March 3 , 2003

New York State Arts Day In Albany

MARCH 18, 2003
9 am - 3 pm

THE HEARING with the Senate and Assembly is 11 - 12 noon in Hearing Room C, LOB.

RFP FOR THE HEARING…..deadline extended to MARCH 6
We have been asked to extend the deadline for the RFP because of the NYSCA deadline. Click on the RFP link for details. This year we are featuring the arts community in the Hearing. We need compelling 5 minute presentations to put a face on the vibrant cultural industry in New York State by demonstrating strong, unique and diverse programs. Presentations should exemplify the positive impact of government investment in the arts, and conversely, what could happen if support is reduced. Receipt Deadline is March 6.

THE ARTS DAY MESSAGE
"Restore the $6.6 million cut to the NYSCA budget. Maintain level funding".

We have the power and influence to sustain our position. But the legislature has to see us and hear us. So you need to be there. Bring board members, constituents, colleagues. Charter a bus. Carpool. A great turnout is key to success.

Please click here to let us know if you are coming, who you will be bringing, and if you need help or information. There are 8 SHORT questions….it will take you 3 minutes and then we can be more helpful to you as you prepare for Arts Day.

THE BUDGET CUTS
In the Governor's budget, Grants to the field (Local Assistance) was cut from $44 million to $37.4 million, a reduction of $6.6 million or 15%. Administration (State Operations) was cut from $5.296 million to $5.1 million, a reduction of $196,000 or 3.7%. Be prepared……………..it appears that it will be a long and most contentious budget process.

APPOINTMENTS
Make appointments NOW to meet your legislators or their aides before and after the HEARING. If you need help with this, or are uncertain about whom you should visit, click the above link. If you do not know who your legislators are, the link will lead you to that information.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OFF THE FLOOR. If the Senate or the Assembly is in session, remember that appointments made off the floor are just as effective as an office meeting. Just hand your business card to a guard and ask that he call your legislator out to meet with you. It is done all the time. You can actually meet with more people this way and accomplish more in less time.

PARKING
BUSES: Buses should disembark and pick up on the street level on State Street.
CARS: We have reserved parking spaces for Arts Day. If you need a space, please send $7 to the Alliance, Box 96, 245 Love Lane, Mattituck, NY 11952. PARKING RESERVATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 11. Without a reservation you will find parking impossible to find. Our reservations are in the Cathedral Lot next to the State Museum. It is a few steps from the entrance to the Concourse, but then it is a good walk to the opposite end of the concourse to the LOB. Leave 10-15 minutes for the walk.

ARTS DAY HEADQUARTERS
OPEN ALL DAY: 9 am - 3 pm. Check here first, pick up position papers, and be briefed. Staff will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. Located in the Foyer outside Hearing Room C.

FOLKARTS BREAKFAST on Arts Day in Room 211B, LOB, 8:30 am - 10 am
Meet with legislators and with members of the statewide folk arts network. This event is coordinated by the NY Folklore Society.

RECEPTION AND PERFORMANCE AT "THE EGG"
on March 17th
Special and new this year: a reception and showcase of Albany area performers in the Kitty Hart Theater at THE EGG, Empire State Plaza. Reception is 5 - 6 PM, artist showcase is 6 - 7 pm.

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 28-year history as New York's primary service association for community based arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen community cultural organizations. The Alliance monitors, informs and mobilizes the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support and developing effective grassroots public policy.

245 Love Lane, P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101