TCG Bulletin

December 2008, Volume 31, Issue 12

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

White Space Issue: Change is Coming!

The wireless microphone technology currently in use by theatres and other performing arts organizations will soon undergo changes. As TV goes digital in February, the FCC is re-examining the use of the broadcast spectrum, specifically the “white space” that exists between broadcast television channels. A recent auction of a portion of the “white space” is resulting in a reorganization of the broadcast spectrum, changes to the allowable uses of the spectrum and the development of new devices.

On November 4, the FCC voted to authorize the development and use of new devices that would operate in the same space currently used for wireless microphones. The FCC ruling includes certain ‘protections’ for wireless microphones; please stay tuned for more information on this latest ruling in the coming months.

Meanwhile, a specific portion of the “white space” (channels 52-69, roughly between 700 and 800 MHz frequencies) had already been auctioned off, and current users, including performing arts organizations, will be required to vacate this part of the spectrum by February 17, 2009.

The Performing Arts Alliance, of which TCG is a member, has filed several sets of comments with the FCC on behalf of the not-for-profit performing arts community, urging the agency to find a viable solution to protect wireless audio devices from interference as new devices come into use. We are encouraging all parties to find a solution that is affordable for not-for-profit theatres and that will guarantee that migration to new technology and a new location on the broadcast spectrum will be free of interference during performances.

Action: You are urged to contact your wireless microphone equipment manufacturer. Depending on make and model, your equipment could be re-banded with a new frequency range. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced. Please do this as soon as possible, especially if you are in a metropolitan market. TCG is interested in hearing about the impact of this change on our member theatres. Please contact Laurie Baskin if your theatre is adversely impacted.

National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, March 30–31

The 2009 Arts Advocacy Day will take place on March 30-31. Arts Advocacy Day will bring together arts, education, entertainment and policy leaders to develop strong public policies and support for increased public funding for the arts. A new administration and Congress bring the promise of bold, new leadership for the arts in America. However, during these uncertain economic times, it is important to let congressional leaders know that the arts are an economic engine for development and a priority for every American. Join hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country in legislative training sessions, the Congressional Arts Breakfast on Capitol Hill, the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at the Kennedy Center and meetings with your Members of Congress on important arts-related issues. Your involvement does make an impact!

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to register, and to view a schedule of legislative training sessions. If you do register, please email Laurie Baskin at TCG so your visit can be coordinated with other theatre advocates.

Advancing the Arts, Approaching the Next Administration

TCG has been working with the broader arts community to develop a slate of recommended actions that the new Obama administration can take to strengthen support for the arts in communities nationwide. A transition document has been created that speaks to traditional arts funding areas, including the NEA and U.S. Department of Education. It also addresses a broad array of federal policies including International Cultural Exchange; National Service and the Arts (i.e. AmeriCorps); Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (NCLB); Nonprofit Tax Policy and Oversight; and a Senior Administrative Position on Cultural Policy.

Action: Visit the Advocacy News section of the website to read the complete unified statement.

Americans for the Arts and Business Committee for the Arts Merge Operations

Americans for the Arts and Business Committee for the Arts (BCA) recently announced that BCA will merge its operations with Americans for the Arts, creating the largest-ever advocacy group for the arts in the private sector. The partnership will further enable the organization to generate increased private-sector support for the arts and arts education by engaging and educating business leaders nationwide on the economic impact and value of the arts in business and community settings.

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to read the full announcement.

Minnesota Citizens Approve Sales Tax Increase to Fund Outdoors, Clean Water and Arts

The new constitutional amendment will raise about $275 million a year by increasing the sales tax by 3/8 of a percent, or 38 cents on a $100 purchase. It becomes effective in July, and will continue for 25 years. Of the new tax revenue, 33 percent, or about $90 million, will fund outdoors and wildlife habitat projects; another 33 percent will go to clean water programs; 19.75 percent, or $54 million, will be directed to statewide arts and cultural groups; and 14.25 percent, or $39 million, will be used for parks and trails.

Action: Contact the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts for more information.

Source: Star Tribute, November 5, 2008

National Endowment for the Humanities Chair to Step Down

Bruce Cole, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities for the past seven years, recently announced he is leaving in January to join the American Revolution Center in Valley Forge, PA. Dana Gioia, the chairman of the NEA, announced in September that he will be leaving the first of the year to join the Aspen Institute, an international organization that conducts forums on contemporary issues.

Action: Visit the Washington Post website to read the full story (free registration required).

New Members Confimed to Serve on National Council on the Arts

Conductor JoAnn Falletta and country songwriter and singer Lee Greenwood have been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. The confirmation follows their nomination by President George W. Bush to serve on this advisory body to the Arts Endowment.

JoAnn Falletta serves as the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Country music artist Lee Greenwood is best known for his anthemic, crossover single "God Bless the USA," which received the Country Music Association Song of the Year honor in 1985.

Action: Visit the NEA website to view the entire announcement.

White House Announces 2008 National Medal of Arts Recipients

President George W. Bush recently announced the recipients of the 2008 National Medal of Arts. Nine medals were presented by the President and Mrs. Laura Bush in an East Room ceremony at the White House. The National Medal of Arts is a White House initiative managed by the NEA.

In a surprise announcement at the ceremony, President Bush announced the award of five Presidential Citizens Medals to:

The 2008 National Medal of Arts Recipients:

Action: Visit the NEA website to read the full press release and bios of the recipients.

Next Section: Artistic Opportunities in the United States

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