POSTED: DECEMBER 22ND, 2011

GOVERNOR ADMITS FALLING SHORT; HELP US REACH OUR GOAL WITH $10 TODAY

The Governor admitted this week that his plan to fund the arts privately is not working. Advocates across the state kept fanning the flames, and now it is up to us to keep the pressure on the Governor. We believe that we can win this fight, however it will require all of the resources we have, and we must ask again for your help.

We MUST raise $20,000 before the end of the year in order to make our advocacy efforts possible -- that's a donation of only $3 from each person who receives this email.

Although we understand that not everyone can donate, we ask those of you who are able to please send us a $10 donation before the end of the year. Take a moment to think about the value of the arts in your community -- the festivals and educational programs that will disappear without arts funding -- and help change that fate with your contribution.

Help us continue the fight - contribute
$10 or more today!

Advocates have spent the last year telling the story of how the arts in Kansas impact our lives. As the legislature begins, the Kansas Citizens for the Arts will be at the statehouse helping to ensure that every legislator understands the importance of this issue.

Your contribution will help us launch an unprecedented effort to reinstate those funds and sends a powerful message to the Governor.

The Kansas Citizens for the Arts needs financial contributions like yours to continue the fight, and we thank you for your support.

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POSTED: DECEMBER 14TH, 2011

CONTRIBUTE TODAY - BEAT THE 12/31 IRS DEADLINE

Kansas Citizens for the Arts is preparing to undertake an unprecedented grassroots effort to reinstate public funding for the arts in Kansas, and we urgently need your financial support.

Before the end of the year, we need you to make a tax deductible contribution of $50, $100, $250 - or more.

With your help, we will continue to educate legislators in an effort to garner enough votes to override another anticipated line-item veto by the Governor and reinstate public funding for the arts in communities across the state.

A recent poll found that 73% of Kansans do not agree with the Governor's decision to eliminate public funding for the arts. The arts in Kansas generate $153.5 million in economic activity and the equivalent of more than 4,600 full-time jobs, which are needed by Kansans now more than ever.

Your contribution will help us launch an unprecedented effort to reinstate those funds and sends a powerful message to the Governor.

The Kansas Citizens for the Arts needs donations like yours to continue the fight, and we thank you for your financial support.

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POSTED: DECEMBER 14TH, 2011

BROWNBACK AGREES TO "REVISIT" HIS VETO

In an article in the Lawrence Journal-World, the following sentence appears:

Said he planned to revisit his veto of state funding of the Kansas Arts Commission, but refused to elaborate. Brownback's veto of funds made Kansas the only state to not fund the arts and cost Kansas $1.2 million in federal matching dollars.

Here is the entire article. We must remain vigilant!

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POSTED: NOVEMBER 14TH, 2011

KCA ADVOCACY PLAN "HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY FOR THE ARTS"

KCA Advocacy Plan “How to Build Community for the Arts.” - This is the great plan that Henry Schwaller has created for the Citizens based on the community planning meetings that we have held this fall.

The KCA met on November 9th. Please find below important documents from this meeting:

• Progam Plan Case Statement

• Community Meeting Summary - find your specific location under the "advocacy" tab

• The Plan by Henry Schwaller

• Community Meeting Sign-In Sheet - Please write down the contact information of 10-25 people in your community who attended your meeting or who are interested in knowing more about the arts in Kansas.

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POSTED: OCTOBER 19TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION SURVEY

Part of the work traditionally undertaken by the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) was receiving public comment on a State Arts Plan. This document - required by the National Endowment for the Arts - requires carefully outlining the direction the Kansas Arts Commission plans to take. In the past, this plan was developed over the course of many months with meetings across the state and input from hundreds of Kansans.

However, the current Arts Commission - in conjunction with the Governor's office - is scrambling to get this information from a single online survey: in less than 36 hours!

Their survey just went online this afternoon,and it will close at 8:30 a.m. this Friday morning (10/21).

Please take a few minutes to fill out their 10-question survey now:

KAC Public Input Survey - INDIVIDUALS
KAC Public Input Survey - ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Please note that this is NOT a survey from the Kansas Citizens for the Arts ("the Citizens") - however, we are sending this message because we believe it is important that the Kansas Arts Commission hear from as many arts advocates from across the state regarding what is happening in your community, how your work is affected by the loss of grant funding, and what you hope to see happen in the future.

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POSTED: OCTOBER 6TH, 2011

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS ARTS STRATEGY SESSION

Salina - Tuesday, October 18th - 5:00-7:30pm
Salina Community Theatre
303 East Iron Avenue Center
Hosted by Sharon Benson, John Divine, Gayle McMillen and the Salina Community Theatre. Meeting will be held in Sunflower Financial Theatre

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POSTED: OCTOBER 4TH, 2011

KCA BOARD MEETING - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH

We will have our next board meeting Tuesday, October 11th at 5:30pm by conference call.

Please call 1-218-339-2500 and our access code is 992734#

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POSTED: AUGUST 30TH, 2011

KANSAS CITIZENS FOR THE ARTS COMMUNITY PLANNING MEETINGS - FACILITATOR: HENRY SCHWALLER

Emporia - September 1st - 3:00-5:00pm
Hosted by the Emporia Arts Council at the new Emporia Arts Center
Organized by Melissa Windsor, Executive Director
Held in conjunction with the KCA board meeting

Click here for the agenda.

Johnson and Wyandotte Counties - September 12th

5:30-6:00 check-in and networking
6:00-7:30 strategy meeting

Hosted by Indian Creek Technology Center
4401 W. 103rd St.
Overland Park, KS 66207
Room 251
Light refreshments will be served.

Hays - September 14th - 6:00-7:30pm
Organized by Brenda Meder, Executive Director of the Hays Arts Council and KCA Board Member
Hays Arts Center
112 E. 11th
Hays, KS

Wichita - September 20th - 5:30-7:00pm
Organized by Elizabeth Kennedy, KCA Board Member and Mary Knecht, Arts Partners
First Presbyterian Church
in the East Dining Room
525 N. Broadway
Wichita, KS
Parking on the west and south sides of the church, enter through the west entrance. Light refreshments will be served.

Garden City - September 25th - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Organized by Pat Veesart, Regional Director,
Garden City Community College, Kansas Small Business Development Center and Vivian Kinder, Chair, Friends of Garden City Arts
Clarion Inn
in the South Ballroom
1911 E. Kansas Ave.
Garden City, KS
The meeting is held in conjunction with the Autumn Art Brunch, a fundraiser for public art projects held in the Garden Terrace at the Clarion Inn.

Iola - September 27th - 6:30-8:00pm
Organized by Susan Raines, Executive Director and KCA Board Member
Bowlus Fine Arts Center
205 E. Madison
Iola, KS

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POSTED: AUGUST 26TH, 2011

PRESS CONFERENCE - TUESDAY, AUGUST 30TH

Stand up and be counted! The Kansas Citizens for the Arts are committed to reinstating public funding for the arts in Kansas. Please join us in Topeka for a press conference on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in room 326-S of the statehouse in Topeka. House Minority Leader Paul Davis will join arts advocates from across the state in demanding that the Governor reinstate funding for the arts during the next legislative session.

As we feared, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Mid-America Arts Alliance have told officials in Kansas that funds will not be available from a federal level due to the lack of state funding & infrastructure. The Governor promised that arts centers from Pittsburg to Hays would be funded - that programs would not suffer - our tourism dollars and jobs not be endangered. He said that private funds would easily fill a $689,000 hole left in arts funding across the state. Over the past week, we have learned that this is not true. Read more about the loss of NEA & MAAA funding here.

In addition, KCA will be gathering supporters for a strategy session in Emporia on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. We will discuss the current status of arts funding and the next steps for arts supporters across the state.

Click here to see votes on the motion to override the Govenor's line-item veto of KAC funding.

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POSTED: AUGUST 16TH, 2011

NEA REJECTS KANSAS BID FOR ARTS FUNDING

The good news: Senator Steve Morris, the president of the Kansas Senate and a great friend of the arts, has been chosen to lead that National Conference of State Legislatures. Senator Morris was elected to the Kansas Senate in 1992 and has been president of the Senate since 2004. Senator Morris is in his fifth four-year term. He is a firm supporter of public funding for the arts and is one of our best advocates in Topeka. Read the full press release.

The bad news: As you may have read, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has decided not to provide matching funds to the State of Kansas. Read complete article here.

Governor Brownback has repeatedly and misleadingly claimed that his veto of state funding for the arts would not endanger $1.2 million in federal matching funds. With the state projecting a $180 million year-end surplus, we call upon the Governor to listen to the Legislature and reinstate funding
for the Kansas Arts Commission.

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POSTED: AUGUST 11TH, 2011

KANSAS STATE SENATOR ROGER REITZ RECEIVES 2011 PUBLIC LEADERSHIP IN THE ARTS AWARD FOR STATE ARTS LEADERSHIP FROM AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS AND THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES

A hearty congratulations to Senator Roger Reitz, Manhattan, for being nationally recognized at this week's meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Senator Reitz was awarded the 2011 Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership by Americans for the Art. Read their press release

During the 2011 legislative session, Senator Reitz played a crucial role in overturning the proposal by Governor Brownback to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission. He worked tirelessly to ensure enough votes for passage in the Senate and subsequently spent countless hours working to make sure the the $689,000 appropriation was included in the final budget. Although the Governor ultimately vetoed this funding, a remarkable effort was put forth by Senator Reitz along with many of his colleagues.

We congratulate Senator Reitz on being honored as a national leader, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all of his hard work to fight for public funding of the arts in Kansas.

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POSTED: JULY 28TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION MEETING

The Kansas Arts Commission will convene a meeting on Tuesday, August 2 at 9:00 a.m. in room 251-South of the Capitol Building in Topeka. The meeting is open to the public. Those who wish to participate by teleconference may call 1-605-562-3000, access code 480606#.

KANSAS CITIZENS FOR THE ARTS SURVEY

As we prepare to launch a major grassroots effort to reinstate public funding for the arts, the Kansas Citizens for the Arts wants to hear from you. We have created two surveys - one for those of you who work for arts organizations and one for artists and arts advocates. Please take a moment to fill out the survey and tell us how the elimination of public funding for the arts has affected you - and how Kansas Citizens for the Arts can work most effectively in your community.

Arts Organization Employee Survey

Arts Advocate & Artist Survey

Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill out a survey - we appreciate it and look forward to hearing what you have to say.

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POSTED: JULY 14TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION RESPONSE FROM SAM BROWNBACK

You may have received an email from the Governor asking you to donate to HIS NEWLY-FORMED Kansas Arts Foundation. Instead, we suggest that you make a donation to the Kansas Citizens for the Arts. We are preparing again to fight for public funding of the arts in Kansas next legislative session, and we need your help.

We do not believe that RELYING SOLELY ON private funding for PUBLIC arts is sustainable or reasonable or in the best interest of Kansans. The Kansas Citizens for the Arts believe that public funding is essential for adequately supporting the arts across the state.

Please read the following excerpt from Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts:

"Without state dollars and state legislative oversight, a private organization does not have the same level of financial and programmatic accountability for delivering arts funding to all corners of Kansas that a public agency does...In America, the success model for arts support has been a three-way partnership, comprising public support, private support and earned income...More importantly these dollars will need to be new dollars to ensure that the new Kansas Arts Foundation will not be simply shifting already existing funds to its coffers and competing with the fundraising efforts of the very constituents for whom it is raising support money...To provide true, sustainable support for the arts, the Kansas Arts Foundation will need to either raise $2 million or more every year or build a trust that will provide steady, permanent income - in the form of interest - in perpetuity. However, a trust of over $40 million would be required just this year to allow the Kansas Arts Foundation to distribute the $2 million necessary to account for the absent government funding."

Read the full statement.

Right now, the Kansas Citizens for the Arts are preparing to fight to reinstate public funding for the arts in Kansas during the next legislative session. We will be going across the state talking with arts supporters and getting ready to mount an unprecedented grassroots effort to reinstate public funding for the arts. Stay tuned for more information.

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POSTED: JULY 7TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION IN THE NEWS

For past articles on the Kansas Arts Commission, click here.

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POSTED: JULY 6TH, 2011

KCA STATEWIDE CAUCUS DRAWS LARGE AUDIENCE: DISCUSSION FOCUSED ON STRONG SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION AND ARTS IN KANSAS

The first in a series of meetings of across the state with arts supporters was a great success, bringing more than 100 advocates from Northeast Kansas to Lawrence for an afternoon of brainstorming and strategic planning for the future. Please see the minutes from that meeting here. Meeting attendees included a large number of current and former members of the Kansas Arts Commission, artists and others concerned about the elimination of public funding for the arts in Kansas. The Kansas Citizens for the Arts is in the process of planning more such meetings across the state during late summer and information about those meetings will be available here. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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POSTED: JUNE 28TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29TH

Due to the phone issues and the lack of commissioners present, the meeting of the Kansas Arts Commission has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 29th, 3:00pm - Download agenda and additional information for the meeting here.

This is the first meeting under the leadership of Linda Browning Weis - it is an important opportunity for arts supporters and arts organizations to ask questions about how the Kansas Arts Commission will operate going forward.

By law, Kansas Arts Commission meetings are open to the public

WHO: Kansas Arts Commission

WHEN: Wednesday, June 29th at 3:00pm

WHERE: Teleconference - Conference call number is: (712) 432-0900: Access code #193910 - NEW # AS OF 6-28-11, 5:00pm - see here why this number has changed again.

We hope that many of you will participate in this meeting - as it is vitally important for those of us who will be affected by the changes taking place within this agency to understand them and ensure that the process is fair and transparent. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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POSTED: MAY 28TH, 2011

GOVERNOR’S VETO OF ARTS FUNDING COSTS KANSAS $1.2 MILLION; ENDANGERS THOUSANDS OF JOBS

On Thursday, May 28th, Governor Sam Brownback signed the State of Kansas’ fiscal year 2012 budget and line-item vetoed funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, the state agency created in 1966 to promote and support the arts in Kansas.

The Governor’s decision means that the state’s official arts agency will not receive matching dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, the federal agency that funds state arts agencies and nonprofit arts organizations. Kansas will be the only state in the nation to be denied federal monies because of lack of state investment in the arts.

“With a stroke of his pen, the governor cost the State of Kansas $1.2 million,” said Henry Schwaller, chairman of the Kansas Arts Commission. “On July 1, nearly 200 local arts organizations and artists will lose critical support for local arts programs, operational funding and professional development. Without this support, jobs in the arts are at risk, and artists and arts organizations will lose the important infrastructure that has been created largely because of the funding and expertise of the Kansas Arts Commission.”

Kansas Arts Commission grants were crucial to many organizations, particularly those in rural areas. If an organization received funds from the Kansas Arts Commission, donors were more likely to contribute to that organization, which leveraged additional dollars for the organization and its community. Because few foundation or corporate donors provide money for operations, the Kansas Arts Commission’s main grant program, Operational Support, was an important way organizations covered general expenses such as rent, utilities and salaries. Many organizations, particularly those in rural or impoverished areas, will find it difficult to replace the lost state and federal funds and will either restrict or eliminate important community programs, cut staff or close their doors.

This move by the Governor also cuts off artistic businesses’ access to information, professional development programs to strengthen business and financial skills, economic and community development activities and networking opportunities that are especially vital to rural community organizations. It will eliminate the Kansas Arts on Tour Roster, an important source of employment for Kansas performing, visual and literary artists.

On February 7, Governor Brownback signed an Executive Reorganization Order eliminating the Kansas Arts Commission. Arts advocates mounted a strong grassroots campaign to save the agency, engaging arts supporters, businesses, community leaders, students, parents and artists from around the state. On March 16, the Kansas Senate overturned the ERO by a vote of 24 to 13. The House and Senate subsequently passed a FY 2012 budget that included $689,000 in funding for the Kansas Arts Commission.

According to Schwaller, “The Legislature took a balanced, common-sense approach to tackling the state’s budget. The members of both chambers listened to the people of Kansas and chose to make an austere, but adequate investment in our future. It is unfortunate to Kansas that the Governor chose to ignore the will of the people.

“The arts are vital our state’s economy and to education. The arts give all communities a quality of life that makes them attractive to new residents and businesses. The arts develop essential work skills, including innovation and creativity, the very skills that Kansas employers demand from our work force. In sum, the arts – and public investment in the arts – are crucial for any state to compete in the 21st-century economy. Neighboring states, especially Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, fund their state arts agencies at a fairly high level. Not only will we lose crucial federal dollars to those states immediately, but we will also lose our long-term ability to compete with them to attract businesses.”

The governor has made few public statements about his future plans for the arts; however, his plan to fund state arts programs through the Kansas Arts Foundation, a private, non-profit corporation, faces significant challenges. Without state support, the Foundation will not qualify for National Endowment for the Arts’ funds nor programs and services offered by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the regional arts organization that provides grants, exhibitions and support to community artists and organizations throughout the state.

The board of the Kansas Arts Foundation has not publicly revealed any financial information, staffing, nor has it discussed its plans with the Kansas Arts Commission. Neither the Governor’s office nor the Kansas Arts Foundation has informed the public how reporting, grant programs, professional development activities, or other services ably and professionally provided by the Kansas Arts Commission, will be handled in the future.

The grassroots arts advocacy organization, Kansas Citizens for the Arts, together with Kansas business and educational leadership, will continue to work for future public funding for the arts in Kansas. It will be active in both statewide and local levels to ensure that the arts are adequately funded so that Kansas will remain nationally competitive, build a skilled and creative workforce, and provide a high quality of life for all its citizens.

Download Press Release here.

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POSTED: MAY 11TH, 2011

GOVERNOR LAYS OFF KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION STAFF ELIMINATION OF THE STATE ARTS AGENCY WILL DIRECTLY IMPACT JOBS, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS

The State’s Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration, Dennis Taylor, sent a letter to the Kansas Arts Commission informing the five employees that their jobs would be terminated on June 10. In the letter, Secretary Taylor stated, “Given the lack of funding, the agency positions will be abolished resulting in total agency closure.”

In addition, the Kansas Arts Commission staff was informed that all external communications are to be handled by the Governor’s office.

“We’re shocked,” said Commission Chairman Henry Schwaller. “We believe this is a backdoor attempt to circumvent what the citizens of Kansas want.” In March, responding to the will of constituents, Kansas Senators voted 24 to 13 to retain the Kansas Arts Commission. House and Senate budget negotiators have agreed to allocate $689,000 for the Arts Commission, making the state eligible for federal matching funds and services of over $1.2 million. In addition, the agency is funded through the end of the fiscal year.

“We understand that the Governor wishes to support the growth of jobs – especially in rural communities,” said Schwaller. “This action directly contradicts his stated policies of supporting small businesses and rural communities as well as creating and retaining quality jobs in Kansas.”

The Kansas Arts Commission currently funds 200 arts organizations and artists throughout the state, generating $153.5 million for the Kansas economy, $15 million in state and local revenues, and supporting over 1,400 full-time Kansas jobs. The State currently funds the Commission at a cost of $.29 per person.

Nearly 5,000 letters, emails and phone calls have been sent to state legislators since January. Facebook supporters total nearly 10,000. A February rally in support of the Kansas Arts Commission attracted over 400 advocates. Letters and phone calls continue to pour into the Governor’s office in support of the Kansas Arts Commission.

Editorials have regularly appeared in local newspapers, from the Wichita Eagle to the Hays Daily News, describing the powerful impact of this small amount of state funding on communities across the state. Local chambers of commerce, convention and visitors’ bureaus and business owners have all stated state support of the arts means growth in tourism, economic development and quality of life.

The Kansas Arts Commission currently receives less than $800,000 in state funds. Because of its standing as the publicly funded state arts agency, the Kansas Arts Commission also receives $778,300 in federal funds through the National Endowment for the Arts and Kansas organizations and artists in the state also receive programs, services and funding valued at over $400,000 from Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Arts advocates are strongly encouraged to continue contacting their legislators and the governor’s office regarding this matter.

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POSTED: MAY 3RD, 2011

Late yesterday, the budget conference committee agreed to include $689K for the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) in the legislature's 2012 budget. This virtually ensures that arts funding will be included in the final House/Senate budget sent to Governor Brownback.

We are so close to winning this battle. Unfortunately, the Governor is still threatening to line-item veto KAC's arts funding for Kansas communities.

NOW, more than ever, it is crucial to contact the Governor and tell him that this is unacceptable:

CLICK HERE to email the Governor at Governor@KS.gov

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POSTED: APRIL 26TH, 2011

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION CONTINUES FIGHT FOR JOBS, INNOVATION

Kansas arts advocates are concerned that Governor Sam Brownback will line-item veto any funding for the Kansas Arts Commission, the state agency that has promoted and supported the arts in Kansas since 1966.

Governor Brownback has made it clear that he seeks to support instead a newly formed nonprofit organization with no apparent structure or plan and only limited state funds. This new entity, the Kansas Arts Foundation, a private 501(c)(3), will have no standing with the National Endowment for the Arts or Mid-America Arts Alliance. Kansas will forfeit $1.2
million in matching funding, programs and services. In addition, the Kansas Arts Foundation has yet to release publicly any information about its board, financials or fundraising accomplishments.

The Kansas Arts Commission currently receives less than $800,000 in state funds. Because of its standing as the publicly funded state arts agency, the Kansas Arts Commission also receives $778,300 in federal funds through the National Endowment for the Arts and Kansas organizations and artists in the state also receive programs, services and funding
valued at over $400,000 from Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Since the Senate voted 24-13 to retain the Kansas Arts Commission, Senate and House budget negotiators have been working on a compromise budget. The Senate's budget proposed $698,000 in funding for the Kansas Arts Commission; the House budget does not include any funding for the Arts Commission. Its budget retains $200,000 in one-time pass-
through funds to the Kansas Arts Foundation, a newly created, not-for-profit organization. The Governor has stated that he will veto any finding for the Kansas Arts Commission, preferring to fund this newly created organization.

"The arts in Kansas are a vital economic driver," says Ann Evans, co-chair of Kansas Citizens for the Arts. "The Governor says he strongly supports rural communities, so it is hard to imagine that he wishes to eliminate access to the very small amount of funding to the many community arts centers in our rural cities and towns. His plan to encourage people to move to those depopulating areas is admirable, but why would anyone want to live there if there is nothing for them or their families to do?"

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POSTED: MARCH 16TH, 2011

TODAY THE SENATE VOTED TO OVERTURN THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER ABOLISHING THE KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION

Today, thanks to YOU - arts advocates across the state - the Senate voted 24 to 13 to overturn the Governor's order (ERO #39) which would have eliminated the Kansas Arts Commission as a state agency. This is a huge victory for arts supporters and everyone across this great state.  Please read the full press release from the Kansas Arts Commission.

This victory is truly an example of the power of the people to be heard by our elected officials and it is something to be so very proud of.

The battle is not over, and we will be depending on you to help us clear the next hurdle: getting funding for the Kansas Arts Commission to be included in the budget, which requires approval from both the House and Senate as well as the Governor. In the coming days and weeks, we will be asking you to continue to put pressure on your elected officials to make sure that they support jobs and economic development in their communities.

THANK YOU for your hard work - without support from advocates across the state, this victory would not have been possible....and we need you to keep up the fight until the end!

Thank you for your support!!!

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POSTED: MARCH 4TH, 2011

Yesterday, Senator Roger Reitz, Manhattan, presented a resolution to the Federal and State Affairs Committee opposing Governor Sam Brownback's executive reorganization order to eliminate the Kansas Arts Commission. The resolution was voted on and passed 7 to 2. (Senator Steve Abrams, Arkansas City, and Senator Ralph Ostmeyer, Grinnell, voted against the measure.)

Next, this resolution must pass the full Senate - and we need your help to make this happen. At this time, no date as been determined when the vote will take place. Watch our website for new updates and information.

How you can help

Continue to make phone calls, write letters and send emails to your legislators about the value of the Kansas Arts Commission. Take the time to make personal visits to meet with your legislators. If a legislator is hosting a public meeting in your community to listen to constituent concerns, attend the meeting and bring fellow arts supporters. CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY!!

Meet with your Legislators!

• Halstead
  Senator Carolyn McGinn, District 31
  Saturday, March 5, 2011
  8:30 - 10:00 am, at The Golden Harvest (240 Main St., Halstead)

• Mankato
  Senator Mark Taddiken, District 21
  Saturday, March 5, 2011
  10:00 - 11:30 am, at Bob's Inn (119 E. Jefferson St., Mankato)

• Additional Events are TBA

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POSTED: FEB. 15TH, 2011

KCA INVITIES YOU TO SPEAK UP FOR THE ARTS AT ARTS DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 | Schedule of Activities:

10:30am
Capitol, Room 144-S

• Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee meeting

• The Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, chaired by Senator Pete Brungardt of Salina, will hear testimony on the resolution to be introduced by Senator Roger Reitz of Manhattan to oppose the Governor's Executive Reorganization Order

12:00pm to 1:00pm
Celtic Fox, 118 SW 8th Street

• KCA Board Business Meeting and Lunch

• The meeting will be open to all attending Arts Day

1:30pm to 4:00pm
Throughout the Capitol Building

• Meet with Senate and House members and deliver packets to offices

4:00pm to 5:00pm

• Prepare for Legislative Reception

5:00pm to 6:00pm
Mulvane Art Museum - Washburn University Campus, 1700 SW College Ave

• The Governor's Arts Awards Reception - Mulvane Art Museum - This reception is by invitation for Legislators, KCA and KAC board members

6:00pm to 8:30pm
Washburn University Campus

• The Governor's Arts Awards - Washburn Room of the Memorial Union - Tickets Required ($25) - Contact the Kansas Arts Comission at 785-296-3335 or 866-433-0688 (toll free in Kansas) or order online.

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POSTED: FEB. 1ST, 2011

PLEASE JOIN US AT THE RALLY TO SUPPORT KANSAS ARTS

Thursday, February 10th, 2011 | Tentative Schedule of Activities:

Noon to 1:00pm
Judicial Center, 301 SW 10th Avenue

• 12:00 - 12:15pm - Topeka High Drum Line Plays

• 12:15 - 12:25pm - First Speaker (TBD)

• 12:25 - 12:35pm - First Speaker (TBD)

• 12:35 - 12:45pm - First Speaker (TBD)

• 12:45 - 1:00pm - Topeka High Drum Line plays and closes the rally - attendees are urged to walk to the capitol and deliver letters to their representative, or sit down for a quick one-on-one meeting with them to voice your opinion on the negative impact eliminating the KAC will have on Kansas

• For further information, visit the Rally to Support Kansas Arts Facebook Page

Parking

Available for free in the Capitol Parking Garage:
8th Street, (North Side of the Capitol), Level 1

Additional parking options:

1) 8th and Kansas Garage (same block as Celtic Fox)
$1 an hour (cash or credit card)

2) Center City Garage
9th and Kansas
$1 an hour (cash or credit card)

3) 10 Hour meters (YELLOW POLES)
Throughout downtown Topeka
50 cents an hour

BRING LOTS OF QUARTERS/You will get ticket(s) if meter runs out.

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POSTED: JANUARY 28TH, 2011

Senator Roger Reitz from Manhattan will be introducing a resolution in the Senate to over ride the Governor's proposal. To retain KAC, the resolution must pass the Senate. The good news is that the resolution has to pass only one house of our legislature. We must have at least 21 of the 40 Senators possible in that chamber to vote in favor of the resolution for it to pass.

It is imperative that we all contact our state Senators. Personally contact your Senator, schedule a meeting when they are home on the weekends, evenings or go visit them during the day in Topeka. Personal visits are imperative at this time.

Talk to your Senator about how the loss of the KAC will impact you, your organizations, and your community. Tell stories that are specific and important to you. Uses the information listed above as well as the KAC and KCA websites for more detailed information.

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POSTED: JANUARY 23RD, 2011

Facts About The Governor's Proposal

Contact You Elected Officials

A Return On Investment

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POSTED: JUNE 16TH, 2010

THE ARTS RIPPLE EFFECT: A RESEARCH-BASED STRATEGY TO BUILD SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ARTS

In late 2008, leaders of the Fine Arts Fund in Cincinnati embarked on a year-long research initiative designed to develop an inclusive community dialogue leading to broadly shared public responsibility for arts and culture in the region.

We concluded that our work with the community through arts and culture must be based on a foundation that incorporates a deeper understanding of the best way to communicate with the public in order to achieve that shared sense of responsibility.

This report summarizes more than a year of work and important findings for widespread use by others. While leaders of business and other nonprofit sectors often conduct research using framing science methodology to develop communications strategies for change, this is a first-in-the-nation analysis for arts and culture.

To read the report, visit http://www.fineartsfund.org/arts_ripple_effect

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POSTED: JUNE 16TH, 2010

STATE OF THE ARTS: ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS IN KANSAS

The Kansas Arts Commission and the Kansas Citizens for the Arts have developed a new advocacy toolkit. State of the Arts: Advocating for the Arts in Kansas helps us all to tell our stories every day, to build relationships with everyone who will listen and to empower all of us to act. Download it free and make sure that all who value the arts utilize the tools within it.

For free download, visit http://arts.ks.gov/toolkits/docs/advocacy_booklet.pdf