, is sponsored by the Bemidji Community Art Center’s Spoken Word Series on Saturday afternoon.

Paul and Babe at 75. This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the iconic Paul and Babe statues that greet visitors as they come to town. John Berquist, one of the Minnesota’s most respected folklorists, will present traditional lumberjack songs and lore in a celebration of north woods heritage. The Beltrami County Historical Center’s newest exhibit features Paul and Babe memorabilia from 1937 to present day.

Spitfire Grill theater production, runs Wednesday through Sunday. The Paul Bunyan Playhouse will be staging performances of this award-winning musical. It tells the story of a young woman recently released from prison who goes to work at a small-town diner.   The play runs nightly at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

Kids Fishing Friday The first nine kids between the ages of 8 and 15 to register will be treated to a fishing lesson on Friday morning at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Archery in the Park Participants will be taught the basics of archery by trained instructors. No experience is needed. All equipment and instruction is free. Open to anyone eight years old and up. Space is limited, so call to reserve a spot.

Canoe the Mississippi River Water Trail On Saturday, a Lake Bemidji State Park naturalist-guided canoe trip along the Mississippi River will give visitors and locals alike an explorer’s view of a few miles of North America’s longest river often referred to as the “Father of Water’s” by early Native American inhabitants and authors.

Bogwatcher Sunday Naturalists from Lake Bemidji State Park will lead visitors on a walk along the boardwalk into the park’s bog to learn about the flora and fauna that makes bogs unique.

Outdoor Concert Series Father’s Day Sunday appropriately features a popular father/son duo performing at the Lake Bemidji State Park amphitheater. Free concert begins at 1:30 pm.

Each of these events demonstrates the local benefits of Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funding. Past/current recipients include:

• Bemidji Book Festival: 2010 Legacy grant recipient
• Paul Bunyan Playhouse: 2010 and 2011 Legacy grant recipient
• Lake Bemidji State Park: A 2010 Legacy grant brought art to the park
• Beltrami County Historical Society: Multiple Legacy projects, both alone and collaboratively.

For more information, please contact Cindy Habedank at 877-250-5959 or visit www.visitbemidji.com/specialevents/legacy-dest-2012.html

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3. 84 Arts Organizations Now Oppose Amendment

Eighty four arts organizations have now announced their opposition to the marriage amendment, with more coming in every day. Two new events are coming if you’d like to connect with the effort:

1. Happy Hour for Arts Community United, June 11, 5-7 PM at Mac’s Industrial Bar in NE Mpls, RSVP on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/141677472622787/?context=create

2. Duluth Kick-off for Arts Community United, June 13, 5:30-6:30 at Teatro Zuccone theater, Zeitgeist Arts Building, Duluth, RSVP to Crystal Pelkey, crystal.pelkey@zeppa.org, 218-336-1416.

Join the coalition:

air sweet air GALLERY, American Composers Forum, Anderson Center (Red Wing), Articulture, Bloomington Theatre and Art Center, Box Wine Theatre, Burton Art Studios, Calliope Women’s Chorus, Children’s Theatre Company, Duluth Art Institute, FEASTMpls ,First Avenue & 7^th Street Entry, Frank Theatre, Freshwater Theatre, Gadfly Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Hopewell North Music Cooperative, Illusion Theater, In the Heart of the Beast, Intermedia Arts, Jungle Theater, James Sewell Ballet, Kate Sommers Photography, Keane Sense of Rhythm, Inc Tap Dance, Loring Park Art Festival, Lunalux, Milkweed Editions, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Minnesota Freedom Band, Minnesota, Museum of American Art, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, Minnesota Playlist, Minnesota Theater Alliance, Misplaced Music, Mixed Blood Theatre Company, The Moving Company, Mu Performing Arts, Nautilus Music-Theater, New Bohemian Artist Coop, Off Leash Area, One Voice Mixed Chorus, Open Eye Figure Theatre, Pangea World Theater, Patrick’s Cabaret, Pillsbury House Theatre, Playwrights’ Center, Rebel Ink Printing (small business), Red Eye Collaboration, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Civic Theatre, Rosalux Gallery, Rox Minneapolis Jewelry, Rhythmically Speaking, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Sand Box Theatre, Savage Umbrella, Skewed Visions, The Soap Factory, Soo Visual Art Center, The Southern Theater, Springboard for the Arts, Stages Theatre Company, Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater, The Suicide Commandos Punk Rock Band, Table Salt Productions, Ten Thousand Things Theater, Textile Center, Theater Latte Da, Theatre Unbound, Town Life Magazine, Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art, Trellage-Ferrill Architecture & Art, 20 Percent Theatre Company Twin Cities, Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Twin Cities Musicians Union, 2d Cloud, VocalEssence, Walker Art Center, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, Women’s Art Resources of MN, White Bear Center for the Arts

—and more to come!

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Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

Facebook Twitter @MNCitizen Website Join Now YouTube

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

@MnCitizen

May 14, 2012

1. Session Ends With Arts Protected

2. Fifty Five Arts Organizations Oppose Marriage Amendment

3. Join Arts Community United May 21, 6:00 PM for Kick Off

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1. Session Ends With Arts Protected

The legislative session has mercifully ended, with legislators heading home and starting to run for reelection. Usually in even-numbered years the legislature just does the bonding bill and other policy legislation and doesn’t revisit the budget unless there is a deficit. This year was distinguished in the number of proposals offered that would divert Legacy funding to other things. While we successfully defeated or delayed most of these proposals, it is clear that we will need to continue to keep on our toes.

MCA is already looking ahead to the upcoming appropriation session when two more years of decisions about arts funding will be made by a brand new legislature, starting January 2013. Big change is coming as 13 Senators and 12 Representatives announced their retirement, and 9 others in the House are running for the Senate. With inevitable election losses by some incumbants, there will be a huge number of new legislators in the Capitol next year.

All of the new faces will create an opportunity for us to educate new legislators about the importance of the arts – but also creates a problem because many great arts advocates are retiring this year, including, for example, Reps Marion Greene, Bill Hilty, and Senators Linda Higgins, Ken Kelash, Amy Koch, Keith Langseth, Geoff Michel and Gen Olson. I will do a longer article about their many contributions soon. In the meantime, we need to look to this election season as an opportunity to educate all of the new candidates for the legislature about the importance of the arts in the districts they are seeking to represent.

MCA will do a big Candidate Questionnaire this summer to guage the candidate’s support of arts issues, among other projects. Stay tuned!

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2. Fifty Five Arts Organizations Oppose Marriage Amendment

This morning at the Illusion Theatre 53 arts organizations (jumping up to 55 in the last two hours!) announced their opposition to the marriage amendment that will be on the ballot this November.

Close to 100 representatives of the arts coalition attended this morning’s press conference at the Illusion Theater. Among the many individual artists who say they are inspired to get involved was Dameun Strange, a Minneapolis composer and musician, who is now working for Minnesotans United as a community organizer in north Minneapolis.

“Here in Minnesota I have found artists who use art as a means or building community, healing wounds and bridging divides,” said Strange. “In recent years, in a world outside of the Arts, I feel a drift towards creating divisions, setting up walls, borders, and boundaries. I am witness to the fact that the arts community is one sector of Minnesota where the values of unity and acceptance are alive and well. Today this community of artists I love and respect are inspiring me again to step up and speak out against this constitutional amendment that seeks not to unite but to divide.

More coverage of what happened at the event can be found here: http://mnunited.org/news/minnesota-arts-community-launches-effort-to-defeat-marriage-amendment/

“The younger generation will be watching the decisions we make on this issue,” said Sheila Smith, MCA’s Executive Director “We have to ask ourselves, how will our children and grandchildren feel if we permanently single out a certain group of Minnesotans and take away their freedom?”

Join the coalition! The following 55 arts organizations along with hundreds of artitsts have endorsed the Minnesotans United for All Families Campaign against the amendment:

American Composers Forum, Anderson Center (Red Wing), Burton Art Studios (small business), Calliope Women’s Chorus, Children’s Theatre Company, Duluth Art Institute, Frank Theater, Guthrie Theater, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Hopewell North Music Cooperative, Illusion Theater, In the Heart of the Beast, Intermedia Arts, Jungle Theatre, James Sewell Ballet, Kate Sommers Photography (small business), Keane Sense of Rhythm, Inc Tap Dance, Loring Park Art Festival, Lunalux (small business), Minnesota Citizens for the Arts ,Minnesota Freedom Band, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, Minnesota Playlist, Minnesota Theatre Alliance, Mixed Blood Theatre Company, The Moving Company, Mu Performing Arts, New Bohemian Artist Coop, One Voice Mixed Chorus, Open Eye Figure Theatre, Patrick’s Cabaret, Pillsbury House Theater, Playwright’s Center, Rebel Ink Printing (small business), Rox Minneapolis Jewelry (small business), Savage Umbrella, Skewed Visions, The Soap Factory, The Southern Theatre, Springboard for the Arts, Stages Theatre Company, Stuart Pimsler Dance Theater, The Suicide Commandos Punk Rock Band, Table Salt Productions, Ten Thousand Things Theater, Textile Center, Theatre Latte Da, Trellage-Ferrill Architecture & Art (small business), 20 Percent Theater Company, Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Twin Cities Musicians Union, Walker Art Center, White Bear Center for the Arts…and more to come!

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3. Join Arts Community United May 21, 6:00 PM for Kick Off:

Arts Community United!

Artists and Arts Organizations:

YOU ARE INVITED

To a Kick Off Arts Coalition Meeting

To oppose the marriage amendment

Monday, May 21, 6:00-7:30 PM

Pantages Theatre , 710 Hennepin Avenue,  Mpls.

• Get an update on the campaign so far
• Hear about recent polling
• Hear from artists and arts organiztaions who have already taken action
• Be a part of the discussion about what happens next!

PLEASE RSVP TO: Laurel Wales, Regional Organizing Director, 651-757-5471 laurel@mnunited.org

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Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

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MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

2233 University Ave. W. #355

St. Paul, MN 55155

651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

staff at mncitizensforthearts.org

www.mncitizensforthearts.org

@MnCitizen

May 9, 2012

1. Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

2. Minnesota Museums Study has Big Numbers

3. Fun Summer of Legacy Weekends Announced

4. Cultural Data Project Launch Coming June 1

5. Get a Bumpersticker From Minnesotans United for All Families

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1. Another Attempt to Divert Arts Legacy Overwhelmingly Defeated!

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

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

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

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2. Minnesota Museums Study has Big Numbers

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

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

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3. Fun Summer of Legacy Weekends Announced

Minnesota Legacy Destination Weekends Showcase Amendment-Funded Projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2012 schedule for Legacy Destination Weekends:

May 17-19, Detroit Lakes

June 11-15, Bemidji

July 19-22, St. Cloud

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

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

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

-A full weekend highlighting legacy funded projects-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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4. Cultural Data Project Launch Coming June 1

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

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

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

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5. Get a Bumpersticker From Minnesotans United for All Families

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

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

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

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Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Quick Links:

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

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

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

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