Dear Members:
Our event with Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, International Arts and Artist is Wednesday after work, June 8th, from 6:30 – 8:00pm at the Hillyer Art Space, 9 Hillyer Court NW in Dupont Circle. Following the brief presentations members from all three groups are invited to mingle and enjoy free beer and other refreshments. This event will feature presentations from Jay Dick and Walt Steimel. Jay Dick is the Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Americans for the Arts. Walt Steimel is an attorney and partner at Loeb and Loeb. Registration required / REGISTER here: http://bit.ly/ilq3ta
The investigation against Development Committee Chair Thomas (ward 5) just picked up speed. Response from Council and Administration offices indicates that the Chair of the Committee that oversee arts funding could be removed from his committee chairmanship before the summer recess. From the June 6, 2010 Washington Post report: “D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. arranged to have more than $300,000 in public funds diverted to groups he controlled, and used the money as a lavish personal account, purchasing an Audi SUV and taking trips to Las Vegas and Pebble Beach, the city’s attorney general said Monday. In releasing a highly anticipated report, Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan alleges that Thomas’s inappropriate “conversion” of the money for personal use was “willful, intentional and knowing.” http://wapo.st/m76eqS
The agency spending freeze imposed by Mayor Gray means that all ARTS (DCCAH) grant money has been temporarily canceled, and is delayed. See http://1.usa.gov/k6UzLJ The DCCAH has filed their appeal – as other agencies – and you can support their appeal by emailing the mayor and expressing your support. Email your support for DCCAH funding to eom@dc.gov and tell your friends to do the same.
The DC Advocates for the Arts is building coalition to advance DC’s creative communities. In organizing and growing the voice behind this sector, we will positively affect change that will advance the industry and District economically, nurture creative thinking skills in our children and further cultivate a culturally rich place to live. Please help us by forwarding this to a friend, and inviting them to become members of the DC Advocates for the Arts http://bit.ly/eOycMW
Hope to see you Wednesday. Don’t forget to become a member and register to attend for free!
