The Essence of Who We Are

Couldn't have said it better myself. Now if only we can get politicians and the people holding the purse strings to agree...

"Specifically, a generation raised without awareness of the arts, without the opportunity to experience the arts themselves by making music, making drawings, making poems, is a disenfranchised one. Art is the essence of who we are and our society is strengthened whenever young people are given the opportunity to directly share this legacy." Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-tilson-thomas/michelle-obama-and-i-agre_b_321605.html

Europeana, The EU's Virtual Museum

"Europeana, the European “virtual museum” offers from now on free access to more than two million books, paintings, videos and other digital documents from the cultural centers all over Europe. The European Commission's goal for Europeana is to make European information resources easier to use in an online environment."

In a perfect world, seeing those paintings or reading those books in person would be ideal. But the next best thing is to be able to call up those works of art easily on one's own computer, without the hassle of airline schedules, hotel problems, and the need for taking vacation time from work.

Although it has its problems, Europeana is the Gutenburg project of the arts. I'm looking forward to the improvements.

Illinois Arts Alliance Changes Name & Mission

From the Illinois Arts Alliance, known now as Arts Alliance Illinois:

"We have a modified name that puts the arts first and makes "alliance" more prominent, emphasizing our shared beliefs and collective action.

We have a new visual identity that symbolizes the many vibrant, creative voices that come together with greater focus and power through the work we do.

We have a new articulation of our mission: "Give Voice to a Creative State." This strong call to action acknowledges the power of voice to change lives, change attitudes, and transform neighborhoods and communities throughout Illinois.Whether you are an artist, an educator, an administrator, a community leader, an activist, a patron, or someone simply concerned with the quality of life in Illinois -- we all give voice to a creative state."

www.artsalliance.org

And if you don't live in Illinois, support your state's art groups!

Artists Need Healthcare Too

How many artists have access to healthcare that others get working in corporate America? By the very nature of the job (and we're not just talking fine artists), art workers are not as likely to have access to group healthcare. They are more likely to be independent and contract workers. (Which is a good enough reason by itself to move away from employer-based health plans!)

If you are at all interested in having reasonable health care available to all, no matter where you work, see what this coalition of arts organizations sent to congress. And then add your own voice.

http://www.artsusa.org/news/press/2009/2009_08_12.asp