Bonne Année 2009!

The new year has arrived and with it comes much trepidation as well as lingering waves of hope.

From the creative communities there is action and activity, some of which seems well directed. While funding is limited and opportunities continue to wane, new work and good work continues even as it is difficult to work under the current conditions and economic constraints. Isn’t the world in a messy state?

What to do? Well, maintaining a positive frame of mind seems increasingly essential. Last night, I watched an amazing new series on the Sundance channel which contributes to that perspective; Elvis Costello has a program called Spectacle which is quite brilliant and inspired. Watching the discussion and hearing the music certainly lifted my spirits and so I share it with you. You can catch it on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm Pacific Time.

We can all act individually, as well as positively. Recently, I received an e-item which seems productive and forward thinking as we usher in the new year, particularly for those of us in the arts. Below is a letter which contains important, useful advice.

…..

Dear Friends,
Attached is a very good proposal presented to Obama’s transition team to include the Arts at all levels of his Economic Stimulus Plan। It was drafted by 16 national arts associations
representing both artists and organizations. The plan needs your support. Because
the Obama’s stimulus plan will go through congress, the arts community needs to
advocate strongly right now that the arts are included and remain in the
plan.

A sample letter is attached. You’ll need to send your letter
to your US Senators, and your US Congressional representative. I highly
recommend printing and mailing your letter for greater impact.You can find the
contact information for your elected officials easily in one place by typing in
your zip code at the American’s for the Arts site:
http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/home/

The sample letter incorporates the excellent text from the
Arts Stimulus Plan petition which you may also sign at:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/artsstimulus/index.html

Please help spread the word by forwarding this email to your
friends and colleagues across the country.

Kind regards,
Jan Williamson
Executive Director
18th Street Arts Center
www.18thstreet.org
Santa Monica, CA

….
Staying positive isn’t always the easiest thing to do, however we must continue to find a way to follow this bumpy path into the light. Music and art often provide us with the motivation to keep moving, even when the drummer is beating out a sequence that feels unfamiliar and hard to follow.

Keep moving.

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