From: info@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2014 11:05 AM
Subject: The Future of the Arts & You! City Proposes to Cut TPAC Budget by 75% .. Find Out What You Can Do!
City Proposes to Cut TPAC
Funds by 75 Percent
April 4, 2014
THE SITUATION
The City of Tucson Manager’s draft budget for 2014/15 proposes cutting funding for the arts by 75 percent. These suggested cuts come in the wake of a 45 percent decrease in public sector funding for the arts since 2007.
If the proposed budget is accepted, per capita funding in Tucson and Pima County will total around 20 cents per person, down from the current amount of 64 cents per person. The national average by comparison is $5.44 per capita.
THE IMPACT
- Less Arts Funding: The proposed cuts would severely compromise TPAC’s ability to support a local arts sector that is striving to bring rich arts programming into our communities.
- Reduced National Support: TPAC’s ability to continue attracting major funding from national sources to help sustain our arts sector may be jeopardized if TPAC cannot show that sufficient local support for the arts exists.
- Compromised Services: TPAC’s capacity to feed the development of our cultural community will be weakened, as it is less able to provide the essential services to our arts providers that allow them to stay current and competitive on a national level.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Non-profit arts alone generate $87.7 million in annual revenue for Tucson and Pima County and the combined non-profit and for-profit creative industries create some 9,000 jobs. An important engine of economic growth, the arts depend on public sector support to thrive. Passage of a cut to arts funding in May will diminish the ability of the arts to remain a cornerstone of economic vitality, educational achievement and community identity.
The arts have been pivotal to Downtown Tucson’s redevelopment. As Tucson looks to position itself as a hub of innovation and draw in new industry—as well as grow its tourism—it needs a vibrant arts sector more than ever.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
1) Show Up on April 8th and April 23rd and tell the City Council that you:
- Reject the City budget proposal
- Support arts funding for the Tucson Pima Arts Council at $1.00 per capita
Meetings start at 5.30 PM and take place in the Mayor and Council Chambers, City Hall, 255 W. Alameda Street. To confirm dates/times, please visit: http://www.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/mcdocs
2) Write or call your elected officials and tell them:
- To reject the City budget proposal
- To support arts funding for TPAC at $1.00 per capita
Please send a copy to each Council Member, the City Manager and the City Clerk's office. (SEE CONTACT LIST BELOW.) We would be grateful if you would also copy TPAC at info@tucsonpimaartscouncil.org or fax 520-624-3001.
3) Tell your friends! Please share this email and like our Facebook page. Help us spread the word.
4) Keep checking our website and/or facebook page for updates.
LIST OF GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild
City Hall, 10th Floor
255 W. Alameda Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-791-4201 | Email: mayor1@tucsonaz.gov
Richard Miranda
City Manager
City Hall, 10th Floor
255 W. Alameda Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-791-4204 | Email: citymanager@tucsonaz.gov
Regina Romero
Council Member, Ward I
940 W. Alameda Street, Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone: 520-791-4040 | Fax: 520-791-5393 | E-Mail: ward1@tucsonaz.gov
Paul Cunningham
Council Member, Ward II
7575 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone: 520-791-4687 | Fax: 520-791-5380 | Email: ward2@tucsonaz.gov
Karin Uhlich
Council Member
Northside Council Office, Ward III
1510 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 520-791-4711 | FAX: 520-791-5391 | E-Mail: ward3@tucsonaz.gov
Shirley Scott
Council Member, Southeast Ward IV
8123 E. Poinciana, Tucson, AZ 85730
Phone: 520-791-3199 | Fax: 520-791-4717 | Email: ward4@tucsonaz.gov
Richard Fimbres
Council Member, Southside Ward V
4300 South Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85714
Phone: 520-791-4231 | Fax: 520-791-3188 | Email: Richard.Fimbres@tucsonaz.gov
Steve Kozachik
Council Member, Midtown Ward VI
3202 East 1st Street, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: 520-791-4601 | Fax: 520-791-3211 | Email: ward6@tucsonaz.gov
City Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 27210, Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
Phone: 520-791-4213 | Fax: 520-791-4017 | Email: cityclerk@tucsonaz.gov
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- TPAC Arts Advocacy Network
- TPAC "The Arts Mean Business" Quick Facts
- April 8th Mayor and Council meeting agenda
- Ward map link (click on ward for Council member info)
- Creating Prosperity – How the Arts Improve Our Economy and Our Community Value
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