What do arts supporters do now, that the elections are over?

The midterm elections are officially over, and the results for the most part, are in. But for arts advocates in Arizona, our work is just beginning.

Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts is a non-partisan organization and it’s our job to spread the word to elected officials at every level and among activists statewide about how important the arts are to our local economies, educational excellence in our schools and the fabric of the communities we call home.

For detailed election results, go to the Arizona Secretary of State’s website.

Among the new members of the Arizona State Legislature—many are holding elected office for the first time, and will need to be introduced to many issues of concern to their constituents and citizens statewide. That means AzCA/AA has its work cut out for it, developing new relationships and educating them about the power of the arts economy in Arizona. That’s where you – our loyal and enthusiastic arts advocates – come in.

You support in critically needed in two ways:

1.    Join us for the critical upcoming advocacy events:

• Learn about the impact of the elections on arts and culture nationally and locally by participating in an Americans for the Arts webinar; November 18, 2010–starting at 12:00pm, at ASU Downtown University Center Building, 411 N Central Avenue, 85003 — co-sponsored by AzCA/AA and College of Public Programs at the Downtown campus. R.S.V.P. at admin@azcitizensforthearts.org.

• Hear firsthand about the impact of the elections on the Arizona Legislature during an Emerging Leaders Phoenix briefing; December ^1st at 5:45pm @ Lux Coffee Shop.

• Save the date for Arts Congress 2011; Monday, February 7, 2011, at the Arizona State Capitol. Meet with your state legislators and rally with arts advocates from all over the Arizona!

2. Please join AzCA/AA as a member today; your membership dollars directly impact Arizona’s arts and arts education organizations by supporting the grassroots and professional advocacy efforts of AzCA/AA.

Thank you arts and arts education advocates for your time and energy! This is a time for our community to unite and work for each other and our community as a whole.

A Message from our Executive Director about the Upcoming Election

This blog was authored by Catherine ‘Rusty’ Foley, Interim Executive Director of AzCA/AA.

Dear Friends,

The rapidly approaching General Election poses mind-numbing leadership challenges for Arizona.  However, the bottom line is that we are facing some very tough issues at the Legislature and across Arizona.

That is all the more reason we should take some time to assess which candidates best represent the things we care about. For Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts, it is how much our elected officials value the contribution the arts make to our economy, our quality of life and the education of our children.

That is why Arizona Action for the Arts, with the help of our volunteer advocates, has compiled information of interest to arts voters for the Arizona Legislature, the Congressional races and local school district elections. Before you vote, please visit our website, www.azcitizensforthearts.org , for an up-to-date summary of information you need to know before you vote.

Regardless of the outcomes, we are poised, together with our advocates and supporters across the state, to mount a serious, aggressive campaign to protect public funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts in 2011 and to strengthen arts education.

At the same time, we’re also undergoing our own leadership changes. As you know, Brenda Sperduti, our executive director the past three years, has decided to pursue new professional opportunities, but will continue to be a passionate advocate on our behalf.

As a member of the Citizens/Action board since 2004, it is my pleasure to take over Brenda’s responsibilities on an interim basis. With exciting plans afoot for the annual Arts Congress and the 30^th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards, you can be sure that we remain focused on advocating and building awareness for the importance of arts and arts education to all of Arizona. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration and partnership with you – our members and our advocates.

Catherine “Rusty” Foley, Interim Executive Director