Why You MUST Lobby for Your Non-profit
By Richard Male, Richard Male & Associates, Denver, CO
As we all know, the United States is experiencing some tough economic times. Most states are running significant deficits that will likely force them to cut millions -- in many cases billions -- of dollars in services. Because of this, non-profits will probably see a decrease in government funding in the next year or so. Some states (Louisiana comes to mind) are even looking into taxing properties owned by non-profit groups as a way to generate needed revenue.
Wynton Marsalis Gives Inspiring Nancy Hanks Lecture during 2009 national Arts Advocacy Day
April 03, 2009—World-renowned trumpeter, composer and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis dazzled and inspired his audience with a moving lecture mixed with performance titled The Ballad of the American Arts. The 22nd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts & Public Policy was presented to a capacity crowd at the Kennedy Center on the eve of Arts Advocacy Day. Marsalis addressed the essential value of culture in the recalibration of American identity. After two standing ovations Marsalis wrapped up the evening with a lively performance alongside members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (Chris Crenshaw, trombone; Victor Goines, saxophone; Carlos Henriquez, bass; Ali Jackson, drums; and Dan Nimmer, piano).
Artists in Survival Mode as Market Crumbles
As galleries cut back and sales plummet, many artists are struggling to scrape by with odd jobs.
By Matthew Shaer, The Christian Science Monitor
...Last week, the National Endowment for the Arts released research showing that artists are now unemployed at about twice the rate of other professional workers. Approximately 129,000 artists were out of work nationwide in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to the report – up 63 percent from the same period in 2007. The NEA estimated that the figures might have been worse had thousands of artists not left the workforce due to retirement, a desire to pursue outside opportunities, or general discouragement. And the forecast for the next few years is no brighter. Sunil Iyengar, the director of research and analysis at the NEA, said unemployment was a "lagging economic indicator," and that the figures can still rise even months or years after a general economic recovery. Artist unemployment, for instance, did not reach its zenith until two years after the 2001 recession, when the markets had regained their strength.
The art of tough times
By John Wenzel, The Denver Post
From symphonies and theaters to art galleries and dance companies, arts organizations in America contribute beyond simply enriching the culture. Here’s a look at the numbers.
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*5.7 million — jobs
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*100,000 — non-profit arts organizations
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*612,000 — arts-centric businesses
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*4.3% — of all American businesses
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*$29.6 billion — in tax revenue
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*$166.2 billion — total economic impact
NEA RELEASES STRICT RULES FOR ARTS STIMULUS GRANTS
By Elizabeth Blair, All Things Considered, NPR
When it comes to passing out economic stimulus funds, President Obama has stressed that his administration will be exercising careful oversight.
One agency that will be giving away some of those funds — the National Endowment for the Arts — knows a little something about operating under watchful governmental eyes.
In the late '90s, some members of Congress objected to the fact that artwork they deemed offensive had been funded by the NEA. Bill Ivey, then the endowment's chairman, remembers the firestorm that resulted.
fresh ideas: Louisiana Middle School Thrives as Arts Center
Colton Middle School thrives as arts center
by Darran Simon, The Times-Picayune
The artists have agreed to teach their craft to children and adults in return for rent-free space at Colton, which hasn't reopened as a school since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. There is a small shop on the school's first floor where artists can sell their works.
The center is founded on the idea of using community resources -- a vacant building and a pool of local artists -- to establish a new creative hub and replenish the city's cultural economy. Jeanne Nathan, a public relations professional and former television journalist, is spearheading the project with the help of her husband, Bob Tannen, an artist and urban planning consultant.
Join the call FOR President Obama TO ESTABLISH a cabinet-level arts czar
http://www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html
Quincy Jones Leads Chorus Urging a Cabinet-Level Arts Czar
Quincy Jones's call for Obama to establish a secretary of culture has inspired a petition with 230,570 signers (as of February 9, 2009).
