President Obama's proclamation for National Arts and Humanities Month

NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH, 2012

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

After the bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key reached for his pen and captured the resilience of the American people. His poem became our National Anthem, and almost two centuries later, it continues to speak to the American spirit just as it did on that September day so long ago. Throughout our history, the arts and humanities have given us comfort and confidence, drawn us together, and called on us to strive for a more perfect Union. This month, we celebrate our Nation's rich artistic heritage.

Artistic expression and memorable ideas can resonate with us, challenge us, and teach us important lessons about ourselves and each other. At their best, great works of literature, theater, dance, fine art, and music reflect something common in all of us. They open dialogues between cultures and raise poignant questions about our world. They are also vital components of our children's education and our national growth -- not only teaching our youth to observe closely, interpret creatively, and think critically, but also bringing new cultural experiences to our communities and helping drive economic progress. That is why my Administration is committed to strengthening arts and humanities programs in schools and communities across our Nation.

When children read their first book, pick up their first instrument, or perform in their first play, they demonstrate the power of the arts to ignite wonder and imagination. This month, let us pledge to invest in America's next generation by ensuring our children have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the arts and humanities. If we give them the tools to create and innovate, they will do their part to disrupt our views, challenge our perceptions, and stir us to be our best selves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the humanities in America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Fire destroys Rock Springs studio of artist and arts advocate Gregory Gaylor

Long-time Rock Springs artist and arts advocate Gregory Gaylor's studio burned down this week. He lost a lifetime of artwork and all of his digital records. He needs our encouragement and support and would welcome emails to kgaylor@sweetwaterhsa.com. Greg also is a past board member of the Wyoming Arts Council. Artist friends are working on a fund-raiser. Find updates on this blog and at the Studio Wyoming Facebook page.

Actor Alec Baldwin and musician Ben Folds will help make the case for creativity on Arts Advocacy Day in D.C.

Ben Folds

This announcement comes from Americans for the Arts:

Just Confirmed: Musician Ben Folds to Join Arts Advocacy Day!

Noted singer-songwriter, frontman of Ben Folds Five, and judge on the NBC a cappella singing contest The Sing-Off Ben Folds will be joining arts advocates in Washington, DC for the 25th Annual National Arts Advocacy Day and performing at the Nancy Hanks Lecture. Hear from other acclaimed artists and congressional leaders at the Congressional Arts Kick Off on Capitol Hill. Add your voice of support and register now!

Strategize with experienced advocates during an interactive role play session on how to make the case for the arts and arts education to your members of Congress.

Network with your fellow arts advocates from across the country.

Arrive on April 15 to participate in the leadership training Executive Director and Board Member Symposium.

Receive two free tickets to the 25th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy featuring Emmy Award®-winning TV, film, and stage actor and arts advocate Alec Baldwin with your Arts Advocacy Day registration or reserve your tickets online today.

Advance Registration Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2012

Bid on artistic scarecrows to support Jackson Hole Public Art Initiative

Art Association of Jackson Hole invites you to come bid on the scarecrows starting at 3:30 p.m. and support the Jackson Hole Public Art Initiative. Today at the Center for the Arts.

Wyoming Arts Alliance meets Nov. 13-15 in Evanston

From Lyndsay McCandless: The Wyoming Arts Alliance's annual Booking Conference is happening November 13-15 in Evanston. This year's conference has expanded to include workshops and show opportunities for visual artists, as well as the programs for performing artists, arts organizations and presenters. To register, go to www.wyomingarts.org. Contact Lyndsay Rowan McCandless for more information at director@wyomingarts.org

Pres. Obama: "Art in all its forms challenges us to consider new perspectives and rethink how we see the world"

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary issued a proclamation today from President Obama regarding National Arts and Humanities Month 2011. The proclamation reads as follows:

Norman Rockwell's magazine covers are classic and recognizable portrayals of American life. A longtime advocate of tolerance, Rockwell was criticized by some for a painting now hanging steps from the Oval Office -- The Problem We All Live With. Inspired by the story of Ruby Bridges, this painting depicts a young girl being escorted to her newly-integrated school by United States Marshals. Today, the portrait remains a symbol of our Nation's struggle for racial equality.

Like Rockwell's painting, art in all its forms often challenges us to consider new perspectives and to rethink how we see the world. This image still moves us with its simple poignancy, capturing a moment in American history that changed us forever. This is the power of the arts and humanities -- they speak to our condition and affirm our desire for something more and something better. Great works of literature, theater, dance, fine art, and music reach us through a universal language that unites us regardless of background, gender, race, or creed.

Millions of Americans earn a living in the arts and humanities, and the non-profit and for-profit arts industries are important parts of both our cultural heritage and our economy. The First Lady and I have been proud to honor this work by displaying American art at the White House and by hosting music, dance, poetry, and film performances and screenings. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, along with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services continues to recognize the skill and creativity of American artists, historians, and philosophers while helping educate and inspire our children through the power of the arts and humanities.

We must recognize the contributions of the arts and humanities not only by supporting the artists of today, but also by giving opportunities to the creative thinkers of tomorrow. Educators across our country are opening young minds, fostering innovation, and developing imaginations through arts education.

Through their work, they are empowering our Nation's students with the ability to meet the challenges of a global marketplace. It is a well-rounded education for our children that will fuel our efforts to lead in a new economy where critical and creative thinking will be the keys to success.

Today, the arts and humanities continue to break social and political barriers. Throughout our history, American hopes and aspirations have been captured in the arts, from the songs of enslaved Americans yearning for freedom to the films that grace our screens today. This month, we celebrate the enlightenment and insight we have gained from the arts and humanities, and we recommit to supporting expression that challenges our assumptions, sparks our curiosity, and continues to drive us toward a more perfect union.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the humanities in America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

Wyoming Arts Council board meets Feb. 10-11 in Cheyenne

The Wyoming Arts Council will hold its next quarterly board meeting on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 10-11, at Little America in Cheyenne.

The WAC board invites individuals and organizational representatives to attend any part of the meeting to observe the board process, and to address the board during the public comment session at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11. Comments about the agency's policies, funding priorities, on-line granting system, and other arts-related topics are welcomed.

At the meeting, WAC board members will ratify the new Long-Range Plan, approve the slate of 2011-2012 roster artists, evaluate and award Community Arts Partnership (CAP) grants and discuss the 2009 statistics for the Wyoming Community Vitality Index (CVI).

On Friday at noon, WAC Board members will attend the Wyoming Arts Alliance’s Arts Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. That morning they will meet with Cindy Hill, the new Superintendent of Public Instruction and, in the afternoon, will meet with the State Parks and Cultural Resources Commission and Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) members. The 29th annual Governor’s Arts Awards will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at Little America.

The mission of the Wyoming Arts Council is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Wyoming by providing resources to sustain, promote and cultivate the arts.

To obtain a detailed meeting agenda, make reservations for the Governor’s Arts Awards, or for more information, call the WAC at 307-777-7742.

Wyoming Arts Alliance launches arts education advocacy campaign

Find out more about the Wyoming Arts Alliance's current arts education advocacy campaign!

Take a photo of your library on Wyoming Snapshot Day Oct. 19

From the Wyoming State Library:

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, we want to collect your stories, photos, videos and patron numbers for Wyoming Libraries Snapshot Day to show the tremendous impact that the state's libraries have on Wyoming residents every single day. Snapshot Day events have been held in several other states with good success.

Snapshot Day will provide tools to use for advocacy with Legislators, Commissioners, local elected officials, donors and the public. To get the best "snapshot" of the entire state, we need participation from as many libraries as possible, and from all types of libraries -- public, academic, school and special.

For now -- please save the date! More specific information will be posted soon and announced through the Outrider and by the State Library and Wyoming Library Association e-mail lists. We will try to make it as simple as possible to participate and will provide forms and materials that you can use to make Snapshot Day a success in your library. We welcome any suggestions you may have. Questions?

Please direct questions to:

Susan Mark, 307-777-5915.
Lesley Rowbal, 307-777-7283

You may also call the Wyoming State Library's toll-free line at 1-800-264-1281 to reach either Susan or Lesley.

Wyoming Library Snapshot Day is a project of the Wyoming State Library and the Wyoming Library Association.

Apply now for E.D. position at Arts North Dakota

From the North Dakota Arts Council:
'
Applications are now being accepted for an exciting new Executive Director position with Arts North Dakota, a new non-profit arts advocacy organization. This position will be approximately 20 hours/week at $16-$18/hour with no benefits. It is a statewide position and may be conducted from any location in the state. Some travel required. If you love the arts and you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging position – this could be it! Please send a resume with previous experience and education with a cover letter to Pattie Carr, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601, or e-mail to pattie.carr@dsu.nodak.edu by August 1, 2010. More information on the position may be obtained by contacting the NDCA office at 701-328-7592 or Gail Benson at 701-388-4503.

TAAC meets Aug. 12-14 in Chicago

The Association of American Cultures (TAAC) hosts Open Dialogue XII Aug. 12-14 in Chicago.

Here are details from the TAAC web site:

A symposium of local and national leaders discussing policies and programs which individuals, organizations, foundations, and policy makers are encouraged to strategize and organize around in order to further advance cultural democracy and cultural equity platforms AND programs in today’s new era of change.

Recognizing some quantitative progress in equity and diversity issues over the last three to four decades, it is most urgent at this historic time of change to evaluate and set forth action-agendas around TAAC's foundational pillars for real, substantive, long-term change:
Equal participation in policymaking,
Equitable funding for all cultural institutions, and
Equity in multicultural leadership.

200-300 people are expected to attend Open Dialogue. Arts administrators, individual and teaching artists, arts educators, board members and cultural policy advocates and more are welcome. Participants come from communities across the country and abroad, from varied arts backgrounds and levels of experience. Open Dialogue XII will begin on Thursday, August 12, 2010 with a networking event Thursday evening; Friday, August 13, 2010 will continue with presentations, sessions; and Saturday, August 14, 2010 will conclude with a keynote speaker and lunch.

Download the schedule.

U.S. Senate confirms new NEA Chairman

From a National Endowment for the Arts press release:

Rocco Landesman, nominated by President Barack Obama as the tenth chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, was confirmed today by the U.S. Senate. Upon his confirmation Mr. Landesman said:

"I am honored to receive the Senate's vote of confirmation. I look forward to serving the nation as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. I believe this is an auspicious time for the NEA and the country. Art is essential to the civic, economic, and cultural vitality of our nation. It reflects who we are and what we stand for -- freedom of expression, imagination, and vision. I am eager to work with our many partners to bring quality arts programs to neighborhoods and communities across the country."

Mr. Landesman follows Dana Gioia who left the chairmanship in January 2009. Patrice Walker Powell, the NEA's deputy chairman for state, regions, and local arts agencies has served as acting chairman in the interim.

Please see Mr. Landesman's biography.

Time mag explores the "Culture Crunch"

Time magazine features an article in its June 8 issue entitled "Culture Crunch: The Recession and the Arts." It explores how the "Great Recession" has impacted the arts nationally.

Here's a segment of the article.

....Endowments have shrunk everywhere, and sizable budget cuts have been the rule at museums in Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Diego. In February the 35-year-old Las Vegas Art Museum simply gave up and shut its doors for good.

In the world of performing arts, the news has been just as bleak. All around the country, orchestras, opera houses, theater troupes and dance companies are cutting salaries, jobs and programs. A few have simply collapsed. The Hartford-based Connecticut Opera closed this year after 67 seasons. So did the 58-year-old Baltimore Opera Company. "Most organizations have been hurt," says Robert Lynch, president of the advocacy group Americans for the Arts. "But arts organizations aren't driven by profit. They're driven by mission. And they'll do anything to survive."

The problem is that these groups have been hit in all three of their main revenue streams. For many of them, audiences are down sharply, because in a recession a theater ticket or concert seat can seem like an indulgence. Meanwhile, with corporate profits tanking and charitable endowments badly deflated, donations and underwriting have also been drying up. And as state and local governments contend with huge deficits, arts spending has been a major casualty. In Michigan, where the struggling Detroit Institute of Arts recently laid off 20% of its staff, the 2010 budget proposed by Governor Jennifer Granholm would cut arts funding to exactly nothing.

Read the entire article at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1901465,00.html

Bruce Richardson op-ed in Sunday's Star-Trib

"Arts Mean Business," an editorial by Wyoming Arts Council Board Chair Bruce Richardson, appeared in Sunday's edition of the Casper Star-Tribune.

To read it, go to http://www.trib.com/articles/2009/04/06/editorial/forum/abea6c8f660c1f838725758e00267b04.txt

Tom Chapin sings for the arts

Here's just one artist making the case for the non-chopping of arts funding. If you look to the right, you can click on a number of his songs that have been posted, but you might enjoy his song about the 2008 republican vice-presidential candidate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orgxcvbHFv4