The Arts Council is an advocate
for its members on a city and state-wide level.
• As an active partner with the MCACA and ArtServe Michigan,
the Arts Council seeks to reach the Governor's office and local
legislators to address current funding needs and recent budget cuts.
• When attending subcommittee hearings or the Chamber-hosted
breakfast with legislators, or when meeting with a legislator, the
Arts Council represents all of the arts in the greater Grand Rapids
area.
• Through e-mail updates, the Arts Council seeks to keep its
members informed about legislative processes with regard to the
arts.
City
of Grand Rapids Advocacy
The staff of the Arts
Council is committed to giving the arts a voice within the
greater Grand Rapids community. To that end we are
involved in the Monroe North Business Association, have participated
in the Mayor’s New Economic Task Force, and are involved
with Dwelling Place and the Avenue of the Arts on south Division.
Additionally, we participate in the Downtown Development Authority’s
Arts and Entertainment Committee and represent the arts within
the Arena District.
It is through these efforts that the staff of the Arts Council
ensures that the arts remain on the forefront of the minds
of those who will shape our community for the future.
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State
and Federal Advocacy
The Arts Council’s
staff members frequently travel to Lansing to testify at Senate
and House subcommittee meetings on behalf of the arts.
Additionally, we attend the Breakfast with Legislators to
make arts and cultural organizations’ concerns about
funding known to local legislators. Finally, we have spearheaded
letter-writing campaigns that address, in particular, proposed
arts and culture cuts to the state’s 2010 budget. To
read a letter sent to Governor Granholm and local legislators
in Spring 2009, please
click here (260k pdf).
Through the Arts Council’s partnership with ArtServe
Michigan we can provide you with all of the information you
need to effectively advocate on behalf of arts and culture
in your community.
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Breakfasts
With Legislators
If you are a member of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce,
you can attend monthly breakfasts with legislators. These
breakfasts provide representatives from arts organizations
an excellent opportunity to meet their local legislators and
to voice their concerns. http://www.grandrapids.org |
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Additional Advocacy Resources:
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