Advocacy for the arts


As a statewide service and advocacy organization, NYS ARTS is committed to engaging stakeholders to advocate for supportive arts policies and increased resources for the arts in New York State.

Our message to our Legislators is SAVE THE ARTS in MY Community and REJECT the Governor's Proposed 40% Cut!
Please demonstrate what the impact of a 40% cut will be in your community. Get onboard NOW. We have several suggestions for you, but please tailor your strategy to your community and programs.

    Print this postcard and send it to your legislators. Urge them to Reject the Governor's proposed 40% Cut to the NYSCA budget.

    Print.

    Cut.

    Write.

    Send.

    click here for a Black &White Version of the Postcard

    Here are examples of what YOU can do:

    • Send the SAVE THE ARTS logo to your constituent organizations and artists so they can take action. Of course, take action yourself. 
      • Download and Print out the SAVE THE ARTS IN MY COMMUNITY postcard. Ask your constituents to do the same.Distribute the postcards at every performance, exhibition, class, reading, meeting, to your board and to your staff.  Then mail the postcards to the appropriate legislators.
      • Download and customize the press release so it describes what your organization will be doing to demonstrate the impact of the 40% cut.
      • Post the SAVE THE ARTS logos to your facebook page.
      • Facebook and Tweet the 40% cut message.
      • Continue to send emails to your legislators and to the leadership in Albany, Assemblyman Silver and Senator Sampson.

      We already have more than 16,000 emails in their inboxes. BUT we must keep up the pressure. So forward the email to everyone you know.
      Our campaign strategies were developed in collaboration with your colleagues, NYS ARTS' Regional Captain Network. The Regional Captain in your area will answer questions and help coordinate media coverage in your region. Here is the quick overview of the budget numbers: The Governor's proposal slashes the NYSCA grants budget from $41.6 million to $25.2 million, making it the largest state agency cut. He also proposes a 12% cut to state operations, reducing it from $5.29 million to $4.84 million.

      We are told that there is little or no movement on the budget in Albany, although we are already almost two months past the budget deadline.....and the state continues to operate on weekly continuing resolutions. If the legislature does not approve those weekly resolutions, then the state government grinds to a halt. Chaos reigns.

      Send out a Press Release customized with your organization or name... let our Legislators know they need to reject the Governor's proposed cuts!

      You can become a part of this grass roots organizing effort...

  1. Take Action by sending emails and letters to your legislators
  2. Add your name to our email list
  3. Forward our emails to all arts stakeholders you know
  4. Become a member of NYS ARTS
  5. Come to Arts Day 2011 in Albany and Arts Advocacy Day in Washington DC
  6. Contribute to our advocacy work

Federal Advocacy News
As the State Captain for New York for a number of years, Judy Weiner, Executive Director of NYS ARTS is pleased to tell you that New York State will be very well represented on the hill.

NY has the largest state delegation.

NYS ARTS and Benjamin Krevolin, District Captain for NY State have made a slew of appointments for the NY delegation. If you are not one of the almost 100 people joining us in Washington DC you can still do your part and Tweet for the Arts on National Arts Advocacy Day.

It's simple. Help us push "arts" into Twitter's trending topics on April 13 to coincide with
National Arts Advocacy Day. On April 13 the following tweet will be sent out en-masse from all participants:Tweet for the #arts #nysarts today! It's National Arts Advocacy Day.


Shaping policies that advance the arts in New York State.
Do your part and Take Action! Support the arts in NY.