IFCC says hurrah for the Arts in the Economic Recovery Bill
February 14, 2009
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved their final version of the Economic Recovery bill by a vote of 246–183. The package includes $50 million in direct support for arts jobs through National Endowment for the Arts grants. Friday evening the bill received 60 votes in the Senate, and President Obama plans to sign the bill on Monday – President’s Day.
A United Voice
“This is an important victory for all of us as arts advocates. More than 85,000 letters were sent to Congress, thousands of calls were made, and hundreds of op-eds, letters to the editor, news stories, and blog entries were generated in print and online media about the role of the arts in the economy. Artists, business leaders, mayors, governors, and a full range of national, state, and local arts groups all united together on this advocacy issue. This outcome marks a stunning turnaround of events and exemplifies the power of grassroots arts advocacy.” (Americans for the Arts Action Fund )
What’s Next
As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives wrap up their work on the Economic Recovery legislation, the City of Portland enters very important budget discussions regarding our 2009–2010 Budget. As an arts and culture center fostering diversity in the arts, IFCC has historically been a part of the City Budget, through our partnership with Parks and Recreation. This relationship is a great example of a public-private partnership that enables the City of Portland to support the growing diversity of our city.
Last month, I attended the first of several community budget meetings, which are held so we, the people, have an opportunity to advocate directly and publically for the continuation of funding that supports the diverse artists in our community. Supporting the arts is about supporting current jobs, creating new jobs, and cultivating our workforce by developing the creative and critical thinkers of tomorrow.
We’ve just seen on the National level how advocacy works. When we all participate and let our voices be heard then change can happen. Last year hundreds of you wrote emails and appeared before City Council to advocate on behalf of diversity in the arts; it worked. Today we’re asking you to please to let your voice be heard, again.
Take Action
Please take action this month, urging your City Council to pass the Parks and Recreation budget which includes funding to support IFCC’s mission – the sustainable realization of diverse and artistic voices in our community.
Attend one of the Community Budget Meetings and sign up to advocate in person:
• February 19 – St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central St., 6:00–8:30pm
• February 21 – Floyd Light Middle School, 10800 SE Washington St., 9:30am-noon
• February 24 – Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capital Hwy, 6:00–8:30pm
Send an email to your City Council Members:
Mayor Sam Adams
Commissioner Nick Fish
Commissioner Amanda Fritz
Commissioner Randy Leonard
Commissioner Dan Saltzman
And thank you, on behalf of the board and staff of IFCC, for being an advocate. Thank you for supporting diversity of art, diversity of thought and diversity of people. And thank you for helping us continue to provide an environment where we can all pursue spontaneous and planned connections in our community.
Important Dates for City Budget Cycle
February 18–28 – Public Forums
March 9–27 – Bureaus present their requested budgets to Council
April 28 – Mayor will announce his proposed budget
May 20 – Council to convene City wide Budget Committee Meeting
June 18 – Council aims to adopt budget by this date