Arts Advocacy: Now more than ever!
While the arts were not on the ballot this November, public funding to improve livability garnered region-wide support. In Multnomah County, voters saved the Oregon Historical Society and paved the way for a stronger more stable library system, while Washington County voters funded a parks bond in Tigard and their county-wide library system.
As the CANpaign to establish a new annual dedicated public fund for the arts rages on, we cannot afford to stop being clear, consistent and passionate in advocating for the importance of the arts and arts education.
As you welcome your new County Commissioners, Metro Councilors and Mayors to office, don’t hesitate to remind them:
The Arts are key to our prosperity and quality of life. Especially during a recession. The Arts can inspire our kids and keep them in school, create jobs and fuel the economy and revitalize neighborhoods throughout the region. Support public funding for the arts.
www.theArtsCAN.org
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The movement for public funding builds. And we are inspired.
When the City of Portland and Regional Arts & Culture Council renewed their support for CAN in July with a second investment of $100,000, they also presented CAN with a challenge: Build the movement.
And build we have.
In October alone we added 468 new supporters through arts & culture events including Oregon College of Art & Craft, Wordstock’s Mortified, Art Spark, You Who, and Portland Gay Men’s Chorus.
Thanks to the interest and enthusiasm of our culturally-rich community, we are nearly there. With just over $10,000 to raise by December 31st to meet the terms of our Challenge Grant, CAN has already surpassed every other goal – recruiting 1,000 new supporters in just 4 months, signing on nearly 300 messengers to spread the word and exceeding our goal for memberships with new arts organizations joining the movement every day.
The time for a new public fund for the arts is now and we can’t do it without you!
Donate now, if you have not already, and help CAN to meet our $100,000 Challenge.
CAN celebrates a rising tide of membership. For the work they make possible.
CAN is here to bridge the public funding gap that non-profit arts and culture organizations and educational institutions battle every day. A gap that threatens to limit access to arts and arts education to only the children and communities that can afford it.
With our tiny budget and big mission, it is our Member Organizations that make CAN’s work possible. With huge thanks to our newest members ( Vibe of Portland, Portland Jazz Festival, The Dreaming Zebra Foundation, PHAME Academy of Fine Arts, Portland Baroque Orchestra, and Stumptown Stages) we hope that you will check out the complete list at theArtsCAN.org and consider adding your organization to our Membership Roster today.
Become a member and your organization, institution or business will be listed on the front page of theArtsCAN.org in grateful acknowledgement of your support.
Suggested Membership Dues
Based on annual Organizational Budgets
More than $5 million = $1,000
More than $2.5 million = $500
More than $1 million = $250
Less than $1 million = $100
CAN is a 501(c)3 organization and our Federal Tax ID number is 38-3786808. Every gift to CAN is 100% tax deductible.
Arts in Schools: This we believe.
Children cannot learn without creativity. And art fuels creativity. At CAN, we believe that a K-12 education is no education at all if it does not include the arts. And that means that every child in every school must have access to:
Art classes. And band. And chorus. And theatre. And dance. Every student must have the hands-on opportunity to be an artist.
Creative learning. The Right Brain Initiative calls it Integrated arts learning and their program (which we love) brings artists into classrooms to teach students and teachers how use art to learn math, science and language arts.
Professional arts experiences. Like a trip to the Oregon Symphony, an afternoon at the Oregon Children’s Theatre or a visit to the Portland Art Museum. These opportunities are, for many, a first-ever chance to experience the sheer beauty and power of art.
If you believe in arts in schools, for every child in every community, Join the Movement to increase public funding for the arts and arts education.
Monday and Tuesday – April 4th & 5th – is the 24th Annual National Arts Advocacy Day, organized by Americans for the Arts. “Arts Advocacy Day is the only national event that brings together a broad cross-section of America’s cultural and civic organizations, along with hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country, to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts.” (Americans for the Arts)
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