SAVE GEORGIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS!!

So I guess this is my first opportunity for me to really put to use the purpose of this blog!


Take a look at this article
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/state-arts-council-facing-462782.html

This one too:
http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/2010/04/the-end-of-georgia-council-for-the-arts/

I first heard about news of this through an email from Horizon Theatre Company. I receive their monthly updates about their upcoming shows.


Something interesting to note is that "Georgia would become the only state in the U.S. without an arts agency if that plan holds as the budget works its way through the Senate before going to Gov. Sonny Perdue."

This cannot be possible. I am a firm believer in how much the arts is beneficial to each and every human being. It hurts that people can casually dismiss that.

In this email the Horizon Theatre sent, if this bill is passed:

"Cutting arts funding at the state level would send the harrowing message that the arts are no longer necessary for the health and prosperity of our great state and its economy, a message that simply isn't true since recent studies have shown that the arts in Georgia had a net economic impact of approximately $387 million, and contributed more than $18.6 million in tax revenue last year."

So I am here to help, here are ways that you as readers of my blog can help out and make a difference. We cannot let this happen!

*Have all staff and Board members of your organization contact their Senator individually.
*Send an e-mail to your mailing list with a sample message that people can cut and paste into their own e-mail. Include a specific example of the impact your organization has on your community or a program that may be cut if funding is eliminated.
*Put a sample e-mail and the link to locate representatives on your website or Facebook page.
*Contact media in your area. If they need more information, ask them to contact GCA's Public Relations Manager Jhai James at 404.685.2784 or jjames@gaarts.org.
*Anyone who knows a Senator should reach out and make direct contact.
*Pass along your concerns to people who are not in the arts industry, but who are impacted by program reductions, such as a Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Main Street Program, local restaurants, schools, senior centers, etc. Ask these people to also contact their Senator.
*Inform the audience before a performance this weekend; include an insert in your organization programs, brochures and other collateral that explains the budget process and how to contact the Senate.

As more information comes available to me I will let you know!
Much love