state arts action network
Meeting Minutes and State of the State Reports
State Overview
pARTicipate 2004 Conference
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Washington, DC
Monday, July 19, 2004
8:00 am to 10:00 am
Names and States in Italics have been submitted by the state person.
States are listed in the order they were presented.
Connecticut
Allen Hoffman
Three main goals/programs. 1. The state arts agency had a name change. 2. Work to maintain funding while consolidating 11 tourist districts into five. 3. Secure $13 M in bonding which is $3-4 M more than normal. They added history museums to the mix, which was a contentious issue.
South Carolina
Betty Plumb
This year the Arts Alliance experienced its busiest advocacy agenda in 10 years but thanks to the hard work of arts supporters from across the state, our issues and concerns have fared well. --Despite Governor Sanford's proposal to restructure state government, the S.C. Arts Commission remained an independent agency. Their budget will sustain a 3.3% reduction instead of a possible 14% cut -- if projected revenues from the collection of back taxes known as the "Maybank" funds -- materialize. --With the support of the Senate Finance Subcommittee that reviews state arts funding, Senator Nikki Setzler was able to introduce an amendment that returned $165,000 to the Arts Commission budget. This amount equaled the 18% funding cut the Governor projected in savings by restructuring the "cultural agencies" into a new department. --Again, thanks to the support of the Senate Finance Sub-Committee, Senator Wes Hayes was able to introduce an amendment that returned Arts Curricula grant monies in the amount of $73,246, back into the Senate's budget bill - supplanting a proposed cut by the Governor. --In addition to the above legislation, the Arts Alliance worked on several other pieces of legislation that did not become law. Those pieces of legislation are: The Governor's S.M.A.R.T. Funding in Education Act – This legislation would consolidate all current sources of state funding of the state's school districts for enhanced flexibility in their operations of grades K-12. The SC Education & Economic Development Act, a.k.a. "Pathways to Prosperity" -- This legislation is a replacement for the School-to-Work Transition Act of 1994 and is based on workforce needs. This legislation is also expected to come up for debate in next year's session. Please familiarize yourself with both pieces of legislation and they have great impact on education reform.
SCAA held a successful S.C. Arts Advocacy Day event at the Statehouse where we greeted legislators, handing out buttons, being recognized on the House and Senate floors, and providing photo-ops for constituents and legislators with our own photographer. Our Legislative Appreciation Luncheon drew the attendance of Governor Mark Sanford as well as approximately 55 legislators with 200 arts supporters (a "sold-out" crowd at the Capital City Club across from the Statehouse). Other featured speakers were the S.C. Poet Laureate, Miss South Carolina (whose platform was arts education), Arts Caucus Co-chairs, and the Chair of the Black Caucus. SCAA had a successful Arts Caucus Campaign picking up an additional 15 legislators. We now have 73 House members and almost all of the Senate. (South Carolina Legislature numbers 170 members.)
Illinois
Alene Valkanas
IAAF hosted an invitational arts advocacy conference October 15-17, 2003 at the Cantigny Conference Center in Wheaton, Illinois. The conference, entitled Arts at the Table: Positioning the Arts in the Public Policy Dialogue, was planned and developed in collaboration with Charitable Lobbying in the Public Interest and the State Arts Advocacy League of America, and funded by the McCormick Tribune Foundation. This gathering brought together 40 arts leaders from across the state and country to discuss matters of arts policy, share best practices, and craft effective messages. The insightful and stimulating conversations at this conference significantly impacted IAAF’s arts advocacy strategies, and contributed directly to our “It’s Your Turn To Perform” campaign message and accompanying case statement. In addition, advertising firm Hadrian’s Wall contributed services to develop a campaign-related print ad that was placed in programs and publications statewide, resulting in approximately 50,000 impressions. We believe this exposure greatly increased traffic to our Capwiz arts action website, www.arts4illinois.org. The case statement was delivered to legislators at Illinois Arts Advocacy Day on April 22 enclosed in paint tins, a new and fun “leave behind” that proved to be quite popular. May 2004 saw IAAF’s most successful annual fundraiser to date. Contributed services shaped this success – from onsite design that shouted with color to the commercial photography that beautifully displayed megaphones in a full color catalogue. The megaphones, a further expression of the SHOUT theme, were decorated by Illinois artists and sold at auction that night (photos can be seen at http://www.artsalliance.org/ala_auction.shtml). The event grossed $200,000 – a record for IAAF that has provided great momentum for the 2005 benefit committee. Finally, IAAF has taken on arts education advocacy as a key policy issue in Illinois. IAAF staff is completing research interviews with ten states to identify best practices in arts education policy that will be used during the coming year to develop specific policy goals and advocacy strategies.
Lisa May Simpson
In 2002, the Illinois Arts Alliance Foundation joined forces with the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies and the Wisconsin Assembly for Local Arts to create the Midwest Arts Partnership (MAP) in an effort to strengthen each organization and improve services to our constituents throughout the tri-state region. With support from the Nathan Cummings Foundation and Altria Group, MAP contracted the Institute for Cultural Policy and Practice at Virginia Tech University to create an online resource center containing searchable databases of publications, web links and consultants addressing all aspects of arts management. The Community Arts Leaders Resource Center went live in October 2003, and MAP partners continue to work toward making this site a living, breathing tool that will allow users to grow the available databases by adding resources to each category, as well as expanding the types of resources available through the site. Feedback is encouraged, and can be given through the site itself, which is accessible at http://www.macaa.com/rc/.
Wisconsin
Anne Katz
They are doing strategic planning. Trying to get the state arts organization more active. Have new membership brochure. Have advertising form working on getting better looking products. Had good arts advocacy day and also got published in a Madison community paper/magazine and received an award.
Kansas
Ellen Morgan
Had a post card competition that was ended after 25 years. The complete collection of over 600 pieces of original art works the size of a postcard is going to Fort Hays State University. The state agency received a $35,000 budget cut which was restored. 11% is the total down from three years ago, but looking to start new program to restore funding. Also doing joint projects with state agency.
Colorado
Matt Saunders, Western States Arts Federation
The Western Arts Association is a new group and is just growing their membership. Colorado: Last year’s funding from the state was $100,000. This year received $300,000. There is a new mayor of Denver who is a small business owner and supporter of the Arts. They are in the process of building a $500,000 war chest for emergency activities. They also have a new executive director for the Colorado Arts Alliance.
Washington
Gretchen Johnson
They had a short legislative session this year where their legislature is almost evenly divided between the Republicans and Democrats. It was a do nothing congress and thus, there were no budget cuts! They have a very powerful legislator who protects the Arts. That legislator has applied to the NASHA Board. They have two issues: 1. Arts Education Bill. The state legislature is trying to remove arts from the mandatory assessments. Working with the Washington Education Association, they were able to prevent arts from being removed. 2. Strategic planning. They have a plan in place and are starting to move forward. Also, have a voter registration drive and are doing a Governor’s forum after the elections.
New York
Pat Berman
Alliance: Had a board retreat this year resulting in the publication of a “Blue Alliance” case statement. Redesigned their web site; developed a new ”online live” program that is real time convening of meetings, training, networking statewide, by region or local community; maintained traditional roster of programs and services. Also revised the E-Institute for Leadership to develop a Community E-Institute with Cornell University. Their Gala is going to be on Nov 8th.
Judy Weiner
Advocacy: They have brought new resources to the Arts group statewide with the Cultural Development Areas Bill, using tax incentives and tax credits to create an Economic Development Stimulation Bill. It is a uni-bill currently pending passage in the state legislature. It positions arts groups as central to the process working in partnership with local government, business and other arts organizations. Are using Capwiz very successfully; to generate emails in support of the Bill we established a goal of 1000 e-mails in one week; got 3000 in 10 days.
California
Al Maitland
Funding in the state assembly has been very tight – very divisive right now. Three years ago, funding was $34M, then went to $20M then to $12M and now at $1 million. That is a 96% cut. This also represents $0.03 spent per citizen. But, there is the opportunity to shift powerbase – grant makers got together and are working on ways to recoup losses. They have been constantly defeated by the CA League of Cities. Ambulances vs. Arts. Trying to organize regional councils for “Healthy Communities.” The CA Cultural Alliance was formed. Foundation who have lost funds. Went to foundations. Trying to get resources to the field. Challenged to transform who state into Regional Economic development areas. And get a plan for each region. Wants to have a media campaign with Bravo for Art Humanity Days in October.
Arizona
Frank Jacobson
Their budget is “OK.” Governor saved budget from last year. Governor’s Dinner raised a lot of money for advocacy. They have hired a lobbyist for the first time and they have had a new resurgence from the board. Successful Arts Congress due to Governor’s influence. They have grown their budget and are researching a C4 status. Needs ideas on membership programs.
Maryland
Pamela Holt
They received a $5,000 increase in funding. Their governor loves them. Have very good relationship with him. Their Arts Day is alternate years. This year is the “Governor’s Arts Awards.” For the awards, they got the Maryland Budget Secretary to participate. They have doubled corporate and private support. They have an upcoming Arts Night Event and are working at providing more training to counties.
Michigan
Debbie Mikula
She only does service – no advocacy. They had a 50% cut last year. Expecting more cuts. 5% excise tax on tickets to sports events, etc. Concerned about a reliance from a fixed figure to a moving figure. Their governor is very supportive. Community/ Economic Development is their next step. Most of their conferences are statewide, but their activities are local/regional grant programs with artist in residence. Need to figure out how to accommodate this fact.
Utah
Vicki Bourns
They do advocacy. There is no statewide service organization in Utah, this function is basically provided by the State Arts Council. This was a big year - Arts & Culture Caucus formed where 46 out of the 123 State Legislators are on the caucus. First Cultural roundtable is next month. Their Budget stayed the same although working on increasing business, foundation and member support. Their old Governor became the Director of the US EPA. Lt. Governor is supportive, but will not be running for a full term. They will be doing a candidate survey (mailed as well as using Survey Monkey this year). Started doing regional open houses.
Kentucky
Trish Salerno
We have a new Republican Governor and several new board members have been appointed to the Kentucky Arts Council. Also, the state arts agency has been moved from the Education, Arts & Humanities Cabinet into the Commerce Cabinet. The Arts Council has had several budget reductions over the past 2 years (15% total) but has not been singled out for budget cuts. Last October Arts Kentucky conducted a seminar called "The Art of Influencing Public Policy" that was very well received. We have also started a new advertising campaign with bumper stickers that say: "Art is not a thing; it is a Way." and have begun putting posters in coffee shops and bookstores that reads: "8 out of 10 Kentucky artists cannot name their state legislator, and 9 out of 10 Kentucky State Legislators cannot name a contemporary Kentucky Artist. Want to share your love of the arts? Join Arts Kentucky's Civic Matchmaking Service Today!" It's been very effective in getting people's attention. We have done a special advocacy brochure focusing on teachers and arts in education and are currently surveying members of the Kentucky General Assembly about the methods they prefer to use in communicating with their constituents. Basically, we are trying to find out how many of them use email! We are getting excellent response and will compile the information and share it with members at a meeting on August 19.
Massachusetts
Shirley Sneve
She used to be the Executive Director of the Arts Extension Service in Massachusetts. She is now with Native American Public Telecommunications in Lincoln, Nebraska and she is in the process of getting members, etc.
Dan Hunter
They had a 62% budget cut in July 2002. A year ago, they did a net strategy with legislators demonstrating the clear economic benefits of the arts. They put proposals together, testified before the General Court (state legislature). They asked for $3 million, got $1 million dollars, but that was knocked out in Conference committee. Chair of the Appropriations committee gave speech to their group. He got educated on the Arts and created the John and Abigail Adams Arts fund. It was thus saved in a conference committee, but was on the Governor’s Veto list. They did a Capwiz alert, and in 48 hours, got 489 emails and a favorable editorial in the Boston Globe. The governor did not veto it.
Virginia
Trish Poupore
She is the new executive director of Virginians for the Arts, effective March 1st and she is half time. They have just completed development of a C3 organization, Virginians for the Arts Foundation. Their budget was slashed 46% in 2002-2003. Got back 10% for 2004-2005 and 20% for 2005-2006. Governors Arts Awards being planned for next fall.
Georgia
Jan Selman
Their organization is new from last October. They had a short legislative session and thus, little damage. Gay marriage took up most of the legislature’s time. Their legislature has a rule that by day 31 of their session, all bills must be introduced. On day 31, only one bill had been introduced because of the gay marriage issue. That said, there is a proposal to combine agencies. Move the Arts Council offices to Macon. For next year, they want to regain the 21% financing that they have lost over the last four years. Also, in Savanna, there is an issue with a museum; they are being asked to pay property taxes. Lastly, they are trying to get a new chair for the State Arts Board.
Montana
John Barsness
The state has a $250,000 million deficit. Furthermore, the courts have ruled that the state funding for education is unconstitutional. Their Supreme Court is scheduled to review. Basically, they will need to “start over” for their funding. In general, it is a bad situation.
South Dakota
Pat Boyd
They are a service, education and advocacy organization. They have had a good year. Their governor is supportive of Economic Development/tourism, and created a long-range plan with the arts included. Their governor increased the Arts funding by $300K in their last legislative session, and the committee added $100K more. One whole day a week is devoted to their email grassroots program.
Pennsylvania
Jenny Hershour
Pennsylvania has a very arts friendly governor in Ed Rendell. He has not made any cuts to the arts budget during his two years in office but has made modest increases. Currently, CFA/PA has only one staff person but the board is taking a more active role in the day-to-day operation of the organization. CFA/PA partnered this year with the PA Speaker of the House in an Arts in Education Day which featured performances and visual arts displays from students across the Commonwealth.
New Jersey
Ann Marie Miller
They were threatened to have their budget cut to zero. They created a program, “Save NJ Arts” to counter this threat. The program is now called “Saved NJ Arts” as they won. They joined with Tourism and History groups to save their funding, which is now going up. They are working to strengthen partnership with tourism groups. They have a municipality conference coming up. Doing a session called “Cultural Planning.”
Missouri
Nola Ruth
They are a service organization that works closely with the advocacy organization, mostly through their website. She has a great network but their legislature has zeroed out funding, but is letting them use a $26 M trust fund. Eight years ago, membership in the advocacy organization dropped, so there was no one to defend against budget cuts. Formed an arts caucus, and despite having the biggest deficits in the country in ’02, got $500,000 back in the budget and will work to continue to get this to increase.
Minnesota
Sheila Smith
MCA did a new push for a constitutional amendment to dedicate funding to the arts and environment. The new coalition created to advocate for this legislation was powerful. The Capwiz system allowed us to increase our voice exponentially. We are doing a candidate survey, which will be linked to each candidate page on Capwiz. Also doing election-focused constituent education through public meetings, political fundraisers and coffee parties in constituent homes. We recently had a hill visit with 500 people.
