Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

Archive for the ‘Arts Advocacy’ Category

arts alert: Weekends Highlight Positive Impact of Legacy Funding

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

MCA

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

August 18, 2011

1. Weekends Highlight Positive Impacts of Legacy Grants

2. State Arts Board to Offer Grant Info Sessions Around the State

3. Doris Duke Offers Leadership Program

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1. Weekends Highlight Positive Impacts of Legacy Grants

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism are working together on the Legacy Weekends project, highlighting all of the positive opportunties brought to Minnesotans as a result of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Rochester’s Legacy Weekend, starting tomorrow and going through Sunday, will mark the seventh event around the state. Visitors will enjoy a weekend of 8-string guitars, number one hits, and 5-mile hikes in Rochester for a diverse weekend of arts, history, and outdoor events staged in local parks, trails, and theaters.

“Our community offers both cultural and outdoor recreation, and we thought it would be fun to let people sample the variety of great things there are to see and do in Rochester,” said Bari Amadio, Executive Director of the Rochester Arts Council. “It’s a positive thing for our area.”

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 arts programs. The Legacy Destination Weekends recognizes one community each month to highlight Legacy events, and Rochester was granted its weekend in August.

Highlights and a detailed schedule of events is available online at www.rochestercvb.org/legacy-destination-weekend. Among the events on the Legacy Weekend schedule:

· Scotland’s own Paul McKenna Band will take the Peace Plaza stage in downtown Rochester during the Thursdays on First & Third summer market and music festival as the second performance in a series of three World Music mini-residency “capstone concerts.” The band’s music is created through outstanding vocals, 8-string bouzouki guitars, and intense fiddle playing. This event was funded, in part, by Legacy Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.

· Rochester City Trail System, Silver Lake Park, 700 West Silver Lake Drive NE
Park and ride your bike or walk along more than 85 miles of Legacy-supported trails in Rochester along the new connection to the Douglas State Trail. Maps and loops are available at http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/trails/index.asp.

· Quarry Hill Nature Center and Park, 701 Silver Creek Road NE, 507-328-3950
Visit the Nature Center and ask for your free Quarry Hill water bottle before you head out for a walk around the beautiful new three acre pond, partially funded by a Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Grant.

· The Olmsted County History Center will be showing a movie under the stars. A free will offering is collected as the admission to this event. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. This event is funded, in part, by a Legacy Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.

· The Rochester Arts Council presents the 3rd Annual ARTigras in Mayo Park including live performances by musical acts, artists, storytellers as well as artisans and vendor booths with family friendly activities. This event was funded, in part, by a Legacy Grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.

· A live musical performance of Americana Showcase featuring Bob Wootton, Johnny Cash’s lead guitarist, and Brandon Sampson of Six Mile Grove at the Rochester Civic Theatre. This event was funded, in part, by a Legacy Grant from the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.

· Brunch in the Art Center’s Grand Lobby while Chicago-based artist Tony Tasset and Rochester Art Center chief curator Kris Douglas lead a thought-provoking presentation on his exhibition Life During War Time, followed by a gallery tour. This event was funded, in part, by a Legacy Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

· Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and coolers down to the park to enjoy Collective Soul in Mayo Park at 7pm, Sunday August 21. Down by the Riverside is a seven-week-long free outdoor concert series. Collective Soul shot to international fame with #1 hit “Shine” and fueled a string of chart topping hits including “December”, “The World I Know”, and “Where the River Flows.” Riverside Concerts, the event promoter, is funded, in part, by Legacy Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Southeast Minnesota Arts Council.

Rochester hotels are offering special rates for visitors staying in Rochester during Legacy Weekend. For a list of hotels and the packages they offer please visit http://www.rochestercvb.org/legacy-weekend-hotel-offers/. For more information, please contact Mary Gastner at 800-634-8277 or MGastner@RochesterCVB.org or visit www.rochestercvb.org.

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2. State Arts Board to Offer Grant Info Sessions Around the State

The Minnesota State Arts Board has announced grant deadlines that will occur this fall. Anyone who would like to learn about upcoming grant opportunities is invited to attend a free session in your area. Sessions will be held between Tuesday, today through Wednesday, August 24 in twelve communities throughout the state:

Bloomington – Wednesday, August 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Bloomington Center for the Arts, Rehearsal Hall, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road

Braham – Wednesday, August 24, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
East Central Regional Arts Council, 112 Main Street South

Brainerd – Thursday, August 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Central Lakes Community College, Room C236 501 West Campus College Drive

Duluth – Monday, August 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, 1301 Rice Lake Road, Suite 111

Mankato – Tuesday, August 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, Room 104, Bethany Lutheran College, 715 Luther Drive

Marshall – Thursday, August 18, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council, 1210 East College Drive, Suite 600

Rochester – Thursday, August 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Heintz Center, Classroom H.A. 104, 1926 College
View Road S.E.

Saint Cloud – Wednesday, August 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre and Visual Arts Center, 913 W. Saint Germain Street

In the first 60 minutes of the Grant Information Session, all grant programs will be reviewed. In the second 60 minutes, the Artists Initiative grant
will be discussed in detail. Individuals do not need to stay for both hours.

The workshops are free
of charge, but advance registration is strongly encouraged. Register by contacting the Arts Board by phone (651) 215-1600; (800) 866-2787, MN Relay 7-1-1.

The above list of dates and locations can also be viewed in the Deadlines/Calendar section of the Arts Board Web site: http://www.arts.state.mn.us

The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency dedicated to ensuring that all Minnesotans have
the opportunity to participate in the arts. Funds for Minnesota State Arts Board programs are provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature, with additional
funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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3. Doris Duke Offers Leadership Program

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 H. 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.

The Shannon Institute brings together a small group of experienced leaders and provides for them an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of their work, strengthen their leadership capacity, and gain a better understanding of the community they serve. It engages artists, writers, and social scientists to work with the group of approximately 20 participants to explore such topics as balance, risk taking and courage, creativity, and community. The insights and energy the program engenders come from the nature and process of the group, which is comprised of people from different backgrounds, organizational types, and geographic areas.

The Institute is available in two different formats that extend over the full calendar year. The first begins in January and consists of monthly sessions, each an evening and a full day. The second begins in March and meets quarterly for three days each session. In both programs, the sessions vary in format and are designed to provide intellectual challenge, enhanced self-awareness, clarity of purpose, and renewed commitment to service—all important for leadership development.

The Institute has been designed to ensure that the people who are providing valuable leadership in our communities can be nurtured, challenged, and supported in their work.

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.

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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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: State Shutdown Ends, Arts Funding Safe

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

MCA

July 20, 2011

State Shutdown Ends; Arts Funding Safe

This morning the Governor signed the bills that ended Minnesota’s state government shutdown. So, what happened to the arts?

LEGACY

We achieved a $2M increase in additional Legacy arts funding for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. Our goal was to obtain 50% of the Arts Fund for the arts through the MSAB & RACs. In the end we achieved 43%. (While the appropriation to the MSAB/RACs was increased, the overall revenue from Legacy also grew, so our overall percentage was slightly reduced).

GENERAL FUND

When session began, we were worried about cuts to the arts as high as 40% because of the state’s historic deficit. You may recall that we were successful in reducing the General Fund arts cut in the State Government Finance bill to 20% and then again to 15% during the regular session. Here’s the good news: we reduced the cut here again to 10%.

We are very pleased that the end of the shutdown means that the staff at the Minnesota State Arts Board can come back to work. Welcome back!

This outcome could not have happened without the help of all of YOU fabulous arts advocates. Many thousands of calls, letters, and personal meetings led up to this outcome. Thank you also to the great engaged board of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. We are proud of our great arts community and your willingness to engage and make a difference for our state.

Thank 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: There is a Deal

Friday, July 15th, 2011

MCA

July 14, 2011

There is a Deal

The Governor and GOP Legislative leadership have agreed to a deal that will end Minnesota’s state government shutdown, which has been the longest in our nation’s history. It remains to be seen if the legislature will approve the deal over the next few days, although the GOP leadership in both the House and Senate are stating that they have the votes in their caucuses to get it done.

The details of the deal are being widely reported, you can catch up on them here: http://www.startribune.com/

As this wraps up, we need to keep an eye on our two bills:

LEGACY

Word has come that the problems with the Legacy bill that kept it from passing at the end of the regular legislative session have been resolved, and we expect that the bill will be one of those that is reintroduced and passed in the special session. (None of the problems that kept the bill from passage had anything to do with the arts). This bill contains about $2M in additional arts funding via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils.

GENERAL FUND

You may recall that we were successful in reducing the General Fund arts cut in the State Government Finance bill from 20% to 15% during the regular session. We will be working to preserve this position over the next week, and we will keep you appraised if there are further developments that affect the arts appropriation.

We are very pleased that the deal may soon bring an end to the staff layoffs at the Minnesota State Arts Board.

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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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: State Arts Board Still Shutdown But RACs Open For Now

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

MCA

July 12, 2011

1. State Arts Board Shutdown, But RACs Open for Now

2. Winona’s Legacy Weekend July 15-17

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1. State Arts Board Still Shutdown; RACs Open for Now

The Arts Board shut down with most of the rest of state government on July 1, 2011, temporarily laying off all staff and stopping all functions of the office, including grant panels, grant approvals, and board activity. As long as the state government is shut down, the staff will be out of work and grant payments will be delayed. It is upsetting for all of us that the Arts Board staff was laid off and we hope they will be back in their offices soon.

In contrast to the dark offices at the MSAB, I am pleased to report that, for now, almost all of the Regional Arts Councils are able to stay open using funds from other sources. The RACs are continuing their services and grantmaking process’, although grants cannot be provided for the new fiscal year, as the legislature and governor did not make appropriations to them yet. However, if the shutdown goes on very long some of them will have to cease operations until new appropriations are made for their operations.

(More information on how this affects the arts community can be found on the website http://www.arts.state.mn.us/news/2011/06/potential-state-shutdown.htm. There is also additional information on the shutdown at the state’s official site www.bereadymn.com direct link at https://www.bereadymn.com/2011-contingency-planning).

Where did the arts stand at the end of session?

Arts funding is in limbo, as the bills that would have appropriated funds are tied up in the overall budget dispute and did not pass. We are in two bills:

GENERAL FUND

After a long struggle, MCA managed to reduced the cuts to the arts in the General Fund from 20% to 15%, in line with the state budget deficit of 15%. The General Fund bill was passed by the legislature and sent to the Governor but he vetoed it, so they will have to re-introduce and re-pass the bill when ever they convene in a Special Session to pass the final budget agreement.

ARTS LEGACY

A filibuster prevented the Legacy bill from passing the House floor, it also will need to be re-introduced and re-passed in a special session. There is about a $2 million increase for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils in the current version of the Legacy bill.

What do we do now?

There will continue to be a lull as the DFL Governor and GOP legislative leadership continue to negotiate the budget resolution. We will have to wait and see how it goes. However, the longer it goes the more likely it becomes that Regional Arts Councils will have to shut down and State Arts Board operations and grant payments will be delayed even further.

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2. Winona Legacy Weekend July 15-17

The river city of Winona is the next Minnesota town to organize a Legacy Weekend to celebrate the ways that the Legacy funding preserved the local landscape and brought greater access to the arts. Along the banks of the Mississippi, water influences nearly everything.

Visit Winona, the Great River Shakespeare Festival, Winona County Historical Society, MN Marine Art Museum, Pickwick Mill, Frozen River Film Festival and the City of Winona, will celebrate the arts, historic and outdoor heritage of Winona.

Check out these fun events:

The Great River Shakespeare Festival is offering three productions over three days; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Saturday, July 16 at 8:00 pm), Henry IV: Part 1 (Friday, July 15 at 2:00 pm and Sunday, July 17 at 2:00 pm), and The Fantasticks (Friday July 15 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, July 16 at 2:00 pm). There will also be Festival Morning Q and A at the Acoustic Cafe on Saturday at 10:00am and the Shakespeare Symposium at Winona State University on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. For information and tickets contact 507-474-7900 or visit www.grsf.org
The Winona County Historical Society is displaying two exhibits at the Winona County History Center, Steamboats Models of the Mississippi and Minnesota on the Map. There will beFamily Gallery Activities all weekend and a FREE performance by the Songs of Hope International Choir Concert on Saturday, July 15, at 2:00 p.m. $1 off admission
to the Museum. For more information, contact 507-454-2723 or visit www.winonahistory.or
The Frozen River Film Festival is sponsoring an Iraqi Art Exhibit; “Navigating the Aftermath” at the Winona County History Center featuring Iraqi artists with an opening reception on Saturday from 4:00 pm- 7:00 p.m. The film “The Unreturned”, produced by the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project, will be shown for FREE at the Winona County History Center at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17.
The City of Winona Park and Recreation Department is offering FREE watercraft rental at Lake Lodge at Lake Winona. Friday: 4- 8pm and Saturday/Sunday from 1-6 pm.
Pickwick Mill is offering FREE admission on Saturday (10 am – 5 pm) and Sunday (11 am- 5 pm). For more information contact 507-457-0499 or visit www.pickwickmill.org
The FREE Wild River Family Fest on July 16 from 10:30 am-1:00pm is offering outdoor and indoor family activities provided in partnership with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, Whitewater State Park and the Winona State University Geology Department. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum displays historical Marine Art, Hudson River School paintings, Impressionism and regional contemporary exhibitions. $1 off admission Friday-Sunday. For more information contact: 507-474-6625 or visit www.minnesotamarineart.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: 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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: State Arts Board Would be Affected By State Shutdown

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

MCA

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

June 14, 2011

1. State Arts Board Would Be Affected By State Shutdown

2. Guess the Band: Get a Hotel Stay for Rochester’s Legacy Weekend

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1. State Arts Board Would Be Affected By State Shutdown

The Arts Board now has information about the possible state government shut down on the Arts Board web site. Direct link http://www.arts.state.mn.us/news/2011/06/potential-state-shutdown.htm.

They will update the page as more info becomes available to staff. There is also additional information at the state’s official site www.bereadymn.com direct
link at https://www.bereadymn.com/2011-contingency-planning. Here’s some of what they know now:

“If a budget agreement is not reached by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2011, state agencies will not have funding to provide services or conduct business and the state will face a potential shutdown of state government services effective July 1, 2011. All state agencies—which includes the Minnesota State Arts Board—have been directed to start planning for a potential state shutdown….”

“Will the regional arts councils continue to operate if there is a shutdown? Some might, some might not. Regional arts councils are independent nonprofit organizations. They are not required to close if a shutdown occurs. However, the State of Minnesota is their principal source of funding. Since the legislature has not approved either the State general fund appropriations, or the arts and cultural heritage fund Legacy Amendment appropriations for fiscal year 2012-13, regional arts councils may not have the resources to operate during a shutdown.

Please contact the regional arts council in your area for information about its specific plans for operating if there is a shutdown.”

You may recall that the legislature adjourned with no resolution on the state budget deficit. This sets us up for an eventual Special Session at some point this summer, and possibly a government shut down as of July 1, 2011, if no budget agreement is reached by then.

This means that MSAB grants, starting July 1, 2011, cannot be made. Grantee checks will be delayed until the shutdown ends.

Where did the arts stand at the end of session?

The arts are now funded from two sources, the regular General Fund and the new Legacy fund.

GENERAL FUND

ARTS LEGACY

A filibuster prevented the Legacy bill from passing the House floor, it too will need to be re-introduced and re-passed in a special session. There is about a $2 million increase for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils in the current version of the Legacy bill.

What do we do now?

There will be a short lull as the Governor and GOP leadership continue to negotiate the budget resolution. We will have to wait and see how it goes. However, we will now all be watching for July 1, the date that state government, including the Minnesota State Arts Board, will shut down if there is no agreement.

_______________________________________________

2. Guess the Band: Get a Hotel Stay for Rochester’s Legacy Weekend

Minnesota music fans can guess which popular 90s Alternative Rock band will play August 21 at the Down by the Riverside concert for a chance to win a hotel stay and welcome package in Rochester for the August 18-21 Legacy Destination Weekend.

The Think Mutual Bank Down by the Riverside Free Summer Concert Series is a seven-week-long series in Mayo Park, behind the Mayo Civic Center, is funded in part by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment voters passed in 2008. The final concert of the year, the “big one,” coincides with Legacy Destination Weekend in Rochester, which also includes events at the Rochester Civic Theatre, Rochester Art Center, Quarry Hill Nature Center, and local parks and trails.

“Legacy Destination Weekend will showcase many of the arts, history, and outdoors projects in Rochester, but this concert will be the finale,” said Chris Alcott with Riverside Concerts, “and while we can’t announce the big name that’ll play on August 21, we can let everyone in on the fun of guessing.”

The name of the band and the winner will be announced at the Riverside Announcement Party on Thursday, June 16th at the Thursdays On First, Coca-Cola Third St. Stage. In the event of multiple correct answers, one fan will be chosen at random. Fans make a guess at: http://my.conservationminnesota.org/site/PageNavigator/RochesterLegacyWeekendConcert.html

“From its parks to its trails to its theaters and museums, Rochester is a vibrant community that has benefitted greatly from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota, one of the organizers of Legacy Destination Weekends, along with Explore Minnesota Tourism and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts. Learn more at www.exploreminnesota.com/legacy or search #mnlegacy on Twitter.

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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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Session Ends With the Jury Still Out on Arts Funding

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

MCA

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

May 24, 2011

1. Session Ends With the Jury Still Out on Arts Funding

2. Good News on Other Nonprofit Legislation

3. Join Minnesota’s Rural Arts and Culture Summit June 8-11

4. Last Week to Be Counted In Arts Census

5. Lanesboro Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

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1. Session Ends With the Jury Still Out on Arts Funding

The legislative session ended at midnight last night with no resolution on the state budget deficit. This sets us up for an eventual Special Session at some point this summer, and possibly a government shut down as of July 1, 2011, if no budget agreement is reached.

If there is a government shut down, the Minnesota State Arts Board, like most other state agencies, will have to furlough employees and close down until the budget is passed. This means that grants, starting July 1, 2011, cannot be made. Grantee checks will be delayed until the shutdown ends.

Where did we stand as of midnight last night?

The arts are now funded from two sources, the regular General Fund and the new Legacy fund.

GENERAL FUND

After a long struggle, MCA managed to reduced the cuts to the arts in the General Fund from 20% to 15%, in line with the state budget deficit of 15%. The General Fund bill was passed by the legislature and sent to the Governor but he vetoed it this afternoon, as it does not reflect any agreements with the legislature on how to solve the budget. Governor Dayton wants to include some new revenue in the state budget from an additional income tax on the state’s top 2% earners. The GOP controlled legislature wants to solve the budget deficit only with cuts. This is the core disagreement.

ARTS LEGACY

The Legacy bill was only completed on Sunday, but was quickly sent to the Senate where it passed early Monday. In order to become law it needed to pass the House by midnight last night. When it was brought to the House floor, a controversy erupted over a provision that would allow the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council to avoid operating under the full Open Meeting Law. Rep. Urdahl, the bill’s author, asked the House to send the bill back to the Senate asking the provision to be changed. The House did so at 8 PM on a vote of 119 to 14. However, a short time later Rep. Urdahl asked the floor to reconsider that vote because the Senate refused to change the provision. After some debate they did so on a vote of
69 to 65. This was about 9 PM.

From that point forward, there was a very long debate that took up the rest of the floor time until session ended at midnight without a vote on the bill. Because it did not pass, it means that the Legacy bill will also have to be reconsidered and passed in the eventual Special Session. There is about a $2 million increase for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils in the current version of the Legacy bill.

What do we do now?

_______________________________________________

2. Good News on Other Nonprofit Legislation

Harmful Nonprofit Bills Miss Major Bill Deadline

We are glad to report that several bills harmful to nonprofits received no traction this year. Senate File 1096 would have prohibited grants to nonprofits if government entities or private business could provide the service. Other bills which would limit the pay of nonprofit staff and limit nonprofit financial reserves also did not get far. We will continue to monitor these proposals.

Chariable Reporting Conformity Bill Signed Into Law

House File 786 was signed into law by Gov. Dayton on May 18. This bill clarifies and simplifies nonprofit reporting of financial data at the state and federal levels. As a result of this bill, nonprofit organizations will calculate and report compensation for Minnesota’s Annual Report to the Attorney General using the same method as required for the federal IRS form 990. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits ushered this bill through with the help of Rep. Greg Davids and Sen. Ted Daley.

_______________________________________________

3. Join Minnesota’s Rural Arts and Culture Summit June 8-11

Registration is Open for Rural Arts and Culture Summit:

Strengthening Rural Communities Through Arts, Culture and Heritage

Registration is now open for the first-ever Rural Arts and Culture Summit. Arts, cultural heritage, & history museum organizers, artists, art educators, volunteers, board members, and supporters are invited to participate in this event, which will help them further develop the quality of life in rural America. Summit participants will learn about growing trends and share best practices of building sustainable communities through arts and culture.

The Rural Arts and Culture Summit will be held June 8-11, 2011 on the campus of Minnesota Community and Technical College (MState) in Fergus Falls, MN.

“Artists play key roles revitalizing our communities economically and spiritually, especially in tough economies,” said Vickie Benson, arts program director at The McKnight Foundation. “Gathering arts leaders from across the country to share new ideas, challenges, and successes will greatly strengthen our own regional efforts to foster creative, vibrant places to live and work in Minnesota.”

A roster of nationally renowned speakers will deliver keynote addresses each day of the conference, including:

· Bill Cleveland, Founder and Director of the Center for the Study of Arts and the Community,

· Anne Katz, Executive Director of Arts Wisconsin, the state’s arts service, advocacy and development organization,

· Donna Walker-Kuhne is acknowledged as the nation’s foremost expert in Audience Development by the Arts & Business Council

In addition, over 60 breakout sessions will be led by professionals exploring specialized topics in such issues as:

· Building Collaborations and Networks

· Building Sustainable Communities Through Arts and Culture Ventures

· Marketing and Public Relations

· Development/Fundraising

· Board and Volunteer Development

· Outreach and Advocacy

· Evaluation and Assessment

· Arts Education

· CREATE –Opportunities to create with professional artists

· Film Screenings and Director talks

A pre-conference, “The Minnesota Legacy Amendment: Living Out the Trust of the People’s Investment” will occur on Wednesday afternoon, June 8^th, prior to the start of the full summit, for anyone interested in learning about the current impact and future of the Minnesota Legacy Amendment. Participants will have a chance to hear from and talk to legislators, state arts leaders and each other about pressing issues related to the Legacy Amendment. Since this is an issue which is unique to Minnesotans, it was decided to have a separate time set aside specifically for this issue, since the composition of the attendees will include people from several other states for whom this topic may not
be relevant.

The Summit will close with the Great American Think-Off, the annual philosophy competition sponsored by the New York Mills (MN) Regional Cultural Center in New York Mills. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will be provided through Minnesota State University at Moorhead for no additional charge. Professional development or scholarship funds may be available from your regional arts councils. Contact their offices for further details.

Please go to the website for full details and registration: www.racsummit.org Questions: Contact racsummit2011@gmail.com or Vicki Chepulis at (701) 200-1375.

_______________________________________________

4. Last Week to Be Counted In Arts Census

It’s the last week to be counted in the Minnesota Arts Count census! The census ends May 31. Whether you take art classes, sing in a choir, act, write, paint, sew, weave, draw, play music, or dance; whether your art is a hobby or a profession, please participate. The legislature has requested this arts census and it’s important to accurately show the large number of people in the state who participate in the arts.

Visit www.mnartscount.com to take the three-minute survey. After you have taken
the short survey, send it to your artists friends and ask them to be counted too.

_______________________________________________

5. Lanesboro Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

Celebrating arts, history and outdoor activities associated with Legacy Amendment Funding

Lanesboro is drawing attention to and celebrating their local resources and organizations by offering Minnesota residents and visitors an eclectic assortment of activities demonstrating the impact of the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008.

Lanesboro’s “Legacy Week”, set for June 18-25, 2011, is being organized by the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Lanesboro Arts Center, Commonweal Theatre Company, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, and the Fillmore County History Center. State partners collaborating with Lanesboro include Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

“Celebrating Lanesboro as a Legacy Destination is a great opportunity for community members and visitors to take part in what Minnesotans value: the arts, the out-of-doors, and the many partnerships we have here in our community that improve our quality of life,” said Sara Decker, Lanesboro Arts Center.

The week features a series of arts, outdoor, and cultural events put on by organizations that have received grants from the Legacy Amendment. For a full schedule of events go to www.lanesboro.com or http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/legacy/lanesboro/index.aspx

Lanesboro Arts Center

· Sat, June 18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Public Reception for “Art in the Park” Artists FREE

· Sat, June 18, 8 pm “A Girl Named Vincent” Prudence Johnson Sings Music Inspired by the Poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay: stories, pictures, and jazz and blues music accompanied by a band (piano, cello, acoustic bass, percussion and pedal steel guitar) $15 member/$18 non-member.

· Sun, June 19, 10 am – 5 pm ‘Art in the Park’ Annual Father’s Day Arts Festival, with 85+ arts & crafts booths, live music and theater entertainment, local foods booths and kids activities. Held in Sylvan Park. FREE

· Sun, June 19, 10 am – 5 pm “Kids Create! A Family Art Project” at ‘Art in the Park’ FREE

· June 18 – 25 Exhibit: Landscape Oil Paintings by Minnesota Artist Mary Jo Van Dell FREE

· June 18 – 25 Featured Juried Sales Gallery Artists: Paul and Tracey Lambrecht FREE Exhibit.

· Fri, June 24, 7:30 pm Documentary Film: “Waste Land” Free-will donations. Held at the St. Mane Theatre.

Lanesboro Arts Center activities are funded in part by an Arts Legacy grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.

Commonweal Theatre Company

Production: Little Shop of Horrors

· June 18 Preview 7:30 pm

· June 19 Preview Matinee 1:30 pm

· June 23-24 Preview 7:30 pm

· June 25 Opening 7:30 pm

Little Shop of Horrors book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken. Seymour is a lonely flower shop clerk living on Skid Row until an unusual plant – with a very unusual appetite – promises him fortune and fame…at a price. Don’t miss this smash hit musical-comedy! Previews $20; Opening $30. Commonweal productions have been funded in part by an Arts Legacy grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

· June 18 & 25 Eagle Bluff Ropes Course: Walking across a thin wire 30 feet in the air is an experience like no other. $20 per person ages 10-17; $25 per person ages 18 and up.

· June 22, 9 – 11 am. Old Buzzards Birding Eco Tour: A two-hour introduction to the flora and fauna of the Root River watershed surrounding Lanesboro, MN. $20/person.

Legacy Amendment funds have supported conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and projects to protect and improve water quality in the Root River watershed. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center has been funded in part from a grant from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund which disseminates funding from the state lottery.

Other Outdoor Activities in Lanesboro include:

· June 18-25 Lanesboro Depot Visitor Center & Trailhead Beautification Project Location of the original 19th century Rail Depot. Trailhead Information Center on the Root River State Bike Trail.

· June 18-25 Geocache on the Root River State Bike Trail: Self – Guided Adventure. Pick up your guide at the Lanesboro Depot Visitor Center on the Root River State Bike Trail. FREE.

The Parks & Trails fund of the Legacy Amendment has provided for ongoing rehabilitation of the 60 mile paved Root River State Bike Trail System and trailhead landscaping projects.

Fillmore County History Center and Genealogy Library

· June 20-23 Fillmore County History Center and Genealogy Library Home to one of Southern Minnesota’s largest collection of antique agricultural equipment, aircraft, textile exhibits, tractor collection, log house, and country schoolhouse. The Minnesota Historical Society awarded a History Legacy Grant to the Fillmore County Historical Society to support its ADA Compliant Wheelchair Lift Project.

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, passed by Minnesota voters on November, 2008, 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. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure access to the arts for all Minnesotans. MCA and Conservation Minnesota were leaders in the “Vote Yes!” campaign to pass the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Experience Minnesota’s great outdoors, history and the arts. Made possible by the Legacy Amendment
and Minnesotans like you!

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

Arts Alert: Arts Funding Still Up In the Air

Monday, May 9th, 2011

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

May 6, 2011

1. Senate Recommends $2M Increase But Legislative Activity Slows

2. Lanesboro Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

___________________________

1. Senate Recommends $2M Increase But Legislative Activity Slows

We’ve had multiple hearings on arts funding in the last week, with testimony from our friends at a few of them, but there really hasn’t been much movement. And now the legislature seems to be slowing down instead of speeding up as we get into the last three weeks of session. I am increasingly pessimistic that they will get done by the required May 23 end date. This means that these decisions may drag on into special sessions. It seems to me that if they don’t finish by the required end date, we could have a situation where the General Fund for the arts (the money the arts received previous to passing the Legacy Amendment) would not get finalized, while the Legacy resources would. This is because, as a
dedicated fund, the Legacy funds are held outside of the regular budgeting process and would not be affected by whatever the deficit reduction deal ends up to be.

So, if you haven’t used our easy website to send your legislators an email yet, it’s not too late!

Just go here now: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

What’s Up:

GENERAL FUNDS:

The conference committee that will decide how much regular arts funding (from the General Fund) has been meeting. They are reconciling bills that would cut 20% out of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. The state’s $5 billion deficit is about 15% of the budget overall. The cut is obviously larger than the state
deficit would require. The belief at the Capitol is that Governor Dayton will veto these bills (if they ever pass them – it increasingly looks like they might not pass them until a deal is reached
with the Governor) and ask the Legislature start over. But we can’t count on that. We still have a very long road ahead of us, as the legislature and Governor are still miles apart on how to solve the state’s budget deficit.

ARTS LEGACY FUNDS:
Both the House and Senate have had hearings on the Arts Legacy funds will go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils for grants and services in every corner of the state.

The good news is that the Senate’s bill came out with a $2 million increase for the MSAB/RACs, while the House has us at level funding. These two bills will need to be reconciled before we know how much the arts will see in the end.

The more funding they put into the MSAB/RAC system, the more we can make sure that arts resources are shared across the state and make sure that the “arts” are funded and not other random things. However, we are facing the spectre of a bunch of proposed earmarks taking up large hunks of Arts Legacy funds, turning a statewide resource via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regonal Arts Councils into just a few bricks and morter projects that would benefit only a few people.

In response to complaints about all of the potential earmarks, the Chair of the House committee introduced an amendment that revamped the whole bill. He grouped a bunch of things that could be considered earmarks into competitive grants programs (for example, he combined all the public broadcasting funds for tv and radio into a competitive grant program at the Dept. of Administration, instead of leaving them as line-items for MPR, public TV, and AMPERS as they had been in the past). This move, however, didn’t remove the two obvious earmarks in the bill: money for county fairs through the Dept. of Agriculture, and some veteran’s camps. (It is important to note that the county fairs were already eligible for
funding from both the MSAB and RAC’s arts programs). This revamping didn’t affect the MSAB and RACs, because all of their programs are already competitive. In fact, they are the gold
standard for competitive grantmaking.

So, you can’t be at the Capitol. But you can see that things are stiill up in the air, so it’s not too late to add your voice asking legislators to support funding for the arts:

Just go here, do it now:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

_______________________________________________

2. Lanesboro Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

Lanesboro Arts Center

· Sat, June 18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Public Reception for “Art in the Park” Artists FREE

· Sun, June 19, 10 am – 5 pm “Kids Create! A Family Art Project” at ‘Art in the Park’ FREE

· June 18 – 25 Exhibit: Landscape Oil Paintings by Minnesota Artist Mary Jo Van Dell FREE

· June 18 – 25 Featured Juried Sales Gallery Artists: Paul and Tracey Lambrecht FREE Exhibit.

· Fri, June 24, 7:30 pm Documentary Film: “Waste Land” Free-will donations. Held at the St. Mane Theatre.

Lanesboro Arts Center activities are funded in part by an Arts Legacy grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.

Commonweal Theatre Company

Production: Little Shop of Horrors

· June 18 Preview 7:30 pm

· June 19 Preview Matinee 1:30 pm

· June 23-24 Preview 7:30 pm

· June 25 Opening 7:30 pm

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

· June 18 & 25 Eagle Bluff Ropes Course: Walking across a thin wire 30 feet in the air is an experience like no other. $20 per person ages 10-17; $25 per person ages 18 and up.

· June 22, 9 – 11 am. Old Buzzards Birding Eco Tour: A two-hour introduction to the flora and fauna of the Root River watershed surrounding Lanesboro, MN. $20/person.

Other Outdoor Activities in Lanesboro include:

· June 18-25 Lanesboro Depot Visitor Center & Trailhead Beautification Project Location of the original 19th century Rail Depot. Trailhead Information Center on the Root River State Bike Trail.

· June 18-25 Geocache on the Root River State Bike Trail: Self – Guided Adventure. Pick up your guide at the Lanesboro Depot Visitor Center on the Root River State Bike Trail. FREE.

The Parks & Trails fund of the Legacy Amendment has provided for ongoing rehabilitation of the 60 mile paved Root River State Bike Trail System and trailhead landscaping projects.

Fillmore County History Center and Genealogy Library

——————————————————————

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
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access
to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested
in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Take Action Today! Arts Decisions Being Made at Capitol

Monday, April 25th, 2011

MCA

April 25, 2011

1. Take Action! Arts Funding Decisions Being Made This Week

2. Bemidji Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

___________________________

There are many hearings at the Capitol this week that could determine how much arts funding is available for the next two years. If you haven’t used our easy website to send your legislators an email yet, now is the time!

Just go here now: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

What’s Up:

GENERAL FUNDS:

The conference committee that will decide how much regular arts funding (from the General Fund) will start meeting tomorrow. They are reconciling bills that would cut 20% out of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. The state’s $5 billion deficit is about 15% of the budget overall. The cut is obviously larger than the
state deficit would require. The belief at the Capitol is that Governor Dayton will veto these bills and ask the Legislature start over. But we can’t count on that. We have a very long road
ahead of us, as the legislature and Governor are still miles apart on how to solve the state’s budget deficit. So we have to take a stand now.

ARTS LEGACY FUNDS:
Both the House and Senate are having hearings this week where they will decide how much of the Arts Legacy funds will go to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils for grants and services in every corner of the state. We are asking that at least 50% of the Arts Legacy fund be dedicated to the MSAB/RAC system because this system makes sure that arts resources are shared across the state and because that will make sure that the “arts” are funded and not other random things. However, we are facing the spectre of a bunch of proposed earmarks taking up large hunks of Arts Legacy funds, turning a statewide resource via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regonal
Arts Councils into just a few bricks and morter projects that would benefit only a few people.

So, you can’t be at the Capitol. You can still make a difference! Legislators say if they get just ten letters from constituents on an issue, they know it’s really important. Be one of the ten.

We make it easy for you, just go here:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

FYI…KSTP reporting on bills that would divert Arts Legacy funds away from the arts…

Here’s an example of the threats we face: KSTP did a story on all of the bills that have been introduced to divert Arts Legacy resources to unrelated things. You can watch it here: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1993627.shtml?cat=1. We need to stick together to protect the arts!

_______________________________________________

2. Bemidji Announces Legacy Weekend to Draw Attention to Legacy Funded Projects

Celebrating arts, history and outdoor activities associated with Legacy Amendment Funding

Bemidji community organizations are partnering to showcase the treasure trove of the area’s cultural and recreational activities from April 28-May 1, 2011. While it is not unusual for Bemidji to have an eclectic assortment of events going on, this weekend’s itinerary is designed to increase awareness of visitors to the local impact of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Funding approved by Minnesota voters in 2008. As one of twelve cities selected, Bemidji is pleased to
highlight the weekend of arts, history and outdoor events and activities representative of the quality and variety of opportunities the community offers though out the year. www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/legacy

The statewide Legacy Destination program was designed and implemented by the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism. “Great things in both the outdoors and the arts are happening in every corner of the state because of the Legacy Amendment” said Sheila Smith, Executive Director of MCA, “and we wanted Minnesotans to know how they can participate.”

Bemidji’s Legacy Destination Weekend is being organized locally through VisitBemidji, the area’s destination marketing organization, in partnership with Region 2 Arts Council, Bemidji
Community Arts Council, the Beltrami History Center, the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, the City of Bemidji, Lake Bemidji State Park and the Paul Bunyan Playhouse.

The weekend features a variety of events hosted by organizations that have received Legacy grants but not limited to said funding. For event details go to www.visitbemidji.com.

· The Paul Bunyan Playhouse, celebrating its 61^st season of professional theater, is hosting a gala fundraising event beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 to kick off the 2011 Summer Theater season. The stage is set bistro-style catered by local restaurants, with a special program presented by Artistic Director, Zach Curtis and fellow performers. Tickets $20 includes food (beverages additional) available at the Box Office or www.paulbunyanplayhouse.com. Reservations are recommended as seating
is limited. This activity funded in part by a Legacy grant from the Region 2 Arts Council.

· In partnership with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Nautilus Theater Company from St Paul, presents: “I Am Anne Frank” a music-drama based on the diaries of Anne Frank that combine excerpts from the diaries with songs that reveal her inner life in hiding from the Nazi regime during 1944-46. This heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting story stirs our deepest emotions as it insists upon honoring the endurability of the human spirit. Four performances will be held at the Main Theater of Bemidji State University. Performance times are: 7:30 pm. Thurs – Sat and 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Tickets $10 adults/$5 students available at the door and in advance at two local sources. This activity funded in part by a Legacy grant from the Region 2 Arts Council and the
Minnesota State Arts Board.

· The Beltrami County History Museum, located in the renovated 1912 Great Northern Railroad Depot, houses state-of-the-art exhibits representing the broad diversity of people who lived and continue to live in the area. Currently, the Main Gallery exhibit. ‘Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News’ is a moving exhibition capturing the sights and sounds of early healthcare, while exploring various facets of healing techniques in Beltrami County from traditional Ojibwe healing, concocted home remedies, the tonic fresh air surrounding Lake Julia Sanitorium to early dentistry. The museum also
features the John G. Morrison, Jr., American Indian Collection. Currently on exhibit from the Morrison Collection is Baskets and Beads. The restored Telegrapher Office is complete with logging and
railroad history, Paul Bunyan and Babe “The Blue Ox” and an active scale model railway system. Also for your viewing enjoyment is an archival emporium exhibit, ‘Women Through The Ages’, showcasing the beauty of early wedding dresses. Open M-S 10 am- 4pm.

For hands-on history, a Geocaching Puzzle Trail activity is available at the History Center. Pick up brochure and head out to find historic sites in downtown Bemidji. While a GPS will be helpful to ‘solve the puzzle’, it is not necessary to be successful. A prize is awarded for correct completion of the puzzle. www.beltramihistory.org These activities are funded in part by a Legacy grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.

· The Bemidji Community Art Center, located in the historic Carnegie building, sponsors 8-10 exhibits per year featuring visual artists from around the country, state and region. The current show, High School Invitational, highlights student artists from our area. Gallery and gift shop hours are Tuesday–Friday 12-5 p.m. and extended hours 10-4 on Saturday April 30.
Dr Mark Christensen, poet and non-fiction writer, will read from his work in both genres beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, as part of the Spoken Word Series. Prior to the reading, he will present a writer’s workshop entitled, Creating Nonfiction:
Telling Truths Artfully, which will run from 1-4 p.m. Adults in all stages of writing development interested in improving their non-fiction skills are invited to register. Advance registration of $35 ($20 students) is required and space is limited. www.bcac.wordpress.com These activities are funded in part by a Legacy grant from the Region 2 Arts Council.

· Friday, April 29^th, award-winning guitarist, Tim Sparks, will be on stage at the Historic Chief Theater downtown Bemidji at 7:30 p.m. Tim’s blending of musical styles from traditional country blues to jazz, gospel and classical, has won him extensive praise from all corners of the music world. $12 tickets available in advance at the Historic Chief Theater and Headwaters School of Music & the Arts. Also at the door. www.paulbunyanplayhouse.com These activities are funded
in part by a Legacy grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

· Bemidji City Parks and Recreation Department, as part of the Fit City mission of increasing walkability and outdoor recreational opportunities within the City, has teamed up with Lake Bemidji State Park staff to bring Geocaching activities to the weekend schedule of events. Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which participants use GPS units for a treasure hunting game that is enjoyed by people from all age groups with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Those new to one of the fastest growing sports in the country, can attend a ‘Geocaching 101’ program offered by
the Lake Bemidji State Park Naturalist at the Tourist Information Center waterfront area, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29 and again on Saturday April 30 at 10:00 a.m. The program will
introduce beginners to GPS units and how they work. The program is open to all ages, with GPS units available for use during the program. For seasoned geocachers, the Bemidji 10 Cache Legacy Weekend Challenge will run from Friday, April 29 – May 1. Ten new ‘signature caches’ from some of the area’s clever geocachers will be placed to lead participants on a trail of recreational adventure around town. Included in the Bemidji 10 are Cache In/Trash Out (CITO) caches and a Breakfast Buddies gathering at The Cabin Coffeehouse at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30. Additional area geocaching opportunities available are: Beltrami History Puzzle Trail, Lake Bemidji State Park Wildlife Safari and Geo-Trekking Trail and over 200
registered caches within a twenty mile radius of Bemidji.

· The average date the ice goes out of Lake Bemidji is April 26. To celebrate this sign of Spring, the Bogs and Logs Chapter of MN Master Naturalists, Lake Bemidji State Park and Headwaters Science Center are joining together to host the annual ‘Ice-Out’ Ice Cream Social. Volunteers gather lake ice as it is going out and use it to freeze various varieties of secret ice cream recipes for all to enjoy. The public is invited to join this celebration of spring and Minnesota’s Clean Water Legacy at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront on April 30 from11:00 am- 1:00 p.m. or
till the ice cream is gone. Take your turn at cranking the ice cream maker. www.dnr.state.mn.us/calendar/app?jsp=/templates/event.jsp&id=22117 Legacy funds have supported increased testing of area lakes, improvements to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, and protection of forests in Beltrami County for use by the public.

· The final event of the weekend is “…. an event not to be missed by anyone who is willing to have his or her life changed forever,” according to Leonard Slatkin, former music director of the National Symphony Orchestra. Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín tells the story of courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World War II who performed Verdi’s Requiem Mass while experiencing the depths of human degradation. This multi-media concert drama will be performed at the Bemidji High School Auditorium, May 1 at 3:00 pm, under the direction
of guest Conductor Murry Sidlin. It combines the magnificent music of Verdi with testimony from survivors of the chorus and footage from the original Nazi propaganda film on Theresienstadt.
The performance also includes actors who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schaëchter and of other prisoners. With only a smuggled score, they performed the famous oratorio sixteen times, including one performance before Adolph Eichmann and a Red Cross delegation. Conductor Rafael Schaëchter told the choir, “We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.” This is not just another performance of the Verdi Requiem but a tribute to the inspired leadership of Rafael Schaëchter who was forced to reconstitute the choir three times as members were transported to Auschwitz. The performances came to symbolize resistance and defiance; answering the worst of mankind with the best of mankind. The performance is powerful, dramatic, and inspirational, with
a contemporary message of hope. Creator/Conductor Murry Sidlin will be joined by the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, The Bemidji Chorale, the Bemidji State University Chorus along with vocal
soloists Carrie Mineck, Janet Hopkins, Nathan Carlisle, and Michael Mayes, with actors from Theatre B of Fargo. The performance is made possible by a generous gift from the Nielson Foundation, the Region II Arts Council, and in partnership with Minnesota Public Radio. Tickets: $20 adults/$15 seniors and children under 18 free. Pre-sale tickets go on sale April 13^th at Village Foods North and Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and will be sold at the door. MPR Members receive a $2 discount. www.bemidjisymphony.org. This activity is funded in part by a Legacy grant from the Region 2 Arts Council.

In addition to the Legacy Destination Weekend Events, visitors are encouraged to stroll the downtown Art Walk of outdoor sculptures and murals, browse mini-galleries exhibited in a variety of businesses, and visit the Headwaters Science Center. From state-of-the-art museum exhibits to life-changing musical performances and pristine waterways, visitors will find Bemidji has a relaxed, small town atmosphere with the amenities of the big city.

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Senate Passes Bill With 20% Cut in State Arts Funding

Friday, April 1st, 2011

MCA

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
2233 University Ave. W. #355
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-251-0868 fax 651-917-3561

@MnCitizen
Arts Action Center

March 24, 2011

1. Take Action: Senate Passes Bill With 20% Cut in State Arts Funding

2.”Yeah! We’ve Got This!” Andy Reports on Arts Advocacy Day

3. Next Legacy Weekends Coming Up: St Paul & Crookston

4. Be Counted In MN Arts Count Survey

5. So, You Couldn’t Come To Advocacy Day: Please Send A Letter Now!

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1. Take Action: Senate Passes Bill With 20% Cut in State Arts Funding

GENERAL FUND:
Both the Senate and House committees overseeing regular arts fundng proposed and passed bills that would cut 20% out of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. Yesterday, the Senate passed its bill on the floor. The House is expected to do the same next week.

The state’s $5 billion deficit is about 15% of the budget overall. The cut is obviously larger than the state deficit would require. The bills will now go to the floor and conference committee where they may be still changed…for better or for worse, and then it is expected that Governor Dayton will veto these bills and ask the Legislature start over. But that just means more legislative chaos. We have a very long road ahead of us. We hope it doesn’t get worse, and we are working very hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

If you haven’t yet contacted your legislator, do it now HERE:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

ARTS LEGACY FUNDS:
As for Arts Legacy funds, it looks like the schedule is a bit longer. It sounds like those committees aren’t going to make their recommendations for a few more weeks. However, we are facing the spectre of a bunch of proposed earmarks taking up large hunks of Arts Legacy funds, turning a statewide resource via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regonal Arts Councils into just a few bricks and mortar projects that would benefit only a few people. I will let you know when there is more definite word about the timing of decisions about Legacy funds, but again, the best thing you can do is write your legislators!

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2. “Yeah! We’ve Got This!” Andy Reports on Arts Advocacy Day

Intrepid reporter Andy Sturdevant from Springboard for the Arts wrote about his experience at Arts Advocacy Day, including these great descriptions of the day:

“That’s why Arts Advocacy Day is such an invigorating, inspirational, occasionally frustrating, but mostly exciting event. You’re up there on the hill with hundreds of other members of the Minnesota arts community, many of whom you know well. During the morning assembly, there’s a sense of camaraderie and solidarity, a sense of critical mass in knowing that people who share your values are sitting down with lawmakers to discuss why art is important. As you pass each other in the halls, rushing to your meetings, catching glances at each other, exchanging grins, you share the feeling of, “Yeah! We’ve got
this!”

Read the full article here: http://www.minnesotaplaylist.com/magazine/article/%E2%80%9Cyeah-we%E2%80%99ve-got-this%E2%80%9D

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3. Next Legacy Weekends Coming Up: St Paul and Crookston

St. Paul and Crookston have put together some fun events to highlight the good things coming to their cities because of Legacy grants. Join St. Paul’s event on March 31-April 3, and Crookston’s on April 15-17. The Legacy Destination Weekends program is a partnership of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota, and Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism promotion office, intended to raise awareness of
all the good things Minnesotans can experience because they voted for the Amendment. Each weekend
features a series of arts and historical events put on by organizations that have received Legacy grants. (For more times, dates, and locations go to www.exploreminnesota.com/legacy).

ST. PAUL – March 31- April 3

Visit Saint Paul, the city’s convention & visitors bureau is organizing the weekend with Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Minnesota Historical Society, Actors Theater of Minnesota and Ramsey County.

‘Many of our members have benefitted from the Legacy grants, and this is a great way to get the message out there by bringing visitors to Saint Paul for a weekend full of exciting things to do,” said Karolyn Kirchgesler, President & CEO of Visit Saint Paul. ”There will be something for everyone!”

Activities in St. Paul include:

ARTS: Funded by Arts Legacy Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board

- Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: Performances of STOMP, the amazing percussionists, on April 1-2-3, For tickets and information, visit: www.ordway.org.

- Actors Theater of Minnesota / The Lowry Theater: Performance of “Flannagan’s Wake” April 1, 7 pm

- St. Paul Chamber Orchestra: Performances throughout the weekend.

go to the SPCO’s website at www.thespco.org, choose a concert, and then type the code “legacy” and you can get $10 tickets to one of our upcoming concerts. You’ll get the best available seats, regularly priced up to $40 per ticket. Limit 4 tickets per order. Subject to availability.

OUTDOORS: Enjoy a bike ride along the Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail, which takes you into downtown Saint Paul, passing historic sights such as the Island Station Power Plant that was built in the 1920s and the 6-story St. Paul Municipal Grain Elevator, built in 1931. Crosby Farm Regional Park boasts a marina and plentiful trails. You can find an historic pavilion and paddleboat tours at Harriet Island Regional Park. Up on the bluff, hikers and bikers can visit Cherokee Regional Trail above the St. Paul High Bridge. Sam Morgan Regional Trail and Crosby Farm Regional Park have received Legacy
Funding to renovate and connect the trail as well as convert unused roadbed to green space. Cherokee Regional Trail has also received Legacy funds to construct a 1.3-mile section of a
regional trail from Ohio to Smith Avenue.

HISTORY: Events at the Minnesota History Center: 2 for 1 admission both April 2-3. Legacy Information Fair all weekend, Meet and Greet with Meterologist Paul Douglas on Saturday 10-1, and Lecture “For the Love of Lakes” with Professor Darby Nelson from 1-2. On Sunday, get Behind the Scenes Access to MHS’s new exhibit “Our Minnesota” and participate in “A Thousand Journeys, One Home: Asian Pacific Heritage Day” from 12-4. Tours also available at the James J Hill House and the State Capitol.

CROOKSTON – April 15-17

Crookston’s “Legacy Weekend” is being organized by the Crookston Convention & Visitors Bureau, University of Minnesota, Crookston, Crookston High, Northwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, and Prairie Skyline Preservation Foundation. A detailed schedule of events will be available online at www.visitcrookston.com. All events are free and open to the
public.

“Our community offers both cultural and outdoor recreation, and we thought it would be fun to let people sample the variety of great things there are to see and do in Crookston.” said Sandy Kegler. “It’s a positive thing for our area.”

Activities in Crookston include:

ARTS: Funded by Arts Legacy Grants from the Northwest Regional Arts Council:

-Mexican Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo, UMC Campus: April 15, 4-7 pm, authentic cuisine, traditional crafts including hand-made Piñata making for children, Marketplace, Mexican folk music and Mariachi music, Fresh Voices Hispanic Youth Leadership photography exhibit and youth video previews, 7-9 pm. and performances in Kiehle Auditorium, UMC Campus. 9 pm-12 am. Dance the night away
to the music of Sonora Café, location TBD on the UMC campus.

-Northwest Minnesota Art Council’s Legacy Exhibition at the Crookston Public Library from April 6-17, ending with the artist reception on Sunday, April 17^th.

OUTDOORS: Prairie Chicken Mating Dances! A self guided tour of the Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, the largest prairie and wetland restoration project area in U.S. history, and greater prairie chicken ‘booming grounds’ beginning about 5:00 A.M. Reserve a blind for viewing any day from April 15-22 by calling 218-281-4320 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday –Friday. The prairie restoration and the water clean up
were funded by DNR, Polk County, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever which received funds from the Legacy Grant.

HISTORY: Prairie Skyline Foundation in Crookston received a Legacy grant from Minnesota Historical Society to conduct a feasibility study on the reuse of the former Cathedral on Ash Street in Crookston. There will be a display about the study comparing possible re-uses of the building at both the Cinco de Mayo event and at the Library. Also, on April 16 “Walks, Wicks & Wine,” take a historic walking tour of downtown Crookston and learn about the early days when Crookston was the “Queen City.” Tours begin at 10 am on Saturday, April 16^th at the Crookston Public
Library, and will be offered until 1:00 pm.

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4. Be Counted In MN Arts Count Survey

Whether a personal or professional interest, arts are important to you – and to the quality of life in Minnesota. The Minnesota Legacy Amendment passed in 2008 helps support creative expression through grants dispersed by theMinnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils.

As part of dedicating funding to the arts from the Amendment, the state legislature has called for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils to conduct a census of artists and artistic organizations to measure the far-reaching influence of the arts in the state.

We, along with the Minnesota State Arts Board, invite anyone who, professionally or personally, engages in any and every form of creative expression to participate
in the MN Arts Count census. Do you sing? Act? Dance? Write? Draw? Paint? Sculpt? Photograph? Weave? Play an instrument? Compose? No matter how well or how publicly you share your talents, be proud and be counted.

Go to www.MNArtsCount.com to complete the census. If you prefer, paper surveys are available by calling 800-748-3222 ext. 225. Help us spread the word. Tell your friends to be counted, too. You can
also follow the project on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you! MN Arts Count 2011. From ballet to bottle caps, your art counts.

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5. So, You Couldn’t Come To Advocacy Day: Please Send A Letter Now!

So, you can’t be at the Capitol. You can still make a difference! Legislators say if they get just ten letters from constituents on an issue, they know it’s really important. Be one of the ten.

We make it easy for you, just go here:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

FYI…KSTP reporting on bills that would divert Arts Legacy funds away from the arts…

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: News from Legislature Not Great

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

MCA

March 14, 2011

1. News From Legislature Isn’t Great.

2. Arts Advocacy Day Brings 700+ to Capitol

3. Be Counted! In MN Arts Count Survey

4. So, You Couldn’t Come To Advocacy Day: Please Send A Letter Now:

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1. News From Legislature Isn’t Great.

This week the House and Senate leadership revealed their spending targets for legislative committees, and their proposal was pretty shocking. The state’s $5 billion deficit is about 15% of the budget overall. They are planning to hold Education, which makes up about half of the budget, harmless. This means everything else in the budget will take a bigger hit, but does not explain why, in the Senate, the State Government and Veterans Committee, where regular arts funding is located, has been targeted for a 55% cut! The House State Government spending target is slightly less bad, at a 36% cut.

This doesn’t mean that arts funding will be recommended for cuts at this level, but it does mean that lots of things will be proposed for large cuts, and that is not good news for us. These committees are going to make their funding recommendations in the next week and a half, so if you haven’t yet contacted your legislator, do it now HERE: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

As for Arts Legacy funds, it looks like the schedule is a bit longer. It sounds like those committees aren’t going to make their recommendations for a few more weeks. However, we are facing the spectre of a bunch of proposed earmarks taking up large hunks of Arts Legacy funds, turning a statewide resource via the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regonal Arts Councils into just a few bricks and morter projects that would benefit only a few people. I will let you know when there is more definate word about the timing of decisions about Legacy funds, but again, the best thing you can do is write your legislators!

——————————————————————

2. Arts Advocacy Day Brings 700+ to Capitol

A huge crowd of 700+ arts advocates came to the Capitol last week to ask their legislators to support the arts. Wow! What a great group! We started with a rally in the Minnesota History Center where we tried out Josh Wise’s Arts Advocacy Rouser (people loved it) and heard from the Chair of the Legacy Committee in the House, Rep. Dean Urdahl about his support for the arts. Then the chaos began, as 700 people sorted themselves into 36 teams and headed up to the Capitol to talk
to their elected officials. Timing was perfect, just a few days before legislative committees are scheduled to make recommendations for arts funding.

Congratulations to MCA Board Member Michael Robins who received The “Larry Award,” given by MCA to an unsung hero of arts advocacy, and to Speaker Kurt Zellers who received the 2010 “Arts All Star Award” for his support of the arts in the legislature.

And THANK YOU to all of you who drove from every corner of the state to be a part of our most important day. The most important thing that happend that day was that YOU became the face of the arts for your legislators. We’ve had many good reports back from meetings where legislators made the connection between state funding for the arts and their constituents back home, and that should translate into more support when the legislature starts taking votes.

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3. Be Counted! In MN Arts Count Survey

Thank you! MN Arts Count 2011
From ballet to bottle caps, your art counts.

——————————————————————

4. So, You Couldn’t Come To Advocacy Day: Please Send A Letter Now:

So, you can’t be at the Capitol. You can still make a difference! Legislators say if they get just ten letters from constituents on an issue, they know it’s really important. Be one of the ten.

We make it easy for you, just go here:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

FYI…KSTP reporting on bills that would divert Arts Legacy funds away from the arts…

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

ADV: arts alert: Advocacy Day Sign-up Deadline Today: What Else You Can Do

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

MCA

March 4, 2011

1. Arts Advocacy Day Signup Deadline is Today!

2. What Else You Can Do: Send A Letter Now, Link Below

3. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-St.Paul) Speaks Out Against Cuts to NEA

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1. Arts Advocacy Day Signup Deadline is Today!

KSTP reporting on bills that would divert Arts Legacy funds away from the arts…

The closer we get to Arts Advocacy Day the more we know how much we need you there. Our presence at the state capitol will be really important this year as we work to protect the arts in the face of Minnesota’s huge deficit. BE A PART OF THE ACTION at MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day on March 8, 2011.

Here’s an example of the threats we face: Last night KSTP did a story on all of the bills that have been introduced to divert Arts Legacy resources to unrelated things. You can watch it here: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1993627.shtml?cat=1. We need to stick together to protect the arts!

Come join your fellow arts advocates at Minnesota History Center and State Capitol on March 8, 2011 to talk about the arts, make new friends, and educate our legislators about the importance of the arts to Minnesota. Artists and arts supporters from across the state will be joining together to prevent possible devastating cuts to the state arts budget because of a $6.2 billion state budget deficit. Together we will speak about the importance of the arts in our lives and communities. In past years participants helped to stop efforts that would have removed arts funding altogether.

You can also be the first to hear the latest news on what the $6.2 billion deficit means for arts funding and what MCA is doing to secure funds for the arts from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

HOW IT WORKS:

We start with a rally at the MN History Center, and then split into teams. You and your team will be led by an experienced advocate who has participated in past Advocacy Days and knows what to do. Your team will visit a series of legislators during the course of the day, giving you plenty of time to get to know your teammates and the issues you are discussing.

By working together we show the strength of Minnesota’s arts community. Your elected officials are your voice in government: let them know what you think! Arts people from every corner of the state will be coming together on March 8. It’s the best arts networking opportunity of the year, so sign up now on our website at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org. (Please sign up so we can get you assigned to the right team and get materials ready for you. Sign up deadline is this Friday, March 4!)

Here’s the schedule of the day:

7:30 a.m. Meet at the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
8:30 a.m. Advocacy Seminar Join your team
8:00 a.m. Advocacy Class for New Attendees
9:30 a.m. Walk/ride to Capitol
8:00 a.m. Registration & Coffee (if not attending class)
9:30-1:00 p.m. Legislator Appointments

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2. What Else You Can Do: Send A Letter Now, Here’s the Link

Can’t make it to St. Paul on Tuesday? You can still participate by sending your legislator a quick note from our website.

We make it easy for you, just go here:

http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/mn/issues/alert/?alertid=12568891&type=ST&show_alert=1

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3. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-St.Paul) Speaks Out Against Cuts to NEA

On February 19, House Republicans passed H.R. 1, a bill to fund the federal government for the rest of 2011. The bill included draconian cuts to the NEA and NEH. H.R. 1 reduced by $43 million the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget to $124 million and reduced the National Endowment for the Humanities budget by $24 million. The bill also unbelievably eliminated all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Rep. McCollum issued this statement in response:

“I strongly opposed the
House Republican budget and its reckless $60 billion in community cuts that will destroy Minnesota jobs and divest in basic health care, environment and public safety priorities that are critical to our communities. One independent economic analysis put total job loss for H.R. 1 at 700,000.

The Republican bill targets federal support for the arts, a sector that plays a vital role in creating jobs in Minnesota. In the 4th Congressional District alone, I have nearly 8,400 constituents who are employed in arts jobs. Across Minnesota, that number is 54,000. I appreciate all of you who took the time to express your dismay at these economically harmful cuts.

Last summer, I had the privilege of hosting an arts town hall forum with NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. He saw up close how seriously we take the
arts in Minnesota. You can read my remarks from that event here. I look forward to working with members of the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts as we fight to make the case why public investment in the arts is good for jobs and for our communities. I am fighting to protect the arts because you want me to fight!”

Rep. Betty McCollum in the new 112th Congress increased her seniority on the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | Comments Off

arts alert: Sign up for Advocacy Day, Just Two Weeks Away

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

MCA

February 21, 2011

Arts Advocacy Day is Just Two Weeks Away!

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts invites you to join your fellow arts advocates at the Minnesota History Center and State Capitol on March 8, 2011 to talk about the arts, make new friends, and educate our legislators about the importance of the arts to Minnesota.

This year at Arts Advocacy Day artists and arts supporters from across the state will be joining together to prevent possible devastating cuts to the state arts budget because of a $6.2 billion state budget deficit. Together we will speak about the importance of the arts in our lives and communities. In past years participants helped to stop efforts that would have removed arts funding altogether.

Be the first to hear the latest news on what the $6.2 billion deficit means for arts funding and what MCA is doing to secure funds for the arts from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

You and your team will be led by an experienced advocate who has participated in past Advocacy Days and knows what to do. Your team will visit a series of legislators during the course of the day, giving you plenty of time to get to know your teammates and the issues you are discussing.

By working together we show the strength of Minnesota’s arts community. Your elected officials are your voice in government: let them know what you think!

Arts people from every corner of the state come together in St. Paul. It’s the best arts networking opportunity of the year, so sign up now on our website at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org.

Here’s the schedule of the day:

MCA’s Field Worker Josh Wise has written a very fun “Arts Advocacy Rouser” to encourage people to advocate for the arts. Here’s a sample verse:

“We aim to bring the arts to everyone

And in two thousand eight we got it done

We put the arts in Minnesota’s constitution

The Legacy Amendment makes us number one!”

Watch now at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org!

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: So Far, So Good: Governor’s Recs for Arts Only Half Made

Friday, February 18th, 2011

MCA

February 18, 2011

1. So Far, So Good: Governor’s Recs for Arts Half Made

2. U.S. House Votes to Cut National Endowment for the Arts

3. SIGN UP NOW! For Arts Advocacy Day, March 8

4. Alexandria Legacy Weekend Makes a Bit Hit

5. Background: Arts Funding

——————————————

1. So Far, So Good: Governor’s Recs for Arts Half Made

This week Governor Dayton released his budget, but only made half of the needed recommendations on arts funding. The arts are funded from two sources: the General Fund, the traditional source of funding, and the Legacy Fund, created by the passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. However, the Governor only made General Fund recommendations.

The Governor made a very reasonable 5% reduction in General funding for the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils. We had asked that any cuts to the arts be commensurate with the cuts to all other state agencies. We consider his recommendation a best-case scenario in the context of the state’s $6.2 billion deficit, for which the Governor should be thanked.

However, the Governor did not yet make any recommendations for the arts from the Legacy amendment. Until he does, we will not have a complete picture on the Governor’s position on funding for the arts.

You may recall that during the campaign, the Governor-to-be sat down with us for a video interview on arts issues, during which he stated he supported dedicating 50% of the Legacy’s arts fund to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council system, because “the system ensures that funding reaches every corner of Minnesota” and because “they’ve done a remarkable job.” (View video here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts#p/a/u/2/VP0AvJjGXAA . The statement on the Arts Fund is at 1:13).

——————————————

2. U.S. House Votes to Cut National Endowment for the Arts

Distressing news came from Washington DC this week. First the President recommended a FY2012 reduction for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and then the U.S. House voted to make further cuts for FY2011. Current annual funding is $167.5 million per year, of which $4,643,090 comes to Minnesota.

When President Obama released his budget request to Congress on Valentine’s Day, he requested a $21 million decrease in funding for the NEA, reducing the total from $167.5M to $146M. This cut, if put into effect, would be for FY2012.

At a time when philanthropic dollars are still hard to come by due to the recession, these added cuts do not take into account the incredible return on investment those funds make to federal, state and local governments. We agree with Americans for the Arts that “the President has missed the mark with such a deep cut to the primary federal source for leveraging support for cultural programs from public and private funding.”

The second blow came when an amendment passed yesterday on the floor that would further reduce NEA funding for FY2011 by $20.6 million. This is in addition to an already reduced budget of $145 million, for a total cut to the NEA of $42 million. The amendment alone would directly reduce money to Minnesota by $1,185,102. This bill now goes on to the Senate, where Senators can stop it if they wish. Please contact Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken to ask them to oppose further cuts to the NEA by going here:

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

FYI, Minnesota’s members of the U.S. House voting FOR these cuts: Bachmann, Cravaack, Kline, Paulsen. And Minnesota’s members of the U.S. House voting AGAINST the cuts: Ellison, McCollum, Walz, and C. Peterson.

——————————————

3. SIGN UP NOW for Arts Advocacy Day, March 8!

Arts Advocacy Day will be really important this year as we work to protect the arts in the face of Minnesota’s huge deficit. BE A PART OF THE ACTION at MCA’s Arts Advocacy Day on March 8, 2011. We start with a rally and then split into teams to talk to legislators about why they should support the arts. Arts people from every corner of the state come together in St. Paul. It’s the best arts networking opportunity of the year, so sign up now on our website at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org. Join us!

MCA’s Field Worker Josh Wise has written a very fun “Arts Advocacy Rouser” to encourage people to advocate for the arts. Here’s a sample verse:

“We aim to bring the arts to everyone

And in two thousand eight we got it done

We put the arts in Minnesota’s constitution

The Legacy Amendment makes us number one!”

Watch now at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org!

——————————————

4. Alexandria Legacy Weekend Makes a Bit Hit

Alexandria’s Legacy Weekend was such a big hit that not only were all the area hotels full, they were turning people away! Over 2500 anglers showed up for a fishing contest (and not one of them caught a fish…but that’s another story). Big crowds enjoyed a play at the AAAA theater, others enjoyed tours of local historical sites and museums. There was even a minnow eating contest on the lake. Check out this nice article on the weekend in the Alexandria Echo Press: http://www.echopress.com/event/article/id/82357/

——————————————

5. Background: Arts Funding

The Minnesota Legislature has begun hearings on the state’s budget, and the arts have ended up in two committees:

REGULAR FUNDING: Arts funding has been split in half. The regular arts funding, which comes from the General Fund, will be considered by the full State Government Innovation & Veterans Budget & Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Parry (G-Waseca) in the Senate and Rep. Morrie Lanning (Moorhead) in the House. Here are the members:

House – State Government Finance

Morrie Lanning, R-9A, Moorhead, Chair, RAC: 4

Mike Benson, R-30A, Rochester, Vice Chair, RAC: 10

King Banaian, R-15B, St. Cloud, RAC: 7W

Bob Gunther, R-24A, Fairmont, RAC: 9

Bruce Anderson, R-19A, Buffalo, RAC: 7W

Keith Downey, R-41A, Edina, RAC: 11

Ernie Leidiger, R-34A, Mayer, RAC: 11

Kathy Lohmer, R-56A, Lake Elmo, RAC: 11

Carolyn McElfatrick, R-3B, Deer River, RAC: 3

Rich Murray, R-27A, Albert Lea, RAC: 10

Kurt Stensrud, R-42A, Eden Prairie, RAC: 11

Dean Urdahl, R-18B, Grove City, RAC: 7W, 6/8

Phyllis Kahn, D-59B, Minneapolis, Minority Lead, RAC: 11

Kerry Gauthier, D-7B, Duluth, RAC: 3

Marion Greene, D-60A, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Jeffrey Hayden, D-61B, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Leon Lillie, D-55B, North St. Paul, RAC: 11

Mary Murphy, D-6B, Hermantown, RAC: 3

Steve Simon, D-44A, St. Louis Park, RAC: 11

Nora Slawik, D-55B, Maplewood, RAC: 11

Ryan Winkler, D-44B, Golden Valley, RAC: 11

Senate – State Government Innovation and Veterans

Mike Parry, R-26, Waseca, Chair, RAC: 9,10

John Carlson, R-4, Bemidji

Ted Daley, R-38, Eagan, Vice Chair, RAC: 11

Paul Gazelka, R-12, Brainerd, RAC: 5

Ted Lillie, R-56, Lake Elmo, RAC: 11

Gen Olson, R-33, Minnetrista, RAC:11

Julianne Ortman, R-34, Chanhassen, RAC:11

Dave Thompson, R-36, Lakeville, RAC: 11

Chuck Wiger, D-55, North St. Paul, Minority Lead, RAC: 11

Dick Cohen, D-64, St. Paul, RAC: 11

Scott Dibble, D-60, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Barb Goodwin, D-50, Columbia Heights, RAC: 11

Torres Ray, D-62, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

LEGACY FUNDING: The Legacy dollars will be handled in the smaller Legacy Funding Division in the House by Rep. Dean Urdahl (G-Grove City) under the full Environment Committee. In the Senate, it will be handled in the Environnment Committee chaired by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (G-Alexandria).

House Legacy Committee:

Dean Urdahl, R-18B, Grove City, Chair, RAC: 7W, 6/8

Deb Kiel, R-1B, Crookston, Vice Chair, RAC: 1

Tony Cornish, R-24B, Good Thunder, RAC: 9

Carol McFarlane, R-53B, North Oaks, RAC: 11

Denny McNamara, R-57B, Hastings, RAC: 11

Joyce Peppin, R-32A, Rogers, RAC: 11

Paul Torkelson, R-21B, Nelson Township, RAC 6/8, 9

David Dill, D-6A, Crane Lake, Minority Lead, RAC: 3

Ryan Winkler, D-44B, Golden Valley, RAC: 11

Marion Greene, D-60A, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Mary Murphy, D-6B, Hermantown, RAC: 3

Jean Wagenius, D-62B, Minneapolis, RAC:11

Senate – Environment and Natural Resources Finance

Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-11, Alexandria, Chair, RAC: 4, 5

Dan Hall, R-40, Burnsville, Vice Chair, RAC: 11

John Carlson, R-04, Bemidji, RAC: 2, 3, 5

Gary Dahms, R-21, Redwood Falls, RAC: 6/8, 9

Paul Gazelka, R-12, Brainerd, RAC: 5

Chris Gerlach, R-37, Apple Valley, RAC: 11

Jeremy Miller, R-31, Winona, RAC: 10

John Pederson, R-15, St. Cloud, RAC: 7W

Linda Higgins, D-58, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Ken Kelash, D-63, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Keith Langseth, D-09, Glyndon, RAC: 4

Sandy Pappas, D-65, St. Paul, RAC: 11

Tom Saxhaug, D-03, Grand Rapids, RAC: 2,3

Rod Skoe, D-02, Clearbrook, RAC: 1, 2, 4

If you live or work in the districts of any of these legislators, particularly the GOP members who are now in charge, you are very important! Please let them know you’d like them to support the arts. You can send them a letter easily on our website at the Arts Action Center.

THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE BUDGET DEFICIT: The state’s enormous deficit is the main focus this year, which neither party seems to have a road map to solve. The reality is that the arts are a tiny, tiny fraction of the state’s budget. About 75% of the budget goes to fund education and health and human services. The decisions made about those areas will affect the outcome for the arts because they will dictate how much must be cut in the rest of the budget. Also, Gov. Dayton’s proposal to bring in new money with a “tax the rich” is already opposed by the new Republican leadership in both houses of the legislature. We have a long road ahead of us in protecting the arts in this complicated enviroment.
Stay tuned, and get ready!

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO:

Make your plans now to join us for Arts Advocacy Day on March 8, 2011.
If your arts organization got a Legacy grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board or Regional Arts Council, make sure to mention that to your legislators if you see them in town, and talk about how important it has been to fund the arts in your area. Make sure your staff and board know how important the legacy grant has been to your organization. Make sure your local paper knows that too.
In a few weeks, we will start to ask you to participate in advocacy by sending email letters to your legislators. (We have a very easy to use on-line system). We may have an event in your district with your legislators to make sure they understand the importance of the arts. Please say “yes!” when you are asked to take action. We are infinitely stronger together when we sing with one voice.

Map & Website of Legacy Grants

The State of Minnesota is creating a one-stop website for information about where the money from all four Legacy funds (land, water, parks and arts) is going, so you can search by county or by topic. It still doesn’t include all the 2500+ arts grants in its search function, but eventually it should all be in there. Check it out at: www.legacy.leg.mn

Our Field Worker Josh Wise has created a great map that shows how Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council grants have reached every corner of the state. You can zoom in to see grants community-by-community. Check it out here:

http://www.batchgeo.com/map/MSAB-and-RAC-Grants

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Legislators Discuss Diverting Legacy Money

Monday, January 31st, 2011

arts alert: Legislators Discuss Diverting Legacy Money

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

January 31, 2011

1. Legislators Discuss Diverting Legacy Funds

2. Join Us: Alexandria Hosting “Legacy Weekend” Feb. 11-13

3. VIDEO: “Arts Advocacy Rouser” Urges You To Come to Arts Advocacy Day, March 8

4. Background: Arts in Two Committees

5. Map & Website of Legacy Grants

——————————————

1. Legislators Discuss Diverting Legacy Funds

A recent article in Politics in Minnesota contained some rather alarming quotes from legislators discussing a desire to divert Legacy funds from their intended uses:

“Powerful environmental committee chairs like GOP Rep. Denny McNamara and Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen say they hope to shield the dollars from general fund budget discussions, while others – like Rukavina and GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski – question the way the money is being used. Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Claire Robling said she is “proceeding cautiously,” but looking closely at ways the money could be used creatively without violating constitutional mandates…

“DFL Rep. Ryan Winkler, an attorney from Golden Valley who sits on the Legacy Funding Division Committee, said he imagines some legislators will get “as close to the line as they can without getting sued.” He said he can see why some lawmakers might want to look to the dollars given the deficit. “It’s a large pot of money out there…

Legacy allies

“Going after the money will be difficult. The amendment has strong allies in the ranks of the legislators, including former DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, who was the chief author of the bill. Pogemiller said there are enough people in the Senate, Democrat and Republican alike, who are willing to protect the money. That includes Ingebrigtsen, the chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. In a recent Star Tribune article, Ingebrigtsen said he would try his “hardest” to assure the money is spent appropriately.

“Pogemiller said: “I will work with Sen. Ingebrigtsen and others to make sure we don’t slide into supplantation. That’s the concern – that you backslide into it. I don’t think anyone would overtly do it.””

See the rest of the article here:

http://politicsinminnesota.com/blog/2011/01/legislators-see-proceeds-of-2008-legacy-amendment-as-partial-cure-for-what-ails-general-fund/

A recent poll conducted by the Minnesota Environmental Partnership found that “Two-thirds of Minnesotans say we must not let elected officials raid constitutionally dedicated conservation funds to solve short-term state budget problems.”

This is great news, because we have the public on our side in protecting the Legacy Amendment. To make sure that legislators stay true to the intent of voters in passing the Amendment in November, 2008, MCA will be working hard at the legislature educating all those new legislators about the language of the Amendment and the will of the public to protect it. You can help us by coming to Arts Advocacy Day on March 8. See sign-up info. below :

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2. Join Us: Alexandria Hosting “Legacy Weekend” Feb. 11-13

We are happy to announce the next Legacy Weekend, to be held in Alexandria/Glenwood! MCA has created, along with Conservation Minnesota and ExploreMN, a series of “Legacy Weekends” that will be held once each month for the next year, highlighting all the great things being funded by the Legacy Amendment around the state. Next stop: Alexandria! If you are in the area, please join us for a reception at AAAA Theatre at 5:30 on Saturday, Feb. 12. We’d love to see you there.

To learn more about Legacy Weekends across the state, check out: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/legacy/index.aspx

Here’s more info:

Alexandria and Glenwood Showcase Cultural and Outdoor Events during “Legacy Weekend” February 11-13

The cities of Alexandria and Glenwood are joining forces to attract local and state visitors to provide a unique weekend of engaging arts, history and outdoor events February 11-13. The Alexandria / Glenwood area is fortunate to have strong arts, historical and cultural events year round and beautiful parks, lakes and prairies to enjoy throughout the year. This unique weekend will combine events to highlight the impacts of funding provided through the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008.

The Alexandria/Glenwood area has seen critical investments in arts, outdoors and historical projects to organizations from grants in 2010 from the Legacy Amendment. Both Douglas and Pope Counties have received these Legacy funds through organizations to include but not limited to: Minnesota Historical Society, Lake Region Arts Council, and Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District.

This statewide program is being overseen by three Minnesota statewide organizations to really draw local attention to our Legacy funding in action on a much more impactful and personal level. They are: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Alexandria & Glenwood’s “Legacy Weekend” is being organized locally by Alexandria Hotel & Hospitality in partnership with Alexandria Area Arts Association, The Pope County Historical Society, The Douglas County Library, The Ann Bickle Heritage House, School District 206 Community Education, Lake Carlos State Park and the Sertoma/Viking Sportsmen’s Ice Fishing Challenge.

“Our community is so fortunate to have so many things to offer. Local residents and people throughout the State of Minnesota will be shown how the Legacy funds were used locally.” Sara Stadtherr, AHH.

(For more information on dates, times & locations, go to www.ExploreAlex.com/LegacyDestinations )

Alexandria Area Arts Association is offering three productions of the Dixie Swim Club. In Dixie Swim Club, the five characters have been friends since meeting as teammates on their college swim team. They have had a yearly reunion since college at a cottage on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The audience joins the reunions when the women are ages 44, 49, 54, and 77. We are treated to a privileged glimpse into their prospective lives.
The Ann Bickle Heritage House and Pope County Historical Society are hosting guided tours of this nationally recognized house and the museum which features the Smithsonian worthy Helbing Collection of Native American Arts and Crafts.
The Sertoma Club & Viking Sportsmen is holding their 11^th Annual Ice Fishing Challenge on Lake Agnes. This is Minnesota’s 2^nd largest ice fishing tournament and features all cash prizes!
Lake Carlos State Park is offering Candlelight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Ski or snowshoe by moonlight along the candle lit trails of Lake Carlos. Warm up by the wood stove and enjoy refreshments afterward in the shelter.
Community Education is offering special classes for winter weekend cheer: Wine & Chocolate Tasting from around the World, sure to delight your taste buds and a clay workshop to make your own drinking vessel to enhance the season, Containing Winter’s Libations: From Demitasse to Tankards.
Douglas County Library will showcase its new Minnesota Bookshelf, and display photos of another Legacy project: Evansville Arts Coalition’s Flying Pieces of Art.

In addition, there will be:

DATA snowmobiling trail rides.
Winterama: Children’s activities on the ice, a Polar Plunge and minnow eating contest. Just outside Lakeside Ballroom Restaurant, on Lake Minnewaska.

The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, passed by Minnesota voters in 2008, provide financial support for a variety of conservation, parks and cultural programs. The event is part of a monthly series being held in “Legacy Destination” communities throughout Minnesota to highlight local cultural and outdoor opportunities by drawing residents and visitors to an eclectic assortment of fun activities.

——————————————

3. VIDEO: “Arts Advocacy Rouser” Urges You To Come to Arts Advocacy Day, March 8

MCA’s Field Worker Josh Wise has written a very fun “Arts Advocacy Rouser” to encourage people to advocate for the arts. Here’s a sample verse:

“We aim to bring the arts to everyone

And in two thousand eight we got it done

We put the arts in Minnesota’s constitution

The Legacy Amendment makes us number one!”

Watch now at: www.mncitizensforthearts.org!

——————————————

4. Background: Arts Now in Two Committees

The Legislature has begun hearings on the state’s budget, and we expect the arts will be up for review soon. We have confirmed that arts funding has ended up in two committees:

House – State Government Finance

Morrie Lanning, R-9A, Moorhead, Chair, RAC: 4

Mike Benson, R-30A, Rochester, Vice Chair, RAC: 10

King Banaian, R-15B, St. Cloud, RAC: 7W

Bob Gunther, R-24A, Fairmont, RAC: 9

Bruce Anderson, R-19A, Buffalo, RAC: 7W

Keith Downey, R-41A, Edina, RAC: 11

Ernie Leidiger, R-34A, Mayer, RAC: 11

Kathy Lohmer, R-56A, Lake Elmo, RAC: 11

Carolyn McElfatrick, R-3B, Deer River, RAC: 3

Rich Murray, R-27A, Albert Lea, RAC: 10

Kurt Stensrud, R-42A, Eden Prairie, RAC: 11

Dean Urdahl, R-18B, Grove City, RAC: 7W, 6/8

Phyllis Kahn, D-59B, Minneapolis, Minority Lead, RAC: 11

Kerry Gauthier, D-7B, Duluth, RAC: 3

Marion Greene, D-60A, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Jeffrey Hayden, D-61B, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Leon Lillie, D-55B, North St. Paul, RAC: 11

Mary Murphy, D-6B, Hermantown, RAC: 3

Steve Simon, D-44A, St. Louis Park, RAC: 11

Nora Slawik, D-55B, Maplewood, RAC: 11

Ryan Winkler, D-44B, Golden Valley, RAC: 11

Senate – State Government Innovation and Veterans

Mike Parry, R-26, Waseca, Chair, RAC: 9,10

John Carlson, R-4, Bemidji

Ted Daley, R-38, Eagan, Vice Chair, RAC: 11

Paul Gazelka, R-12, Brainerd, RAC: 5

Ted Lillie, R-56, Lake Elmo, RAC: 11

Gen Olson, R-33, Minnetrista, RAC:11

Julianne Ortman, R-34, Chanhassen, RAC:11

Dave Thompson, R-36, Lakeville, RAC: 11

Chuck Wiger, D-55, North St. Paul, Minority Lead, RAC: 11

Dick Cohen, D-64, St. Paul, RAC: 11

Scott Dibble, D-60, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Barb Goodwin, D-50, Columbia Heights, RAC: 11

Torres Ray, D-62, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

House Legacy Committee:

Dean Urdahl, R-18B, Grove City, Chair, RAC: 7W, 6/8

Deb Kiel, R-1B, Crookston, Vice Chair, RAC: 1

Tony Cornish, R-24B, Good Thunder, RAC: 9

Carol McFarlane, R-53B, North Oaks, RAC: 11

Denny McNamara, R-57B, Hastings, RAC: 11

Joyce Peppin, R-32A, Rogers, RAC: 11

Paul Torkelson, R-21B, Nelson Township, RAC 6/8, 9

David Dill, D-6A, Crane Lake, Minority Lead, RAC: 3

Ryan Winkler, D-44B, Golden Valley, RAC: 11

Marion Greene, D-60A, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Mary Murphy, D-6B, Hermantown, RAC: 3

Jean Wagenius, D-62B, Minneapolis, RAC:11

Senate – Environment and Natural Resources Finance

Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-11, Alexandria, Chair, RAC: 4, 5

Dan Hall, R-40, Burnsville, Vice Chair, RAC: 11

John Carlson, R-04, Bemidji, RAC: 2, 3, 5

Gary Dahms, R-21, Redwood Falls, RAC: 6/8, 9

Paul Gazelka, R-12, Brainerd, RAC: 5

Chris Gerlach, R-37, Apple Valley, RAC: 11

Jeremy Miller, R-31, Winona, RAC: 10

John Pederson, R-15, St. Cloud, RAC: 7W

Linda Higgins, D-58, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Ken Kelash, D-63, Minneapolis, RAC: 11

Keith Langseth, D-09, Glyndon, RAC: 4

Sandy Pappas, D-65, St. Paul, RAC: 11

Tom Saxhaug, D-03, Grand Rapids, RAC: 2,3

Rod Skoe, D-02, Clearbrook, RAC: 1, 2, 4

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO:

Make your plans now to join us for Arts Advocacy Day on March 8, 2011.
If your arts organization got a Legacy grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board or Regional Arts Council, make sure to mention that to your legislators if you see them in town, and talk about how important it has been to fund the arts in your area. Make sure your staff and board know how important the legacy grant has been to your organization. Make sure your local paper knows that too.
In a few weeks, we will start to ask you to participate in advocacy by sending email letters to your legislators. (We have a very easy to use on-line system). We may have an event in your district with your legislators to make sure they understand the importance of the arts. Please say “yes!” when you are asked to take action. We are infinitely stronger together when we sing with one voice.

——————————————

5. Map & Website of Legacy Grants

http://www.batchgeo.com/map/MSAB-and-RAC-Grants

——————————————————————

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.

Posted in 2011, Arts Advocacy | No Comments »

arts alert: Legacy Weekend Project Will Spotlight Grants Around the State

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

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

January 27, 2011

Legacy Weekend Project Will Spotlight Grants Around the State

Minnesota Cities to Hold Legacy Weekends to Showcase Amendment-Funded Projects

(Nisswa) –Minnesotans can add a dozen unique festivals to their travel plans this year. Twelve communities will celebrate engaging arts, history, and outdoor events during Legacy Destination Weekends around the state. The announcement came at the 2011 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference by Conservation Minnesota, Explore Minnesota, and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.

“Minnesotans voted to dedicate funds to our state’s great resources,” said Paul Austin, Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota, “and now they’ll see first-hand how the Legacy Amendment’s dedicated funds are protecting the state they love.”

Each month in 2011, one community will showcase its lakes, parks, trails, arts, and history assets that received funding through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (CWLLA) passed in 2008. “Legacy Destination” communities throughout Minnesota will highlight local cultural and outdoor opportunities by drawing residents and visitors to an eclectic assortment of fun activities.

More than $211 M has been awarded statewide to clean up rivers and lakes, create trails, protect historical items, and fund art and history projects across the state. An independent analysis of Fiscal Year 2010 spending showed 74 percent of those funds were distributed to statewide programs and resulted in, among other things, 40 percent of the state’s lakes being tested for water quality.

“Great things in both the outdoors and the arts are happening in every corner of the state because of the Legacy Amendment,” said Sheila Smith, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, ”and we wanted Minnesotans to know how they can participate.”

Each community’s events will vary across the state, but will include activities such as live theater, music, fishing tournaments, boating, and historic tours. Promotion for the Legacy Destinations will include a yearlong marketing campaign including posters at Travelers Information Centers across Minnesota (poster attached below). Visitors can also click on the Legacy Destination Weekends website for a full list of weekends and currently planned activities at http://exploreminnesota.com/legacy

“Explore Minnesota is excited about promoting the 2011 Legacy Destinations,” said John Edman, Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “The program offers unique opportunities for residents and visitors to experience distinct natural and cultural assets throughout the state.”

The first Legacy Weekend of the year will be held in Alexandria, MN on Feb. 11-13, 2011.

The schedule for Legacy Destinations:

2011
February – Alexandria – February 11-13
March – St. Paul -March 29-April 3
April –Crookston – April 15-17
May –Bemidji – April 28-May 1
June – Lanesboro- June 18-25
July – Winona- July 15-17
August – Rochester- August 19-21
September – Park Rapids – September 24-25
October – Fergus Falls – October 14-15
November – Cook County- November 17-20
December – Minneapolis – December 3-4
For more information on all the weekends: http://exploreminnesota.com/legacy

Poster: http://www.theamendment.org/track/news/?catID=56&id=5620

Alexandria and Glenwood Showcase Cultural and Outdoor Events during First 2011“Legacy Weekend” February 11-13

(For more information on dates, times & locations for the Alexandria/Glenwood weekend, go to www.ExploreAlex.com/LegacyDestination)

• Alexandria Area Arts Association is offering three productions of the Dixie Swim Club. In Dixie Swim Club, the five characters have been friends since meeting as teammates on their college swim team. They have had a yearly reunion since college at a cottage on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The audience joins the reunions when the women are ages 44, 49, 54, and 77. We are treated to a privileged glimpse into their prospective lives.
• The Ann Bickle Heritage House and Pope County Historical Society are hosting guided tours of this nationally recognized house and the museum which features the Smithsonian worthy Helbing Collection of Native American Arts and Crafts.
• The Sertoma Club & Viking Sportsmen is holding their 11th Annual Ice Fishing Challenge on Lake Agnes. This is Minnesota’s 2nd largest ice fishing tournament and features all cash prizes!
• Lake Carlos State Park is offering Candlelight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Ski or snowshoe by moonlight along the candle lit trails of Lake Carlos. Warm up by the wood stove and enjoy refreshments afterward in the shelter.
• Community Education is offering special classes for winter weekend cheer: Wine & Chocolate Tasting from around the World, sure to delight your taste buds and a clay workshop to make your own drinking vessel to enhance the season, Containing Winter’s Libations: From Demitasse to Tankards.
• Douglas County Library will showcase its new Minnesota Bookshelf, and display photos of another Legacy project: Evansville Arts Coalition’s Flying Pieces of Art.
In addition, there will be:
• DATA snowmobiling trail rides.
• Winterama: Children’s activities on the ice, a Polar Plunge and minnow eating contest. Just outside Lakeside Ballroom Restaurant, on Lake Minnewaska.

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