Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

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

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:30 +0000

MCA

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

January 31, 2012

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

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

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

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

—————————————

BACKGROUND:

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

PRECINCT CAUCUS RESOLUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arts Alert: Legislative Session Begins, Arts Advocates on Alert

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:17:28 +0000

MCA

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

January 25, 2012

Legislative Session Begins, Arts Advocates on Alert

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

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

3. Advocacy Day Hotel Accomodations

4. Watch for the Cultural Data Project Coming to MN

—————————————

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

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

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

—————————————

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!

—————————————

3. Advocacy Day Hotel Accomodations

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

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

—————————————

4. Watch for the Cultural Data Project Coming to MN

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

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

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

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

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

—————————————

RESOURCES

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

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission
is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

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

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:16:38 +0000

MCA

December 29, 2011

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

2. Congresswoman Betty McCollum Update on the NEA

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

4. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

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

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

Please renew your MCA membership today:

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

—————————————

2. Congresswoman Betty McCollum Update on the NEA

Representative Betty McCollum provides this update from Washington DC:

Congressional Compromise Restores Funding for National Endowment for the Arts

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

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

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

—————————————

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

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

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

—————————————

4. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

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

—————————————

RESOURCES

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

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

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:15:19 +0000

MCA

December 20, 2011

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

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

3. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

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

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

—————————————

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

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

Please renew your MCA membership today:

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

—————————————

3. The Cultural Data Project is Coming to MN

—————————————

Minnesotans United for All Families:

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

—————————————

RESOURCES

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

arts alerts: MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:44:20 +0000

MCA

December 13, 2011

1. MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

—————————————

1. MCA Endorses Campaign Against Marriage Amendment

ISSUE BACKGROUND:

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

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

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

WHY MCA CHOSE TO GET INVOLVED:

THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY’S STAKE IN THE AMENDMENT

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER NONPROFIT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

WANT TO HELP?

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

WANT TO ENDORSE?

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

Thanks, all.

2. Renew Your MCA Membership for the Holidays!

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

—————————

RESOURCES

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

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all
people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State
Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

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

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:46:44 +0000

MCA

December 7, 2011

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

RALLY:

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

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

HEARING:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRESS:

Minnesota’s press corps covered the hearing extensively:

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

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

- Austin Daily Herald and the Columbus, Indiana Republic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor organizations sided with the arts folks, too.

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

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

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

NEXT STEPS?

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

—————————

RESOURCES

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

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission
is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State
Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

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

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:19:54 +0000

MCA

November 29, 2011

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

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

3. Charitable Giving in Minnesota Drops as Recession Continues

—————————

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—————————

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

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

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

See the rest of the list here.

—————————

3. Charitable Giving in Minnesota Drops as Recession Continues

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

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

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

—————————

RESOURCES

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

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

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:10:06 +0000

MCA

November 29, 2011

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

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

3. Minneapolis Celebrates Legacy Weekend Dec. 2-4

—————————

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

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

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

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

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

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

—————————

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

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

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

—————————

3. Minneapolis Celebrates Legacy Weekend Dec. 2-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT LEGACY FUNDS

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

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

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

Online: www.minneapolis.org

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

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

MEDIA CONTACT

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

—————————

RESOURCES

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

arts alert: Star Tribune Poll Finds 77% of Minnesotans Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:07:24 +0000

MCA

November 7, 2011

1. Star Tribune Poll Finds 77% of Minnesotans Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

2. MCA Annual Meeting November 14

3. Grand Marais Celebrates Legacy Weekend Nov. 17-20

4. Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Says He’d Delete the NEA

5. Nominate Someone Great for a Sally Award: Deadline Nov. 14

—————————

1. Star Tribune Poll Finds 77% of Minnesotans Oppose Using Legacy for Stadium

Yesterday’s Minneapolis Star Tribune held some great news for arts advocates:

This news comes after a chaotic week in which the momentum to hold a special session to fund the stadium came to a screeching halt when Speaker Kurt Zellers said that the House would prefer to deal with the stadium during the upcoming regular session. Gov. Dayton declared that he would not, therefore, as previously planned, come out with a stadium proposal today after all. It is clear that there is no agreement on how to pay for the stadium, which is why crazy ideas like using Legacy funds are being tossed around. At the moment, using upgraded electronic pulltabs as the main funding source seems to have the most legs, but things remain fluid and could drag on for some time.

The other good news is that you arts advocates have now delivered over 14,500 messages to your elected officials in opposition of using Legacy funds for the stadium. Some of this response has come from our friends at Conservation Minnesota and the Minnesota Envrionmental Partnership, who put out alerts to their members to oppose the move to use Legacy funds because it would set a bad precedent for misuse of the land, water, and parks funds. It’s great to see our coalition from the campaign in 2008 still working together for the good of all.

While the Legacy idea seems to have lost some steam due in part to your overwhelming response, it will not go away entirely until a funding package for the stadium is put together, or until it is clear that the team doesn’t have legislative support to build one at all. We will remain vigilent until this is resolved, as it may come back to life. If you haven’t had a chance to voice your opposition, it’s not too late. You can send letters to the Governor and legislature here:

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

—————————

2. MCA Annual Meeting November 14

You are invited to the Annual Meeting of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, with featured speaker MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith. She will be speaking on “Protecting Minnesota’s Arts Legacy,” including work against losing the Arts Legacy Fund to a stadium, and the outlook for the upcoming 2012 session for the arts.

Join us 5:30-6:30 on Monday, November 14, at the Illusion Theater on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis.

Admission is free for MCA members and $5 for the general public. Please R.S.V.P. to MCA by calling 651-251-0868 or Staff@mncitizensforthearts.org.

—————————

3. Grand Marais Celebrates Legacy Weekend Nov. 17-20

Thriving on the changing climate of the poles and the North Shore will be celebrated and displayed during Cook County’s Legacy Destination Weekend, November 17-20, 2011. Hands-on outdoor events, educational films, and history exhibits are scheduled to highlight the local benefits of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, which voters passed in 2008.

Wildlife biologist Rolf Peterson, filmmaker George Desort, and polar explorer Mark Terry headline this year’s Winterer’s Gathering at North House Folk School. Peterson presents a 50-plus year study of the decreasing levels of wolves and moose on Isle Royale National Park.

Filmmaker Mark Terry explored Canada’s Northwest Passage to research the effects of warmer temperatures for his film project, which shows this weekend. Featured instructor Garrett Conover will lead workshops on reading ice, wilderness travel, and overnight winter camping. Other courses include dog and wolf behaviors and filmmaking.

“North House Folk School is proud to be a Legacy grant recipient and bring new skills and new visitors to Cook County,” said school Executive Director Greg Wright.

During Legacy Weekend, the Cook County Historical Society exhibits the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the Lighthouse Keeper’s House Museum, the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery hosts the Northern Photography show, and the Grand Marais Art Colony presents a glass ornament class.

The Grand Marais Art Colony and North House Folk School receive Legacy Funding through the Minnesota State Arts Board. The Minnesota Historical Society awarded Legacy grants to the Cook County Historical Society and the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery.

A self-guided hike at Cascade River State Park, another Legacy grant project location, is also part of Legacy Destination Weekend.

The Legacy Destination Weekends recognizes one community each month to highlight Legacy events. Legacy Weekends is a partnership of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota, and Explore Minnesota Tourism. More information: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/legacy/cook-county/index.aspx

—————————

4. Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Says He’d Delete the NEA

We’re still a long way away from the 2012 elections, but it’s notable when one of the leading contenders for the GOP nomination says the following:

“I like Amtrak, but I’m not willing to borrow $1.6 billion a year to subsidize it. I like the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but I refuse to borrow almost $1 billion a year from China to pay for them.”

These remarks were delivered as part of his speech on fiscal policy at the Americans for Prosperity “Defending The American Dream Summit” in Washington, D.C.

—————————

5. Nominate Someone Great for a Sally Award: Deadline Nov. 14

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

The 2011 Sally Ordway Irvine Awards will continue this tradition, and you can be a part of it! We invite you to join in the fun by nominating artists to be considered for the 2011 Sally Awards. It’s easy to do. Just think about the artists who have inspired you, your family or your friends, and forward their names to us as nominees for the 2011 Sally Awards. The Awards include the following
five categories:

ARTS ACCESS | VISION | INITIATIVE | COMMITMENT | EDUCATION

Minnesota’s arts scene is so rich and diverse that it’s impossible for us to keep up with the work being created every day in every corner of the state. You probably know about artists who are not yet on our radar screen. Don’t keep their talents a secret! Any arts organization or individual in the state of Minnesota is eligible, as long as they have not already received this award.

Please consider making a nomination, and forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. The nomination form is available on the Ordway’s website at ordway.org/sallyawards.

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2011.

If you have any questions
regarding the nomination form or the awards, please contact Kate Youngdahl at the Ordway at 651.282.3101.

—————————

RESOURCES

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

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all
people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts, or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.

Arts Alert: Gov. Dayton to Unveil Stadium Proposal on Nov 7: Please Contact Him and Legislators Now

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:01:25 +0000

MCA

November 1, 2011

ACT NOW!

** Governor to Unveil His Stadium Proposal on November 7, 2011**

Ask Governor Dayton and Legislators to Oppose Diversion of Arts Legacy to Vikings Stadium

Over 5000 letters have been delivered to legislators and the governor in opposition to a legislative proposal to divert the Arts Legacy Fund to pay for a Vikings stadium! This proposal would harm arts funding in every corner of the state.

It has been announced that the Governor will be unveiling his stadium proposal on Nov. 7. The Governor, when asked by the press if he will include Legacy funding, has not ruled it out.

So, if you have written to your legislators and not the Govenor, please GO HERE to write to Gov. Dayton too, and if you haven’t written to your legislators yet, you can also do it HERE:

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

Take action now, time is running out!

Sheila Smith

MCA Executive Director

BACKGROUND:

On October 21, Rep Kurt Daudt proposed in an MPR interview using Arts Legacy funds to pay for a new Vikings stadium, as legislators were having a hard time coming up with a way to pay for the stadium. Several important legislative leaders were also quoted over the next several days as saying this was a great idea.

Governor Dayton has been a lifelong friend of the arts community in Minnesota. However, although given the opportunity several times by the press to rule it out, he has not done so.

It’s important to know that during the Governor’s campaign, he sat down with us for an interview about arts issues. Here’s what he said last year about the Arts & Culture Legacy Fund:

“This was a constitutional amendment passed by the people of Minnesota. The people of Minnesota voted to raise their own sales tax in order to support these programs and with all due respect to the legislature, this is not the legislature’s money, this is the people’s money. I believe that that dedicated funding should be there. The State Arts Board as well as the Regional Arts Councils are crucial to assuring that the money does go all over the state. That’s the infrastructure that has been established to assure that arts reach every community in Minnesota, it’s done a remarkable job over the last few decades. It should be supported and continued and
frankly, the legislature should keep its hands off of the people’s money.”

We know he’s a friend of the arts. We need to make sure both he and all of the legislators know the damage this proposal would do to the arts across the state.

_______________________________________________

RESOURCES

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

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

TWITTER: @MnCitizen
FACEBOOK: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/Mncitizensforthearts
GIVE COOL ARTS ADVOCATE GIFTS from MCA’s store at: www.cafepress.com/mnforthearts
TAKE ACTION: www.mncitizensforthearts.org at our frequently updated, one-stop site for: information about
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and how you can get involved, an Action Center where you can write a letter to your legislator, or even find out who your legislators are, facts about the arts in Minnesota, the latest on legislative and congressional action on arts issues and more!
PRIVACY: MCA values your privacy, and will not sell or distribute your personal information to anyone.
ABOUT: MCA is a nonpartisan statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the
arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts. If you are interested in learning more about how to advocate for the arts,
or how to activate people in your arts organization or community to lobby for the arts, please call us at 651-251-0868 or e-mail staff at mncitizensforthearts.org. State arts funding supports access to the arts for all Minnesotans. The state-funded Minnesota State Arts Board and eleven Regional Arts Councils provide grants and services in every Minnesota county for artists, arts organizations, arts projects and school artist residencies. For more information on regional or state grants, go to www.arts.state.mn.us.