Arts Advocacy Day National Cosponsor Letters

8/7/2019 Arts Advocacy Day National Cosponsor Letters

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Letters to Congress from

National CoSponsors

1000 Vermont Avenue, NW

6th Floor

Washington, DC 20005

T 202.371.2830 F 202.371.0424

www.AmericansForTheArts.org

[email protected]


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April 5, 2011

Dear Member of Congress:

As a network of more than 200,000 organizational and individual members and stakeholders across the country,

Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for

every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

As the national host of Arts Advocacy Day, Americans for the Arts is joined by other national arts,

humanities, and civic organizations, representing thousands of cultural organizations in every state, city, and

town in urging the 112th Congress to support legislation which promotes the arts and jobs in your district and

state. Details of our congressional requests are outlined under the Issue Briefs tab in this Congressional Arts

Handbook. In summary, they are the following:

Federal Cultural Agencies: We ask you to support a budget of $167.5 million for the National Endowment

for the Arts (NEA), which would allow increases for the NEAs core programs and provide for an exciting new

community development initiative called Our Town. We also ask Congress to support an appropriation of $50

million for the Office of Museum Services within the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Arts Education: We ask you to support an appropriation of $40 million to fund the Arts in Education programs

of the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Innovation and Improvement.

Tax Legislation: We urge you to cosponsor legislation allowing artists to take a fair-market value deduction forcontributions of their own work to museum, libraries, and cultural institutions. We also ask you preserve

incentives for charitable giving, including tax deductibility and the IRA Rollover allowing tax-free distributions

from individual retirement accounts to increase charitable giving.

International Cultural Programs: We urge you to support an increase of $10 million in funding for the State

Departments Cultural Programs Division to improve cultural exchange efforts.

Visa Process: We urge you to have the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adopt common-sense

reforms to improve and expedite processing for the visas used by foreign guest artists and cultural organizations

entering the United States for scheduled performances and exhibitions.

We thank you for supporting the creative and historic work of Americas cultural organizations.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Lynch Narric Rome

President and CEO Senior Director of Federal Affairs & Arts Education

C. Kendric Fergeson Chairman

Robert L. Lynch President and CEO


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A L L I A N C E O F

A R T I S T S C O M M U N I T I E S

255SouthMainStreet

Providence,RhodeIsland02903

tel401.351.4320

fax401.351.4507

www.artistcommunities.org

[email protected]

oardofTrustees

unterOHanianhair

assachusettsCollegeofrt&Design

asonKalajainenice-Chairx-Bow

WayneLawsonice-ChairhioArtsCouncil

aulHoganreasurer

uthDavis

uthDavisAssociates

araJaneDeHoff

avidFraherrtsMidwest

ndaGoldingheReservoir

stherGrimmArts

mandaKikstituteforSustainableving,Art&NaturalDesign

eslieKing-HammondarylandInstitute

ollegeofArt

avidMacyheMacDowellColony

ndaMarston-ReidheRockefellerFoundation

tephanieL.Olmsted

ruceRodgersermitageArtistsetreat

omSwanstonrtist

avaThomasrtist

aitlinStrokoschxecutiveDirector

April5,2011

DearMemberofCongress,

TheAllianceofArtistsCommunitiesispleasedtobeaNationalCo-SponsorofArtsAdvocacyDay2011.AstheprofessionalassociationforartistsresidencyprogramsacrosstheUnitedStates,theAllianceoperatesonthepremisethatsupportforthecultivationofnewartandideasisessentialtohumanprogress.Artistsresidencyprogramsserveasresearch-and-developmentlabsforthearts,providingartistsincludingvisualartists,writers,composers,

choreographers,filmmakers,andothersacriticalopportunitytoaddressthemostchallengingissueswefacetoday.

Onbehalfofourmemberorganizations,thatprovidegreaterthan$40millioninservicesto

over15,000artistseachyear,weurgeyoutosupportincreasedfundingforournations

culturalagencies :theNationalEndowmentfortheArts;theNationalEndowmentforthe

Humanities;andtheOfficeofMuseumServices.Thecorefundingprogramsofthesecultural

agenciesarecriticaltonurturingthegrowthandartisticexcellenceofthousandsof

organizationsandartistsineverycornerofthecountry.Whilethefederalinvestmentinthearts

ismodest,thenonprofitartsandculturesectorgeneratesnearly$30billioningovernment

revenueannually.Theartssectorstretcheseverypublicdollartoleverageadditionalfunding,

investinjobs,andsupportourcommunities.

Additionally,manyartistsresidencyprogramsincludeculturalexchangeasacorepartoftheir

missions.Exchangeamongartistsfromdifferentculturesandbackgrounds,aswellas

connectionofforeignguestartiststoothercommunitymembers,iscriticaltothevitalityof

Americanculture.Theneedforinternationalconnectionsonapeople-to-peoplebasistoward

greaterdiplomacyismoreimportantnowthanever.Forthesereasons westronglyaskthat

yousupportimprovingthevisaprocessforforeignguestartistsatU.S.Citizenshipand

ImmigrationServices.

Throughthesemeasuresweasanationwillmaintainourpositionasaglobalculturalleaderandbuildalastinglegacyforthenextgeneration.Thankyouforyourserviceandforyourconsideration.

Sincerely,CaitlinStrokoschExecutiveDirector


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AATE7979OldGeorgetownRoad,10thFlr,Bethesda,MD20814www.aate.com

April 5, 2011

Dear Member of Congress,

The American Alliance for Theatre & Education is proud to be a National Co-sponsor of National Arts AdvocacyDay. On behalf of our membershiptheatre artists, scholars and educatorsAATE would like to extend ourgratitude to the members of Congress who support theatre and education as well as the entire arts communityin the United States.

The benefits of early and solid education in the arts, particularly theatre arts, in producing a well-rounded,cultural society are clear but emphasis on creativity, critical thinking and collaborative skills especially apply toall fields in the 21st century workforce. All across America, the members of AATE work to bring theatre into thelives of young people in order to enhance creativity, teamwork, empathy, self-discipline and problem-solvingskills. We also teach young people about the joy that theatre can bring into their lives and the deep satisfaction

that comes from authentic self-expression and interpersonal communication.

We urge members of Congress and the administration to support theatre and all the arts for and with youngpeople through the following actions:

Support a budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $167.5 million

Support a funding level of $40 million for the Arts in Education programs within the U.S.Department of Education

Encourage the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) andretain the arts in the definition of core academic subjects

Support public/private partnerships between theatres and schools

Provide funding for the Department of Educations efforts in arts education research with anemphasis on the art of theatre

Support dissemination of information pertaining to the effects of theatre education on studentdevelopment

Improve national data collection and research in theatre education

We encourage Congress to join us in bringing the theatre arts to all Americans by supporting these initiatives;our organization is standing at the ready to assist anyone who would need our resources and expertise.

Sincerely,

Lynne Kingsley Rives CollinsExecutive Director President, AATE Board of Directors


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April 5, 2011

SUPPORT FOR ART THERAPISTS AND ART THERAPY

Dear Members of Congress:

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA)is a proud National Co-Sponsor ofArts Advocacy Day 2011, as theprofessional membership organization for over 5,000 national and international practitioners and research scientists in the

field of Art Therapy. Art Therapists have master and/or doctorate degrees and are trained to heal people at the interface of

psychotherapy and visual arts. Their licensure titles vary, including Art Therapist, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist,

Marriage and Family Therapist, Counselor and others, depending upon the individuals qualifications and state. We

support professional licensure and are dedicated to the belief that the creative process of art-making is healing and life

enhancing. Art Therapists work in a wide spectrum of settings to address clients psychological, emotional, cognitive,

neurosensory, physical, and social needs. Art Therapists clients include active and veteran military members with post-

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI), children with autism-spectrum disorders, and elders

with Alzheimers and other dementias.

We thank you for the broad language in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of May 1, 2010, that encompasses

art therapists. We respectfully request that you support art therapists/therapy through:

1. Educational loans and grantsfor: art therapy students in advanced degree programs; related professionals in arttherapy certification programs; and art therapy graduates in the process of obtaining qualifications for state

licensure;

2. Student loan forgiveness programs for Art Therapists who work in a Health Professional Shortage Area, aMedically Underserved Area; or Government-declared natural disaster areas (U.S. and non-U.S. nations);

3. Financial support for art therapy degree and certification programs, including grants to enhance curricula to matchin-state licensure requirements;

4. Specifically include Art Therapists:a. Under healthcare practitioners in all references to pupil services and related services in

reauthorization for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA);

b. As providers for government-funded healthcare programs and facilities, i.e., TRICARE, Veterans HealthAdministration facilities, Federally Qualified Health Centers; Medicaid, Medicare and Federal Employee

Healthcare Plans (FEHB);c. in essential benefits packages for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) administered by State Exchanges;d. in charters for federal advisory groups, task forces and committees with input into healthcare policy and

programs, and for state advisory groups, task forces and committees under federal mandate or oversight.

We urge you to fund federal agencies to research cost-effectiveness, care quality, patient outcomes, and other benefits of

art therapy in healthcare programs. Thank you for listening with your hearts and minds.

Very sincerely yours,

Joan Phillips, PhD, LMFT, LPC, ATR-BC

President, American Art Therapy Association

225 N. Fairfax Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Faculty: School of Art and Department of Human Relations

University of Oklahoma

123 E. Tonhawa, Suite 108

Norman, OK 73069 www.artpoetrytherapy.com

Art therapist: Art Therapy Center; ATCS- Art Therapy Certified Supervisor

(405) 364-2008 Fax: (405) 364-4496


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1300 Gendy Street Fort Worth, TX 76107 T: 817-732-3177 Toll Free: 866-Our-AACT (687-2228) F: 817-732-3178

[email protected] www.aact.org

April 5, 2011


The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is proud to continue its supportas National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011. AACT represents the interests ofapproximately 7,000 community theatres in the United States, organized in ten Regionsincluding one made up entirely of the U.S. Military Overseas.

AACT is the resource for community theatre networking, resources and support fortheatres that exist in areas ranging from villages to metropolitan areas.

The 7,000 community theatres have a combined budget of nearly $1 billion andrepresent the efforts of more than 1.5 million volunteers creating over 46,000 productionsper year to entertain an audience of 86 million people. Community theatres in Americaprovide a multitude of education, participation and entertainment opportunities to thecommunities they serve. They also generate economic impact and jobs.

Those involved in community theatre are a diverse group politically, but all share acommitment to performance excellence. No cast and crew ever assembled with a call todo a show almost as good as the last one. We always set out to do better.

2011 is bringing a glimpse of sun shining through the economic clouds of the past fewyears, and we urge Congress to take steps necessary to insure that hope continues.Assure that the people who create, support, and enjoy community theatre have theresources to do so, whether those resources are jobs, affordable and effective healthcare, high-quality education, or nancial safety.

AACT urges you to support funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, improve thevisa process for foreign guest artists, and make permanent the IRA Charitable Rolloverprovisions that will help our donors ensure our futures.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our country. Please let us know howwe might be of help in the days and months ahead.

Sincerely,

Rod McCulloughPresident


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American Music Therapy Association

8455 Colesville Rd., Ste. 1000 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Tel. (301) 589-3300 Fax (301) 589-5175 www.musictherapy.org

April 5, 2011


The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is proud to serve as a National Co-Sponsor

of Arts Advocacy Day 2011. Representing over 5,000 professionally trained music therapists,

AMTA is committed to the mission of advancing public awareness of music therapy benefits and

increasing access to quality music therapy services. With over 60 years of clinical history in theUnited States, board certified music therapists work across the lifespan serving client groups in

healthcare and educational settings.

Music therapy is a cost-effective, efficient, professional therapy that can address multiple

domains in one session, e.g., communication, motor, and cognitive skills. In addition, music

therapy addresses the behaviors and psychosocial issues that can often present barriers tomeeting other needs of the client. The economic benefit of music therapy includes reduced client

anxiety associated with medical procedures, reduced medication costs, increased efficiency and

effectiveness of staff interventions and procedures, and improved client communication, client

quality of life, and cooperation.

To improve access to these cost efficient services in healthcare and education settings, we urge

your support of the following:

Request the Government Accountability Office conduct a study to assess the currentstatus of federal support of creative arts in healthcare programs to improve the quality of

healthcare services. Identify creative arts in healthcare research priorities within agencies such as the National

Institutes of Health, Administration on Aging, Veterans Affairs, and Department of

Defense, to study the cost-effectiveness of creative arts in healthcare interventions for

critical populations including, among others, older adults, individuals with autism,military members and veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,

Traumatic Brain Injury, and other conditions.

Address, through policy support, increased access to creative arts in healthcare programsunder the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Thank you for your support of all Arts programs in America, and especially for those programs

and services, which improve the quality of healthcare for persons with illnesses and disabilities.

Sincerely,

Andrea Farbman, Ed.D. Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BCExecutive Director Director of Government Relations


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April 2011


The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) gladly lends its support as a co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy

Day 2011. On behalf of the 10,000 members we represent and the millions of children our members serve,

we applaud our partner organizations that seek to reinforce the fact that a rich and broad curriculum in

the arts is essential to a well rounded education.

As the economy remains challenging and the impact is felt on many educational institutions, your support

is more critical than ever before. Arts education has a proven impact on academic, social, and community

success. The arts educate and empower people and also strengthen our communities. The economic im-

pact of the arts is equally vital as the arts provide an infusion of income generated through performances

and arts participation.

Arts education must be funded at the same levels as other core subjects. Every child should have accessto a comprehensive music program and no music program is comprehensive without an orchestra.

However, even in the 21st century, only about 25 percent of our students have access to learn a

stringed instrument.

We encourage Congress to take the following steps:

Continue to fund the National Endowment for the Arts at current or increased levels.

Provide sufcient funding for music education to become a true core subject.

Ensure that comprehensive music programs include access to a school orchestra.

Take steps to ensure that when reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

that required assessments and testing do not create the unintended consequences of less time and

resources for music and art.

Mandate that the Department of Education set aside funding for professional development for

educators.

Lend your voice to a movement that not only sustains but also strengthens access to the arts for

future generations.

We encourage you as our elected leaders to support the arts with continued funding. We stand readyto help preserve the legacy of orchestral music for future generations.

Sincerely,

Kirk D. Moss Donna Hale

President Executive Director

ASTA 4155 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, VA 22030 www.astaweb.com (703) 279-2113

AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION


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April 5, 2011


The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is proud to serve as a National Co-Sponsor of ArtsAdvocacy Day 2011. Representing over 5,100 music therapists that are board certified and hold the MT-BCcredential, CBMT is the only organization to certify music therapists to practice music therapy nationally. Ourmission is to define the body of knowledge that represents competent practice in the profession of music therapyand to act as the premier indicator of quality assurance for those accessing music therapy services. As anaccredited program of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) we maintain the higheststandards possible in the construction and administration of our national examination and recertificationprogram, ultimately designed to reflect competence in current music therapy practice for the protection andbenefit of the consumer.

For more than 60 years, music therapists have served patients and their families, utilizing music to address non-music goals in all developmental domains regardless of age or ability level. The growing research-base indicatesthat music therapy is a non-invasive, cost-effective means for treating a variety of conditions and illnesses aswell as promoting health and wellness through preventative care. In essence, music therapy is both science andart and provides a livable-wage job opportunity that serves multiple needs in the community.

With an increased concern of cost effective treatment options that meet the diverse needs of patients, the supportof music therapy and other creative arts in healthcare programs could have a beneficial impact on our nation. Inorder to continue the growth and development of the creative arts as a viable solution to address issues in bothhealthcare and education, we request your support of the following:

Create a plan of action for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study thatassesses the current status of federal support of creative arts therapies and other arts in healthcareprograms to improve the quality of healthcare services.

Allocate research funding to increase access to creative arts therapies and other arts in healthcareprograms addressing older Americans, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, autism and others throughfederal health programs.

Support arts programs that help close the achievement gap for students who are under served anddemonstrate success in learning through their participation in the arts.

Increase access to creative arts in healthcare programs under the reauthorization of the Older AmericansAct.

Appropriate $40 million for the Arts in Education programs in the FY 2012 Labor-HHS Educationappropriations bill.

Thank you for your support of these and other Arts programs in America. Your vision to create and preserveprograms and services that enhance the quality of life for persons with illnesses and disabilities is one thatpositively affects and supports all Americans.

Sincerely,

Joy Schneck, MM, MT-BC Dena Register, PhD, MT-BCExecutive Director Regulatory Affairs Advisor

The Certification Board for Music Therapists506 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 102

Downingtown, PA 19335800-765-CBMT (2268)

Fax 610-269-9232www.cbmt.org


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April 5, 2011


Chamber Music America (CMA), the national organization for the chamber music profession, is pleasedto serve as a co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011. CMAs membership of more than 6,000 includes

musicians, ensembles, concert presenters, festivals, composers, training institutions, managers, musicbusinesses, and enthusiasts who create, perform, and present numerous styles of small-ensemble music,from Western classical/contemporary to world music and jazz.

Chamber Music America serves as the hub of this national, artist-centered community by offering directfinancial support through our grant programs and by providing ongoing career-development services,professional resources and information. Chamber musicians belong, in large part, to the nationsfreelance workforce and, like other self-employed workers, face such concerns as lack of health insuranceand sporadic earnings from seasonal or project-specific employment. Concert presenters, too, arechallenged; like most other small businesses, they have few available lines of credit and face high healthinsurance costs for staff.

On behalf of the national chamber music field, Chamber Music America respectfully urges Congress to:

enact the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, S. 223, setting auniform national policy for all airlines regarding musical instruments as carry-on luggage.Currently, airlines have widely varying policies regarding how and where a musical instrumentcan be stowed during a flight. S. 233 would allow all musical instruments that can fit inregulation storage areas to be allowed in the cabin.

support a budget of $167.5 million for the NEA in the FY 2012 Interior Appropriations bill.Foundations and corporations have dramatically reduced their funding for the arts over the pasttwo years. Funding at the national level is essential to the vitality and longevity of the culturalsector.

increase funding by $10 million for the Cultural Programs Division of the State DepartmentsOffice of Citizen Exchanges in the FY 2012 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill.Chamber groups would not only benefit from the increased residency, performance, andmentoring opportunities that this funding would provide, but would be outstanding ambassadorsfor American culture and cultural exchange.

preserve incentives for charitable giving, including tax deductibility and the IRA Rollover. Asthe deficit grows and tax reform looms, lawmakers have proposed cutting back or eliminating theincome tax deduction for gifts to 501(c)(3) organizations, a measure that will lead inevitably todecreased giving. Critical funding for arts non-profits is already threatened in the FY 2012 budget;we urge you to reject proposals to discriminate against arts and culture by reducing tax

deductibility of gifts.

Chamber Music America encourages you to support policies and legislation that will benefit thethousands of chamber music professionals whose work enriches the cultural landscape of America.

Cordially,

Margaret M. LioiChief Executive Officer

305 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001-6008

(212) 242-2022 phone (212) 242-7955 fax

www.chamber-music.org


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April 5, 2011


As the national service organization for not-for-profit, professional dance and a National CoSponsor of ArtsAdvocacy Day 2011, Dance/USA urges you to support federal policy that will strengthen the arts in America.Founded in 1982, Dance/USAs membership represents the breadth and diversity of this brilliant art form.Currently, we speak for more than 400 ballet, modern, ethnic, jazz, culturally specific, and tap companies,artist managers, dance service organizations, presenters, and the thousands of dancers, trustees,administrative staff, educators, volunteers and audiences committed to these member institutions.

On behalf of Dance/USAs membership and those who serve the field, we encourage you to strengthenfederal support for the arts in the following ways:

Support artistic excellence by increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to$167.5 million;

Encourage international cultural exchange by increasing funding by $10 million for the CulturalPrograms Division of the State Departments Office of Citizen Exchanges;

Enact legislation that will require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reducethe total processing time for O and P petitions filed by, or on behalf of, nonprofit arts-relatedorganizations to a maximum of 45 days;

Encourage international cultural exchange by increasing funding by $10 million for the CulturalPrograms Division of the State Departments Office of Citizen Exchanges;

Improve student achievement by allocating $40 million for the Arts in Education programs at theU.S. Department of Education;

When reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), include the followingprovisions: retain the arts in the definition of core academic subjects of learning, reauthorize the Artsin Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education, and conduct dedicated hearings on howarts education develops skills in creativity and innovation.

Promote charitable giving by enacting legislation to make permanent the IRA Charitable Rolloverprovision, allowing individuals to roll funds from their Individual Retirement Accounts to charity bylowering the qualifying age requirement and removing the $100,000 cap.

Continue to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the current fiscal year and 2012,approve the $460 million for FY2013 in the pending FY2011 appropriations bill, and to increasespending to $475 million in 2014.

We encourage you to support funding and policies that continue to strengthen dance and the performingarts in communities across the nation.

Sincerely,

Amy Fitterer Brandon GrydeExecutive Director Director of Government Affairs


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2343AuburnAvenue,Cincinnati,Ohio45219Phone:513.421.3900Fax:513.421.7077Website:edta.org

HomeoftheInternationalThespianSociety,Dramaticsmagazine,andTeachingTheatrejournal

April 5, 2011


The Educational Theatre Association is proud to be a co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011.EdTA, the professional organization for theatre education, works to ensure that theatre arts will be an essentialpart of every students education. We represent over 4,870 professional members, 75,000 current studentmembers, and over 2,000,000 alumni student members in the United States.

Today we advocate for the arts, and we ask members of Congress to consider the value of arts education to thewell-rounded education of our children. In these challenging times, your support is needed for the arts in our

schools and society, and for their role in developing the creativity and innovation needed for our twenty-firstcentury workforce.

We ask you to support the following actions as described in the issue briefs that follow in this handbook: Appropriate $167.5 for the National Endowment for the Arts. Appropriate $40 million for the Arts in Education programs in the FY 2012. Reauthorize the Arts in Education programs in the U.S. Department of Education. Retain the Arts in Education programs as a distinct grant competition. Retain the arts in the definition of core academic subjects of learning in ESEA. Improve national data collection and research in arts education. Require states to report annually on student access to and participation in all core academic subjects. Improve student success in school, work, and life by strengthening arts education in provisions relating to

afterschool/extended learning, teaching effectiveness, school turnaround, charter schools, and studentassessment. Conduct dedicated hearings on arts education related to reauthorization of ESEA. Urge the FCC to expand Part 74 eligibility for licensing wireless microphones to include performers,

performing arts organizations and venues, and educational facilities.

On behalf of the millions of theatre teachers, parents and students in our nation who believe that a portion of ourtax dollars should be directed toward supporting our nation's cultural and educational initiatives, we encourageyou to help establish a lasting legacy of the arts and humanities for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Debby Gibbs Michael J. Peitz, CAEPresident Executive Director


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April 5, 2011


Future of Music Coalition (FMC) is a National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day

2011. FMC serves as a voice for musicians on the converging worlds of music,

technology, policy and law. For a decade, FMC has documented historic and

emerging trends in the music industry, while bringing together a wide range of

stakeholders to discuss the many challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

FMC believes that artists themselves have an important role to play in achieving a

sustainable music ecosystem. We seek to give musicians a voice in the debates that

affect their livelihoods through direct and informed engagement.

To achieve a functional and resilient 21st century music community, we urge Congress

to:

Expand affordable, competitive broadband service to communities across America, so

that creative entrepreneurs can participate in a legitimate digital music marketplace

Support clear, transparent and enforceable rules of the road for broadband to preserve

access and innovation online

Expand and protect non-commercial radio as a means of giving local communities a

voice on the public airwaves

Examine the role infrastructure and investment plays in local creative economies, from

transit to performance spaces to the internet and broadcast outlets

Consider the impact of intellectual property enforcement efforts on creators

In an evolving, technology-driven marketplace, it is crucial to consider the perspectives

of creators themselves. FMC looks forward to being of service to you on these and otherissues.

Sincerely,

Michael Bracy, Board President & Policy Director

Casey Rae-Hunter, Communication Director & Senior Policy Strategist

Chris Naoum, Policy Counsel


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PO Box 110168 Bradenton, Florida 34211 www.icfad.org 941.753.0080

April 5, 2011


On behalf of the 400+ members of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD), Iextend greetings and express this organizations pleasure in being a co-sponsor of the ArtsAdvocacy Day 2011. ICFAD is the only organization focusing exclusively on issues thatimpact the arts in higher education and, while international in title, is primarily an organizationof United States institutions.

As you know, the arts benefit every American, and thus we urge you to continue to fund quality

arts experiences. These funds help state and local arts initiatives survive as philanthropicdollars are decreasing. Furthermore, they help create jobs and drive economic activity byleveraging modest but critical funds at the state and local level. This is certainly a part of thesolution to return to our former economic vitality.

For our children, the arts provide powerful tools for development, enabling them to seethemselves in a positive light, and to know what it means to create, to lead, and to be part of ateam. All schools should offer a quality educational program that engages the students insome form of art making as a means of developing the imagination, creativity and innovation.Funding that you provide to the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment forthe Humanities, and the United States Department of Education has great impact in allowing

schools to offer these important experiences to all.

We pledge to continue to develop the great wealth of talent available and to graduate the veryfinest artists and arts educators in the years ahead. We ask your help in continuing to improvethe future of the country through support of the arts infrastructure funding for the arts iscritical to the ultimate good health of this nation!

Cordially,

Raymond Tymas-JonesPresident


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April 5, 2011


On behalf of Americas orchestras, and as a National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day,the League of American Orchestras encourages you to strengthen federal support for thearts. Supported by a network of musicians, volunteers, administrators, and communityleaders, Americas adult, youth, and college orchestras total more than 1,800 and exist inevery state and territory, in cities and rural areas alike. We request your support for policiesand funding that will strengthen the arts in communities nationwide:

Promote creativity and access to the arts by supporting funding for the NationalEndowment for the Arts. Grants awarded to orchestras by the NEA, and fundsadministered by state arts agencies, provide critical resources supporting music educationfor children and adults, expanding public access to performances, preserving great classicalworks, and fostering the creative endeavors of contemporary classical musicians,composers, and conductors.

Strengthen our nations cultural heritageand stimulate private contributions to the arts bystrengthening incentives for charitable giving, extending the opportunity for individuals to rollover their IRAs to charity without penalty, and permitting artists to take a fair marketdeduction for contributions of their own art to museums, libraries, and archives. As 501(c)(3)tax exempt organizations, orchestras rely on the deductibility of private donations.

Improve international cultural relationsby enacting legislation that will require U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce the total processing time for O and

P petitions filed by, or on behalf of, nonprofit arts-related organizations to a maximum of 45days. By inviting foreign musicians to perform, orchestras provide American audiences theopportunity to experience a diversity of musical talent, and encourage a supportive climatefor U.S. orchestras to perform abroad. We urge Congress to further improve internationalcultural exchange by supporting funding for the State Departments Cultural ProgramsDivision.

Prepare students with 21stcentury skillsby supporting $40 million in FY12 appropriationsfor the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education and strengtheningsupport for arts education in the next Elementary and Secondary Education Act. As localpartners in music education, orchestras collaborate with schools to strengthen arts educationopportunities, helping to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and imaginative capacity

needed to succeed.

I encourage your support for policies and funding that strengthen the arts, orchestras, andthe communities they serve.

Sincerely,

Jesse RosenPresident & CEO


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April 5, 2010


NAMAC is a National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2010. NAMAC is the national arts serviceorganization for the media arts whose members work in film, video, digital media and audio.

Our mission is to foster and fortify the culture and business of the independent media arts. Throughdialogue, collaboration, research and advocacy, we connect, organize and develop organizations.Our three hundred member organizations across the US serve and represent more than 400,000producers and artists who create over 285,000 programs that reach over 33 million viewers andaudiences annually.

To strengthen our national creative assets, we urge Congress to support the following:

Increase funding for the nations cultural agencies to ensure creative excellence throughoutour nation: $167.5 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, and $167.5 million for theNational Endowment for the Humanities.

Resist any attempt to lessen or eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcastingin the current fiscal year, FY2012 and FY2013, and to fund CPB at $451 million in 2014.

Pass the Community Access Preservation Act (H.R. 3745) that eliminates the federalrestriction on the use of local programming funds, ensures technical quality equal to thatavailable to commercial providers, and mandates that all providers delivering video via wiredservices be subject to the Cable Act.

Ensure broadband accessibility to all communities in America, including economicallydisenfranchised urban areas and all rural areas, so they may compete in the globalmarketplace. And in tandem with a robust national broadband plan, ensurenet neutrality for the internet so that it remains an open, available, and equitable pipeline forcurrent and future communication among all citizens.

As media becomes more pervasive in our culture, it is imperative that we protect the free flow ofideas and creative expression by providing support for media created in the public interest, and forvalues beyond only the commercial demands of the marketplace. It is there that we may alsodiscover true creative innovation, popular expression and pluralism. We invite you to visit ourwebsite at www.namac.org and see which NAMAC member organizations serve your communities.

Sincerely,

Jack WalshExecutive Director


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April 5, 2011


The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, representing the state and special jurisdictionalgovernment arts agencies of the United States and a national cosponsor of Arts Advocacy Day, urges youto support a budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in FY2012 at $167.5 million.

Appropriations for the NEA at that level would enable the NEA to fulfill its core mission to support andpromote the creation, preservation and presentation of the arts in America, and to fund activities whichuse the arts to enhance Americas communities through grants for arts education, youth at risk, culturalpreservation, community arts partnerships and improved access to the arts for all Americans.

The range of activities funded by the NEA clearly demonstrates that the National Endowment for the Artsserves all Americansin all states and jurisdictions, in rural communities and in inner-cityneighborhoods. Through its programs, the NEA makes America a better place to liveplaying a role insustaining the organizations that produce and present the arts, enhancing the economy as well ascommunity life, and producing educational programs. With almost 2,400 grants awarded each year, theNEA connects millions of Americans with the best of our nations creative spirit.

The federal government, in partnership with state and local governments, private business and the nonprofit

sector, provides the infrastructure of support for the arts that is critical to the economic vitality of state and localcommunities and to our nations cultural well-being. NEA funds granted to state arts agencies ensure that everystate receives federal funds. Representing 40 percent of NEAs program dollars, grants to state arts agenciescombine with state legislative appropriations and other dollars to ensure that federal funding has an even greaterreach. In partnership with the NEA, state arts agencies in 2010 awarded 23,000 grants to 17,500 organizations,schools and artists in nearly 5,000 communities across the United States, broadening access to the arts forcommunities throughout the state and serving to strengthen the states arts infrastructure, through a combinationof direct grants, technical assistance and services.

We are encouraged that Congress has voted steadily in recent years to increase support for the arts and to restorefunds to the NEA lost to spending cuts in the 1990s. We urge Congress to continue in that direction to meet thereal needs of Americans to broaden, deepen, and diversify their participation in the arts.

Sincerely,

Jonathan KatzChief Executive Officer


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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR DRAMA THERAPY

44365 Premier Plaza, Suite 220, Ashburn, VA 20147Ph. (888)) 416-7167 / Fx. (571) [email protected]

www.nadt.org

April 5, 2011

Dear Members of Congress,

The National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) is proud to serve as a National Co-Sponsor of Arts

Advocacy Day, 2011. As advocates for drama therapy, we strive to develop and maintain professional

competencies for drama therapists, increase access to consumers in need of our services, and educate

the public about the significant benefits of our field.

Drama therapists are masters degree professionals who integrate drama and theater processes in order

to facilitate emotional and physical healing and well-being. We teach life skills which include goal

setting, coping skills, problem solving, and the expression and processing of feelings. Drama therapy

provides immediate on your feet treatment and learning through an active and experiential approach.

People from all walks of life, various ages and stages of development benefit from drama therapy. These

include people recovering from trauma, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), children

dealing with autism, developmentally and mentally disabled persons, older adults with Alzheimer or

other dementia related illnesses, behavioral health consumers, and at-risk youth.

Drama therapists work in state and federal healthcare facilities including Veterans Hospitals, schools

and after-school programs, substance abuse treatment centers, prisons, adult day care centers,

community centers, foster care and other social service agencies, nursing homes, corporations, theaters,

and private settings.

On this day of advocating for the Arts, we urge members of Congress to:

Request a study through the Government Accountability Office to assess the current status offederal support of the creative arts in healthcare programs.

Increase the level of priority of the creative arts in healthcare research within agencies such as theNational Institutes of Health, Administration on Aging, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of

Defense to study the cost-effectiveness of creative arts therapies in healthcare interventions. The

application of drama therapy has been especially effective in treating older adults, individuals with

autism, and military members and veterans dealing with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Address, through policy support, increased access to creative arts in healthcare programs under thereauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Drama therapists deliver cost-efficient and effective treatment to improve the quality of life for people

across America. Thank you for your support and consideration of our requests.

Sincerely,

President, NADT Board Chair, Government Affairs


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April 5, 2011


The National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapists Associations (NCCATA) is proud to

serve as a Co-Sponsor of the Arts Advocacy Day 2011. Founded in 1979, NCCATA is analliance of professional associations dedicated to the advancement of the arts as therapeutic

modalities. NCCATA represents over 15,000 individual members of six creative arts

therapies associations including the fields of art therapy, dance/movement therapy, dramatherapy, music therapy, poetry therapy and psychodrama.

Creative arts therapists are highly skilled human service professionals who use arts

modalities and creative processes to help people of all ages in therapeutic, rehabilitative,community, and educational settings. Our services foster health, communication, self-

expression and improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Each memberassociation has established training standards including an approval and monitoring process,

a code of ethics, standards of clinical practice, and a credentialing process.

Creative arts therapies are used to address Americas most complex health issues including,but not limited to; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brian Injury, diseases

associated with aging, and Autism. Consumer access to credentialed creative arts therapists

is essential in implementing successful, cost effective, healthcare to our most vulnerablecitizens. We request that Congress:

Ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess thecurrent status of federal support of creative arts in healthcare programs to improve the

quality of healthcare services.

Encourage identification of a creative arts in healthcare research priority withinagencies such as the National Institutes of Health, Administration on Aging, VeteransAffairs, and Department of Defense, to study the cost-effectiveness of creative arts in

healthcare interventions for critical populations such as older adults, individuals with

autism, military members/veterans diagnosed with conditions such as Post-TraumaticStress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Address, through policy support, increased access to creative arts in healthcareprograms under the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Thank you for your support of the arts as an integral part of the nations health and cultural

well being.

Sincerely,

Laura Greenstone, M.S., LPC, ATR-BC

Past Chair, National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations


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1900 Association DriveReston, VA 20191

703.476.3464www.aahperd.org/nda

[email protected]

April 5, 2011One creative dance class can open a world of expression and communication.

First Lady Michelle Obama


The National Dance Association (NDA), of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreationand Dance (AAHPERD), is honored to act as a National Co-Sponsor and serve on the Legislative PlanningCommittee for Arts Advocacy Day 2011. Our membership of professionals and future professionals unitesa strong and growing network of educators, administrators, artists and researchers. NDA advocates theimportance of dance education as an art and as a creative, healthy lifestyleforallages and abilities.

Arts = Jobs! On behalf of the members of the National Dance Association, we encourage the Congressto enact policy and funding initiatives that would provide broader access to arts in the communities weserve across this great nation. We urge the Congress:

The National Dance Association/AAHPERD along with other arts and educational organizations, areintegral parts of the business community, and generate $166.2 billion in economic activity every year,proving to our constituencies that the arts are an economic driver for our local communities and our nation.The National Dance Association thanks you for your support of these important arts programs. When ourcitizens have freedom to access the arts, we are assured economic and creative growth that benefits all.

Sincerely,

Colleen DeanColleen Hearn Dean, MA May Yoneyama GwinnNDA Administrator Arts Advocacy Legislative Committee Representative

To prepare students for the 21st century, by enacting funding of $40 million for the Arts in

Education programs within the U.S. Department of Education; To promote excellence in and public access to the arts, by approving $167.5 million in funding

for the National Endowment for the Arts; To invest in the countrys cultural and artistic workforce, providing jobs to 5.7 million people,

attracting billions of dollars in tourism revenue, and returning $12.6 billion in federal incometaxes annually boosting arts projects in Community Development Block Grants, revitalizingrural areas, inner cities, and populations struggling with poverty; and by supporting an ArtistsCorps under the Corporation for National and Community Service;

To support international cultural exchanges, by approving $10 million in funding for thePerforming Artists Initiative and other cultural exchange programs within the US Department ofStates Cultural Programs Division; and by improving visa processing procedures for foreignguest artists;

To improve incentives for private charitable giving to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, byenacting the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, to allow artists, choreographers and creators oforiginal works to deduct the fair-market value of their works donated to nonprofit institutions; bysupporting the IRA Charitable Rollover provision to permit donors to make tax-free charitablegifts directly from their IRAs to charities; and by amending the Qualified Performing ArtistDeduction, IRC 62(a)(2)((B) and 62(b)(1) to allow performing artists to qualify for this benefitby raising the income cap to $30,000 from $16,000.


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April 5, 2011


The National Dance Education Organization is proud to be a National Co- Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011. As thenations advocates for dance educators and dance education centered in the arts, we urge members of the House and Senateto consider the benefits of high quality dance education in the United States. All of our children need access to the bestresources in order to reap the benefits of dance and to become active, engaged, creative contributors to the workforce.

The U.S faces numerous challenges including how to address the needs of multi-cultural populations, rises in poverty levels,homelessness, and the needs of differently-abled students in our schools. These challenges are compounded by a newly-recovering economy. Todays students face a global marketplace with a demand for creative thinkers who can thrive in aknowledge-based economy. To meet these challenges, we need:

Quality dance programs in all schools.

Research shows that dance directly builds both creative skills (discipline, innovation, complex problem-solving) andhealth (addressing issues of obesity and supporting lifelong wellness). Dance also provides a modality for cross-cultural understanding and personal efficacy. We urge Congress to help us chart access to quality dance educationthrough improved and inclusive surveys and to include dance in the National Assessment of Educational Progress sowe can build on our understanding of how high quality dance programs impact our nations learners.

Standards-based dance education beginning in early childhood.Children are natural dancers, but educators do not always understand how critical movement is to learning. NDEOhas developed Standards for Learning and Teaching Dance in the Artsand Standards for Dance in Early Childhood.These standards need to be disseminated and evaluated in the field in order for children to have the opportunities todevelop their natural talents and achieve in-depth learning.

Highly qualified teachers and model programs.We recognize the importance of professional development and the role model programs play in education. NDEO hasdeveloped Professional Teaching Standards for DanceArts to ensure that children have the best instruction possibleand that teachers have sufficient content and pedagogical knowledge to address the needs of all children. NDEO hasalso developed criteria for model dance education programs that are designed to be taught by qualified educators ina graduated curriculum for all populations.

Dance in community service.We fully support the proposed creation of an Artists Corps within the Corporation for National and Community Service(CNCS). The Artists Corps will work with nonprofit community organizations to place artists in communities to provideneeds-based education, participatory performances and outreach. Many dance organizations have a proven record ofbuilding community across boundaries and fostering empowered populations.

The Value of Dance EducationChildren with ADHD have said that the world comes into focus while dancing. Dance teaches social skills, tolerance, andcollaboration. Dance allows children the opportunity to explore physical and kinesthetic senses that promote self-esteem and ahealthy, active life.

Students who study dance test higher on the SATs (36 points higher on the verbal and 15 points higher on the math sections)and students of minority multicultural populations test as kinesthetic learners. Only 20% of U.S schools have dance programs,and only 7% of students are taught by a qualified dance educator. Every child deserves an opportunity to create, present, andlearn through dance.

Sincerely,

Jane Bonbright, Ed.D.Executive Director


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April 5, 2011


As a National CoSponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011, and on behalf of our diverseconstituency of more than 450 member institutions and more than 7 million students,parents, and staff and faculty members, the National Guild for Community Arts

Education (formerly the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts) asks that youhelp us ensure all Americans have access to quality arts learning opportunities throughouttheir life-spans.

As the sole national service organization for community arts education providers since1937, the National Guilds network of arts education organizations includes neighborhoodmusic schools, arts centers, and arts education divisions of universities, theater and dancecompanies, museums, parks and recreation departments and others. United by theircommon commitments to quality, accessibility and accountability in arts education, theseorganizations foster lifelong participation in the performing, visual and literary arts, anddevelop the artists (amateur and professional) and audiences of the future.

Research shows that high quality instruction in the arts has many benefits for individualsand communities. When sustained and responsive to community needs, these programsfoster cognitive development, increase creativity and improve health. They also fosterdemocratic decision-making, advance economic growth and promote a sense of sharedculture and community belonging. They can be a valuable adjunct to or enrichment ofK-12 education and a catalyst and conduit for innovative and collaborative community-wide and cross-sector alliances.When well-coordinated, these alliances can leverage vitalresources for arts education, create networks of support and ensure that the arts learningneeds and interests of all Americans (including young children, older adults, ESL students,learning disabled students, etc.) are adequately addressed.

The benefits of arts education accrue over time and demand long-termpartnerships, professional development for staff and teaching artists, and financial

resources. To ensure that the arts learning needs and interests of all Americans areadequately addressed, we ask you to support an increase in funding for the NationalEndowment for the Arts (NEA) to $170 million for FY12 and to support $53 million infunding for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education.

Today, more than 5,000 nonprofit, arts organizations and government agencies areproviding open access to classes, lessons and workshops in dance, literary arts, media arts,music, theater, visual arts and other disciplines. Many also are providinglearning/development throughthe arts with a focus on positive aging, youth development,community building and other areas. Through partnerships with public schools, seniorcenters, public agencies and other organizations, they ensure the broadest possible accessto arts education.

With your support, we can continue to strengthen arts education and increase lifelonglearning opportunities in the arts for every American.

Sincerely,

Jonathan HermanExecutive Director


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NEW YORK STATE

dance education

ASSOCIAT ION

April 5, 2011


The New York Dance Education Association, NYSDEA, is very proud to be a National Co-Sponsor of Arts

Advocacy Day 2011 in Washington D.C. In this capacity we represent thousands of your constituents who

teach dance, learn dance and perform dance in the state of New York.

We would like to encourage you to continue to support dance as essential art form in the United States by

voting to continue arts funding at these levels:

NEA: $167.5 millionArts in Education: $40 million

NYSDEA is a non-profit organization incorporated in New York State that has its roots in the New York

State Dance Association, which was established over 30 years ago. An autonomous membershiporganization, NYSDEA is the state affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and is

recognized by the New York State Department of Education. Its purpose is to bring together members for

networking and the sharing of ideas related to the mission of the organization, which is to advance dance

education centered in the arts, throughout the State of New York. NYSDEA works with national and state

organizations in carrying out the national mission of promoting and strengthening dance as an art form and

as an effective tool for education. Our goal is to advocate, promote, support, and strengthen dance

education in all environments and institutions in New York State.

NYSDEA welcomes dance education professionals, students and institutions. We seek to serve a broad

constituency: private sector, K-12 public and private schools, higher education, professional company

education outreach, school and arts administrators, not-for-profit and for profit organizations, e.g.,

corporations, business and foundations that support dance. NYSDEA strengthens the network of dance

educators, nationally, locally and throughout the state by providing quality professional development todance educators in the State of New York offering opportunities for individuals to create, perform, and

observe dance in the State of New York and by supporting the effort nationally. The many invaluable

benefits for this broad constituency include: networking with others across the state and nationally,

membership in the NDEO, the Journal of Dance Education: a national peer review publication, Annual

NDEO conferences, New York State workshops, NYSDEA website for information sharing, National

Honor Society for students 11-18 years of age, and a voice in developing New York State dance policy and

curricular issues.

It is our hope that through Arts Advocacy Day United States legislators will come to understand the

powerful need to maintain funding for Dance Education throughout the United States. We encourage

legislators to recognize the essential role dance as an art form should play in the education of students and

citizens across all areas of the education spectrum.

With sincere best wishes,

Abigail Agresta-Stratton, MA, RDE

President, NYSDEA

New York State Dance Education Association


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April 5, 2011


As the national service organization for the entire opera community and a National CoSponsor of ArtsAdvocacy Day 2011, OPERA America encourages you to support federal policy that will strengthen thearts in America.

Founded in 1970, OPERA America has an international membership that includes nearly 150Professional Company Members, 300 Associate and Business Members, 2,000 Individual Members andover 16,000 subscribers to its electronic news service. OPERA America offers its members artisticservices that help artists and companies increase the creativity and excellence of opera productions,especially North American works; opera company services that address the needs of staff, trustees, andvolunteers; and education, audience development, and community services that increase all forms ofopera appreciation.

On behalf of OPERA Americas membership and those that it serves, we urge you to strengthenfederal support for the arts in the following ways:

Support artistic excellence by increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts to$167.5 million;

Enact legislation that will require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) toreduce the total processing time for O and P petitions filed by, or on behalf of, nonprofit arts-related organizations to a maximum of 45 days;

Encourage international cultural exchange by increasing funding by $10 million for theCultural Programs Division of the State Departments Office of Citizen Exchanges;

Improve student achievement by allocating $40 million for the Arts in Education programs atthe U.S. Department of Education;

Promote charitable giving by enacting legislation to make permanent the IRA Charitable Rolloverprovision, allowing individuals to roll funds from their Individual Retirement Accounts to charity bylowering the qualifying age requirement and removing the $100,000 cap.

Expand Part 74 eligibility for licensing of wireless microphones to include performing artsorganizations, venues, and educational facilities to ensure equal access to interference protectionmeasures.

Continue to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in the current fiscal year and 2012,approve the $460 million for FY2013 in the pending FY2011 appropriations bill, and to increasespending to $475 million in 2014.

We encourage you to support funding and policies that continue to strengthen opera and theperforming arts in communities across the nation.

Sincerely,

Marc Scorca Brandon GrydePresident and CEO Director of Government Affairs


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PerformingArtsAlliance

1211ConnecticutAvenue,NW,Suite200|Washington,DC 20036Tel.202.207.3850|Fax202.833.1543www.theperformingartsalliance.org

April 5, 2011


The Performing Arts Alliance is pleased to once again be a National CoSponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011.Each year we gather together as arts advocates to ask for your support on policies that recognize theimportance of creativity in America.

The Performing Arts Alliance is a national network of more than 18,000 organizational and individualmembers comprising the professional, nonprofit performing arts and presenting fields. Our memberorganizations include: American Music Center, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Chorus America,Dance/USA, Fractured Atlas, League of American Orchestras, National Alliance for Musical Theatre, NationalPerformance Network, OPERA America, and Theatre Communications Group. For more than 30 years, thePerforming Arts Alliance has been the premiere advocate for Americas professional nonprofit performingarts organizations, artists, and their publics before the US Congress and key policy makers. Throughlegislative and grassroots action, the Performing Arts Alliance advocates for national policies that recognize,enhance, and foster the contributions the performing arts make to America.

On behalf of our 18,000 members and the audiences they serve, we encourage you to enhance and strengthenthe performing arts by supporting the following actions:

IncreaseFundingfortheNEA We urge Congress to support a budget of $167.5 million for the NationalEndowment for the Arts (NEA) in FY12. The NEA contributes to the economic growth and development ofcommunities nationwideand nurtures the growth and artistic excellence of thousands of arts organizations andartists in every corner of the country.

EncourageGiftstoSupporttheArtsinourCommunities We urge Congress to preserve incentives forcharitable giving, including tax deductibility and the IRA Charitable Rollover, and reject calls to discriminateagainst arts and culture by reducing the tax deductibility of gifts.

IncreaseFundingforArtsEducation We urge Congress to support a budget of $40 million in for the Arts inEducation programs at the U.S. Department of Education in FY12.

StrengthenArtsEducationinESEA We urge Congress, in the reauthorization of the Elementary andSecondary Education Act (ESEA), to retain the arts in the definition of core academic subjects and strengthenequitable access to the arts in the legislation.

ImproveVisaProcessingforForeignGuestArtists We urge Congress to enact legislation that will requireU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce the total processing time for O and P petitions filedby, or on behalf of, nonprofit artsrelated organizations to a maximum of 45 days.

IncreaseFundingforCulturalExchange We urge Congress to support a $10 million increase for the CulturalPrograms Division of the State Departments Office of Citizen Exchanges in FY12.

We encourage you to support policies that support the performing arts in communities across the nation.

Sincerely,

Roche SchulferChair, Performing Arts Alliance


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2437 15th Stree t, NW Washington, DC 20009 TEL 202/ 299- 9770 FAX 202/ 299-9887 www.thesah.org

April 5, 2011


This past year was a landmark one for healthcare reform. While the debate about the recent legislationcontinues, one point is clear: it is imperative to explore cost effective options for delivery of quality healthcareservices. Integrating the arts into healthcare settings has a profound effectimproving patient care andcreating cost savings and safer and healthier environments.

In our 2004 and 2007 landmark studies of over 2,000 healthcare institutions, almost half reported using artsprogramming to create healing environments, support patients physical, mental, and emotional recovery,communicate health information, reduce healthcare costs, and foster positive working conditions. Otherstudies have shown that creative arts interventions with patients have resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer

medical visits, decreased use of medical interventions covered by Medicare among the aging, and reduced useof sedatives during medical procedures, among other cost-saving benefits.

On behalf of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, a National Co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011, Iurge you to support arts and health by:

Requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess thecurrent status of federal support of creative arts in healthcare programs to improve the quality ofhealthcare services.

Encouragingidentification of a creative arts in healthcare research priority within agenciessuch as the National Institutes of Health, Administration on Aging, Veterans Affairs, andDepartment of Defense, to study the cost-effectiveness of creative arts in healthcare interventionsfor critical populations including, among others, older adults, individuals with autism, military

members and veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, andother conditions.

Addressing, through policy support, increased access to creative arts in healthcare programsunder the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Ensuring level funding to the National Endowment for the Arts at $167.5 million for thecreation, preservation, and presentation of the arts in America, including arts in healthcare.

Founded in 1991, the Society for the Arts in Healthcare is a Washington, DC-based non-profitmembership organization dedicated to advancing the arts as integral to healthcare. Funded in part by theNational Endowment of the Arts and Johnson & Johnson, the Society provides program and professionaldevelopment support through resources and information, consulting services, and the convening ofconferences and symposia to a wide range of arts and healthcare institutions. With over 1,700 members in 49states, our membership represents diverse fields: healthcare decision makers, doctors, nurses, architects,interior designers, researchers, and the artistic community.

Thank you for your leadership and support of the growth of arts in healthcare in our country.

Sincerely,

Anita B. BolesExecutive Director

Dedica ted to ad vanc ing the arts as integ ral to hea lthcare


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18 00 PEAC HTREE STREET N W . SUITE 80 8 | A TLAN TA . G EO RG IA 303 09

PHONE 404 . 874 . 7244 | FAX 404 . 873 . 2148 | EMA IL SO UTHA RTS@SO UTHA RTS.O RG

April 5, 2011


South Arts is a National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011. We are a nonprofit regional arts organization

with the mission of strengthening the South through advancing excellence in the arts, connecting the arts to keystate and national policies and nurturing a vibrant quality of life. We work in partnership with the nine state artsagencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina andTennessee. Together, we serve a very large and diverse population. South Arts carries out its work with thesupport of the National Endowment for the Arts.

We feel strongly about the importance of the issues coming before this Congress. Specifically, we urge you tosupport the following:

National Endowment for the Arts

We urge Congress:

To support a budget of $167.5 for the NEA in the FY 2012 Interior Appropriations bill towiden citizenaccess to the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of the arts, and to advance creativity and

innovation in communities across the United States.Arts in Education

We urge Congress to:

Appropriate $40 million for the Arts in Education programs in the FY 2012 Labor-HHS-Educationappropriations bill. The Arts in Education fund is authorized under the Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act.

Retain the Arts in Education program as a distinct grant competition.International Cultural Exchange

We urge Congress to:

Increase funding by $10 million for the Cultural Programs Division of the State Departments Office ofCitizen Exchanges in the FY 2012 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. This increase should

be designated for the Professional Exchanges and Cultural Grant Program and the Performing ArtsInitiative.

Encourage the State Department to make information on projects funded through these programs readilyavailable to the public and to encourage broad participation in its grant program in support of artistic andcultural exchanges with an emphasis on simplifying the application process.

And, to successfully carry out international cultural exchange, we urge Congress to:

Enact the Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act, H.R. 1785 and S.1409 (Update bill numbers),which will require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce the totalprocessing time for petitions filed by, or on behalf of, nonprofit arts-related organizations to amaximum of 45 days.

We further call on Congress and the administration to persuade USCIS to take ongoing immediateadministrative action to improve the artist visa process.

We believe favorable consideration of all these issues is vital to the future of our nation and our people.


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April 5, 2011


On behalf of Theatre Communications Group the national service organization for the Americantheatre and the nearly 500 not-for-profit theatres across the country that comprise ourmembership, we urge you to support level funding for the National Endowment for the Arts at$167.5 million, for arts education programs at the U.S. Department of Education at $40million, for enlightened tax policies benefiting the arts and to enact legislation that will reduceprocessing times for O and P visa petitions filed by nonprofit arts-related organizations to amaximum of 45 days. All not-for-profit professional theatres in the U.S. that filed IRS Form 990,

including many of our member theatres, present performances to a combined annual attendance ofmore than 30 million people.

Our countrys not-for-profit theatres develop innovative educational activities and outreachprograms, providing millions of young people, including at-risk youth, with important skills forthe future by expanding their creativity and developing problem-solving, reasoning andcommunication abilities and by preparing todays students to become tomorrows citizens. Ourtheatres present new works and serve as catalysts for economic growth in their local communities.These theatres also nurture and provide artistic homes for the development of the currentgeneration of acclaimed writers, actors, directors and designers working on Broadway and in thefilm and television industries. At the same time, NEA-funded theatres have become increasinglyresponsive to their communities, producing work that reflects and celebrates the strength of ournations diversity for audiences of more than 30 million Americans each year.

Indeed, the entire not-for-profit arts industry stimulates the economy, creates jobs and attractstourism dollars. The not-for-profit arts generate $166.2 billion annually in economic activity,support 5.7 million jobs and return $12.6 billion in federal income taxes. Art museums, exhibitsand festivals combine with performances of theatre, dance, opera and music to draw tourists andtheir consumer dollars to communities nationwide. Federal funding of the arts creates asignificant return, generating many more dollars in matching funds for each federal dollarawarded, and is clearly an investment in the economic health of America. In a difficult economywhere corporate donations and foundation grants are diminished, and increased ticket prices wouldundermine efforts to broaden and diversify audiences, these federal funds simply cannot bereplaced. Maintaining the strength of the not-for-profit sector, along with the commercial sector, isvital to the economic health of our nation.

Theatre Communications Group, as a National Co-Sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011, urgesyou to support funding for FY12 for the NEA, so that not-for-profit professional arts organizationscan continue to educate and entertain audiences, train the next generation of artists, and generatelocal revenue nationwide.

Sincerely,

Teresa Eyring Laurie BaskinExecutive Director Director of Government & Education

Programs


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April 5, 2011


VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, is proud to support Arts Advocacy Day2011. While President Obamas FY2012 budget proposal provides an overall increase infunding for the U.S. Department of Education, it combines funding for Arts in Education withcategorical programs into a state-based competitive block grant for Effective Teaching andLearning for a Well-Rounded Education. Although support of Arts in Education is referenced,the direct grant to VSA and to the Kennedy Center education programs would be eliminated ifthis proposal is adopted.

We ask that Congress restore this funding and support these important programs for Arts in

Education. Specifically, VSA requests this vital support that creates achievement and inclusionfor students with disabilities through arts education as well as professional developmentopportunities for teachers.

VSA provides the only federal support for arts in education for students with disabilities. Eachyear, we offer arts-based programs in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts.More than 7 million people participate in VSAs programs every year through a network ofaffiliates throughout the United States. The grant to VSA, shared with our affiliates, directlysupports: a reliable infrastructure of arts services for people with disabilities, as well as theirteachers and families; professional development programs for educators on how to incorporatearts-based curriculum; and resources about effective practices in making the arts accessible toeveryone.

Research shows that a complete arts education contributes to improved academic performance-particularly for students with disabilities. VSAs programs cultivate lifelong educational skills andencourage people with disabilities to contribute to the cultural and economic lives of theircommunities. We urge you to restore the Arts in Education program of the U.S. Department ofEducation for FY2012 and continue support of these important initiatives.

Sincerely,

Veda HermanCFO and Vice President


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Documents

Arts Advocacy Day National Cosponsor Letters