April 30, 2008

Dear Friends in the Arts,

Unprecedented reductions to the Illinois Arts Council's FY2008 budget have created serious challenges for many arts organizations in Illinois. As if that weren't bad enough, artists and arts organizations could be sailing into choppier waters as the economy continues to slow and concerns are renewed about shrinking charitable dollars for the arts. What can be done to protect our state's cultural resources?

Thanks to the persistence and strength of arts advocates like you, our call to restore full funding for the Illinois Arts Council has been loud and clear. Since March 3, 2008, we have generated over 4,900 e-mails, calls, and letters to the Governor and General Assembly urging them to restore our state's investment in the arts, culture, and creativity.

Your advocacy and leadership has been critical to our movement-building efforts so far, and as the budget process resumes in Springfield, we are counting on your continued activism to increase funding for the Illinois Arts Council to $24 million in the FY2009 state budget.

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 29, 2008. As the closed-door negotiations that conclude the budget process draw near, it is essential that we hold our state leaders accountable and convey a strong and persuasive message that the arts are central and indispensable to all Illinois communities and residents.

Please tell state lawmakers TODAY how essential the arts are to you and your community.

What You Can Do

If you have one minute:
Please pick up the phone and call your state representative and state senator.

Click here to take action!

If you have ten minutes:
Please write a personalized message to your state representative and state senator. Personalized, thoughtful communications are more effective in gaining the attention of legislators than form e-mails and petitions. Please use the talking points and information provided to craft your personalized message.

Click here to take action!

If you have one hour:
Please schedule a meeting with your state representative and/or state senator. Whether you are new to advocacy or a veteran activist, IAA will be by your side every step of the way. We can help coordinate your meetings and arm you with the talking points and information you will need to be an effective advocate for the arts. Contact IAA Communications Coordinator Scarlett Swerdlow at 312.855.3105 x13 or swerdlow@artsalliance.org to take action!

Many thanks for all that you do to keep the arts alive and well in Illinois. As always, should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about any aspect of our work, please do not hesitate to contact me at 312.855.3105 x14 or joy@artsalliance.org.

Sincerely,
Ra Joy
Executive Director

IAA Home

Illinois Arts Alliance/Foundation
203 North Wabash
Suite 1920
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312.855.3105 Fax: 312.855.1565
info@artsalliance.org