Arts in Action at the Political Conventions!

Join us in Denver or Minneapolis/St. Paul! Americans for the Arts Action Fund, in conjunction with NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, will be hosting two events at the upcoming national political conventions.  Titled, "The Future of the Arts and Arts Education" these events are designed to engage Members of Congress, Governors, Lt.Governors, Mayors, local elected officials, education and cultural leaders attending the conventions. Both events are part of ArtsVote2008, the national initiative the Americans for the Arts Action Fund has been running throughout the presidential election.  Read more below about the events and how youcan participate in them!

At the Democratic National Convention on August 26th, a panel of elected leaders, advocates, and philanthropists will discuss the future of the arts and arts education in America.  Moderated by Former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina Richard Riley, featured speakers include: 

• Five-time Grammy Award-winning musician John Legend
• Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors
• Philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson
• NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond.
• Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch

On September 2nd at the Republican National Convention, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will moderate a discussion on the future of the arts and arts education in America with featured speakers including:

• Emmy Award-winning actor, dancer, choreographer and director Debbie Allen
• Missouri Governor Matt Blunt
• Chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities Adair Margo
• U.S Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Kansas)
• Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne
• Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch

While space is limited, we are pleased to invite you to attend if you will be in Denver or St. Paul during the national conventions.  Please email Arts Action Fund Coordinator Jessica Strieter (jstrieter@artsusa.org) with your name, phone and mention of this email. We will accept RSVP's on a first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of Friday, August 22nd for the Denver event and Wednesday, August 27th for the St. Paul event.

If you are unable to attend the convention events, please check the Arts Action Fund website in early September to watch video of the panel discussions on your computer. 

Thank you for your support of the arts!