A Great Success!

Texans for the Arts, a highly effective, non-partisan, statewide arts advocacy organization that provides coordinated information about legislative activity relating to arts issues, held a highly successful Arts Advocacy Day-Texas and took their message to the Legislature.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, interested citizens and arts leaders from around Texas gathered in Austin to ensure that legislators and the public are aware of and understand Texans for the Arts 2009 Legislative Agenda. Throughout the 81st Legislative Session, TFA be working very hard to secure an increase in state arts appropriations to $1 per capita while continuing to monitor legislation and public policy which affect the arts statewide. They will do so through a state-wide grassroots network of advocates that will contact legislators with phone calls, emails, letters, faxes and personal visits.

Arts Advocacy Day-Texas began with welcome and introductory remarks by Allen Craig, Partner with Gardere, Wynne, Sewell, LLP, TFA Board member, and Americans for the Arts State Arts Advocacy Captain. An advocacy training session by Brandon Aghamalian, professional lobbyist with HillCo Partners, and Sarah Kellner, public relations consultant of Kellner Consulting followed. The speakers informed the attendees about addressing and following-up with their legislators regarding their afternoon appointments. Attendees rehearsed targeted talking points and roll-played with one another to learn how to comfortably deliver their "story". Both speakers provided valuable insight and tips on how to effectively engage a legislator or staff person with pertinent information.

After lunch was served and everyone had a chance to mingle, Bill Lively, dynamic arts advocate and fund raiser, took the stage and captivated the audience with his knowledge and expertise about advocating for the arts. Lively, founding President & CEO of the Dallas Center of Performing Arts (DCPA) and current President of the DCPA Foundation Endowment Trust, lead the campaign that raised $324 million for the new center. Lively is also President and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee where he succeeded in forming an innovative collaboration of an arts and sport venues.

The luncheon concluded with Lynn Barnett, TFA Board President and Director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, announcing the recipient of the Texas for the Arts Leadership Award - Richard Huff, Executive Director of the Irving Arts Center, past Executive Director of the Texas Commission on the Arts, and true champion of the arts across Texas. Everyone applauded Huff's recognition and gracious acceptance.

Following the award presentation, Joe Wilson, Houston Arts Alliance Grants Administrator and Arts Advocacy Day Co-Chair, wrapped things up and gave information on the remaining day's activities. Participants were then shuttled to the Capitol where they spent the afternoon visiting legislators and sharing information on Texans for the Arts and the 2009 Legislative Agenda. The day ended with a lovely reception hosted by the Irving Arts Center were event participants gathered with legislators and staff to celebrate the arts and to share experiences of their day.

"The event was a wonderful success!" said Judy Pollock, Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission Chair and event coordinator and Art Advocacy Day co-chair. "The presentations were outstanding and keynote speaker, Bill Lively, was superb. We were able to visit dozens of legislators in the afternoon and many of them attended the evening reception hosted by Richard Huff, Irving Arts Center. The response from the legislators was positive and everyone is very enthusiastic about maintaining communication with their representatives. The attendees definitely want Arts Advocacy Day to become a regular statewide event."

WHAT:
Arts Advocacy Day - Texas is an opportunity for everyone interested in the arts and arts education to learn how to successfully advocate for arts funding and how to create a greater awareness of the impact of arts and culture on a community. The Keynote Speaker at lunch will be Bill Lively.

WHEN:
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Schedule:
9:30-10:15: Registration
10:15-10:30: Welcome and Introductions
10:30-12:00: Advocacy Workshop - HillCo Partners & Kellner Consulting
12:30-1:30: Lunch featuring Keynote Speaker, Bill Lively
1:00-4:00: Pre-scheduled appointments with legislators
5:00-6:30: TFA Arts Advocacy Legislative Reception at Radisson, Hosted by the Irving Arts Center

Radisson Hotel

WHERE:
Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin – Town Lake
111 East Cesar Chavez Street • Austin, TX 78701
Ph: 512-478-9611
A block of rooms is reserved under the name of Texans for the Arts Arts Advocacy Day - Texas. When making reservations online, please use Promotion Code: Texart
Rates: $119 for a room and $159 for a suite.
Reservation deadline: February 3, 2009.

COST:
$45.00 for Arts Advocacy Day – Texas
Includes advocacy workshop and lunch.


KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Bill Lively, is the Founding President and CEO of the Dallas Center for the Performing Art. As DCPA President, Bill raised $324M in the past 8 years to build a performing arts center in Dallas. He is currently President of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Endowment Trust and President and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee.


CONTACT INFORMATION:
Judy Pollock, Texans for the Arts Board Member Jpollock8310@gmail.com


REGISTER NOW
www.blacktie-dallas.com/rsvp
event code: TFA