September, 2006

ALLIANCE CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS IN NEW YORK STATE
Nov 15 from 6 - 8 pm at the Manhattan Penthouse in NYC

This year's event will launch a new chapter in the Alliance's long history of leadership and service and we've got very special plans, including a performance by jazz legend and honoree Jon Faddis.

The Alliance will recognize a distinguished group of honorees for their extraordinary contributions, and supporting the work the Alliance is doing to nurture and advocate on behalf community arts and cultural organizations throughout New York State. The awards represent the Alliance's spirit and values. This year we proudly honor:

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, education and community service
Jon Faddis, advocacy of the arts
Jeffrey Hoone and Lightwork, service to artists
UBS, philanthropy in the arts

Save the date. It's going to be a great party. Wonderful food, drink and music.

top

FROM THE UPSTATE OFFICE: USING TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD AUDIENCES

The 2006 Rural Workshop "Using Technology to Build Audiences" has generated ongoing interest. The workshop was presented by Chris Andreola of adcStudio, LLC and hosted by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance in late June. It explored using internet and e-mail tools, data collection and tracking to build audiences and market services and programs. Highlights from this workshop are outlined below.

The pros and cons of traditional marketing channels versus e-mail and internet tools were covered and discussed. For example:
* printed newsletter - Many people prefer to read and hold onto a tangible printed piece; they provide a handout and possible ad revenue. But they're costly.
* E-mail newsletters and web sites have the ability to reach many more people than your mailing list. 73% of all U.S. adults use the Internet on a regular basis to send e-mail or use a search engine to find information. Of these, 77% are looking for information on a hobby or interest. Both are cost effective. Response to e-mail is 20 -35%, while direct mail typically returns a 2% response. But tracking response, keeping the e-mails and web site fresh and informative demands staff time and skill.

The same elements that make for an effective ad or printed piece need to be addressed within e-mail and your web site. Good design, knowing and targeting your market, presenting a clear, informative message and tracking response are crucial for effective marketing. Further, with our information age choices, and the web's "faceless" but global presence, it's extremely important to use your web site to build trust as well as interest in your organization. An effective way to build this trust is by using your website to give lots of information about:
* your organization and what it offers: give information in "layers" by using links and submenus.
* link to other arts resources; post a monthly feature on an area artist or other cultural organization
* links to events/resources in your region that can attract visitors.

Both in the presentation and in response to workshop questions, Chris suggested some specific suggestions and touched briefly on some new Internet tools we can use.

Web sites
* use a third party provider/server and rent website space.
* older people are used to the standard format of reading left to right. Provide menus on the top and again at the left side. As a member of this group, I would also suggest the menu to the left stay stationary down the page while the print scrolls, so you don't have to keep moving up and down. Also, use sub-sections and provide an easy on/off.
* Website design resource: http://www.freewebsitetemplates.com/
* Young people think/see with both sides of their brains. Use mini-sites and interactive features to attract their attention. (see below)
* E-news and websites: sell ads with links; your audience is valuable.
* Consider adding interactive elements/features. A Comments & Recommendations section will go a long way to develop a personal relationship with your website visitors. Make your website full of "real" information; copy on your site should be written as if you were answering questions over the phone. Other possibilities: a website blog, podcasts and message board. (see below)

E-Mail
* Have a physical address and phone number on all e-mail
* Make it personal, keep it short and to the point, with links for details
* Provide the option to unsubscribe
* Track effectiveness; manage e-mail lists as effectively as your mailing lists.
* Two software programs for e-mail list management: http://www.groupmail.com/ and http://www.constantcontact.com/. For in-depth reviews and comparisions of a several email list software programs commonly used by nonprofits, see http://www.idealware.org

Search Engines
* Put information into text - not graphics; jpgs and pdfs are harder to search. Use key words and phrases.
* More links (cultural events/artists, organizations, etc) will make your website pop up more often in search engines.

Think about ways you can incorporate some of the newer internet formats and features to serve your purpose.
* Social Networking is using the internet to create new friendships and discussions centered on common interests. MySpace.com is the most recognized SN site for teens and young people, but it also hosts www.wired.com, a place where garage bands are marketing themselves and developing fans.
* Sharing: Flickr.com is for photosharing; quick research shows artists are posting their work for exposure and comments. For links to resources, tutorials, and numerous examples of how nonprofits are using Flickr for advocacy, outreach, and marketing, see Beth's Blog (http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/flickr/index.html)

* Blogging is similar to a diary or editorial column with responses. A blog is edited and controlled by a blogmaster and the audience is an affinity group. The blogmaster adds "stories" on any topic he/she finds interesting, and can accept comments or not. Your blog can be connected to other blogs or feeds (automated searches and distributions based on keywords and phrases - see RSS below).

For general blog information and how to start your own blog, go to: http://www.blogger.com. For resources and how-tos specifically tailored for small and midsized nonprofits, check out Beth's Blog (http://beth.typepad.com) and you find a wealth of beginner level how-to information on blogging and other new internet formats.

To get a sense of how blogs can be used in the business of arts, check out: http://www.artsjournal.com/artfulmanager run by Andrew Taylor and Barry's Blog at http://www.westaf.org/blog. Our own Judy Weiner has been invited to participate on Barry's Blog; she joins 24 other participants she highly respects in the field of arts administration. Both of these blogs covers topics of great interest to our field. To discover other blogs about arts management, check the Technorati Blog Finder
(http://www.technorati.com/blogs/arts+administration)

* Two other networking tools for affinity groups are Message Boards and List Serves. A message board provides a discussion space and requires a moderator. The key to using one effectively is to keep it active. A list serve is an automatic e-mail distribution list; it can also be used for group discussion. Some of us are already using either or both to connect with our boards, committees or constituents.

* Podcasting is publishing and distributing via the Internet video or audio files. This could include lectures, workshops, interviews, gallery tours, etc. Check out http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/ for examples and a tutorial. For examples of how nonprofits and art museums have used Podcasting, see Beth's Blog (http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/podcasting/index.html)

* RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication; it finds and automatically filters artlcles of interest to post to your website. Check out http://learn.netsquared.org. It takes you to Net2learn: RSS for nonprofits and walks you through RSS. For information on getting stared using an RSS reader and other simple tools, she Beth's Blog Guide to RSS for beginners

* An Online Store doesn't generally relate to our groups; running an online store is a full time job. You must take credit cards and use services like PayPal. Where/how do you store inventory? Consider mailing & shipping costs, price points, etc. However, there are examples of effective online museum stores: check out the New York Transit Museum at http://www.transitmuseumstore.com. They contract with a professional company based in California that markets ( takes orders, stores and ships) their trademark merchandise. For more arts examples and resources, check out Npower's Technology Guide for Arts Leaders.

* Soliciting Online Donations is a different matter. It's easy to do, and effective. Have a member signup form on your website, with the ability to take credit cards. People spend up to 35% more when they can use a credit card or PayPal. And get your organization listed on professional donation sites such as http://www.guidestar.org. For thorough reviews of online donation services, see Idealware's Reports at http://www.idealware.org

top

RESOURCES AND REPORTS

Blogs
There has been a great deal of discussion about blogs among people in the field. If you are interested in participating in a blog, reading what bloggers in our field have to say, or want to find out what a blog is, we recommend checking out the following blogs:
http://www.artsjournal.com/artfulmanager run by Andrew Taylor, Barry's Blog at http://www.westaf.org/blog, and Beth's Blog (http://beth.typepad.com)
Judy Weiner has been invited to participate in Barry's Blog. She joins the Hessenius Group of 25 respected arts leaders who will discuss different topics of interest each month. Sometimes controversial, sometimes irreverent and almost always interesting. Given the sea change anticipated across the country and in New York State in the upcoming November elections, the topic in September is advocacy.

For general blog information and how to start your own blog, go to: http://www.blogger.com. For resources and how-tos specifically tailored for small and midsized nonprofits, check out Beth's Blog (http://beth.typepad.com) and you find a wealth of beginner level how-to information on blogging and other new internet formats. To discover other blogs about arts management, check the Technorati Blog Finder
(http://www.technorati.com/blogs/arts+administration)

TechSoup Stock
Do you need software, but cannot afford it? Or do you want to upgrade computers or software? TechSoup distributes deeply (CHEAP) discounted technology products to not for profit organizations. Their fees are 4 to 20% of retail prices thanks to donations from their technology partners.You can order online at www.techsoup.org/stock or call customer service at 1-800-659-3579 x 700

New Report "The Arts and State Governments: At Arm's Length or Arm in Arm?"
This report is the second in a multiyear study commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. The study suggests state arts agency strategies that reach out to the public and to government officials can be effective in positioning the arts higher on the list of governmental priorities. The document includes case studies of two state arts agencies and offers insights about how agency leaders can close the gap between the arts world and elected officials.

Arts in Education Report
Educational Commission of the States (ECS) report on State Policymakers' View on the Arts in Education. This report interviewed a variety of state educational leaders on their views on arts education. You can review this document at: http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/68/58/6858.pdf

top

FEDERAL ADVOCACY UPDATE

Senate Cultural Caucus welcomed Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) as its newest member. The caucus, formed last year, has 31 members and is co-chaired by Senators Kennedy (D-MA), Enzi (R-WY), Jeffords (I-VT), and Coleman (R-MN).

Congressional Arts Caucus welcomed two new members, Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH). Representative Tiberi also serves as a member of the National Council on the Arts. The House caucus has 192 members and is co-chaired by our own Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Chris Shays (R-CT).

top

ARTS FUNDING, APPROPRIATIONS BILLS ON HOLD

Currently, the Senate Interior appropriations bill is on hold, waiting for floor consideration. It is unclear when the bill will be considered once the Senate returns after Labor Day. The bill level funds the NEA and the NEH, but arts advocates are seeking an increase of $10 million for each agency which would provide a slight increase to grant programs after accounting for inflation and administrative cost increases.

The House Interior appropriations bill was approved on May 15, and included an amendment by the Congressional Arts Caucus to increase funding by $5 million each to the NEA and the NEH, which would bring them up to $129.4 million and $146 million respectively.

top

PENSION BILL'S CHARITY PACKAGE DISAPPOINTS ARTS COMMUNITY

Prior to adjourning for the August recess, Congress approved a package of charitable provisions as part of the pension reform bill that was later signed by President Bush on August 17 as Public Law 109-280. Several of the provisions would affect arts-related charities and donors.

Of special note is a provision that would discourage gifts to museums by placing a significant restriction on donors' abilities to stretch large gifts out over time. This option is important because donors of valuable art works can run up against a cap on annual charitable deductions: the more valuable the work, the less likely that a donor can deduct all of its full value in a single year or even a few years. The new provision both puts a strict time limit on such "partial" gifts and forces donors to use the lowest possible appraisal value in calculating their deduction. It will discourage important gifts to museums and other collecting institutions, perhaps drastically.

Moreover, P.L. 109-280 does not include the Senate-passed "artist deduction" bill. Under current law, when artists donate their own works they can write off only the cost of materials, such as paint and canvas, not the actual value of the work. Collectors, however, can deduct the fair market value. A bipartisan group of House and Senate members favor the provision that would end this inequitable treatment and would have the added positive effect of building collections for public use.

The provision is important because most museums, libraries, and archives have limited acquisition funds; the only way to acquire new works is through donations. The Senate had previously approved this provision both as part of the CARE Act and the Senate tax reconciliation bill, but it never was included in a final conference report.

On a positive note, P.L. 109-280 also includes a provision that would allow older donors to more easily donate retirement funds to charities. Known as the IRA Rollover, it would enable donors aged 70-1/2 to direct funds from their IRA accounts to charities without first having to pay income tax. The provision is more limited than originally proposed in that it expires at the end of next year and includes a ceiling of $100,000 on tax-free donations.

top

SENATE BILL INCREASES ARTS EDUCATION FUNDING

For the sixth straight year, the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee has restored funding for the Department of Education's Arts in Education programs. With a slight increase of $1.2 million, the total is $36.5 million, a portion of which is directed to help fund the Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) in arts education - a study the arts education community and Education committee leaders on Capitol Hill have vigorously supported.

top

PUBLIC BROADCASTING & IMLS LEVEL-FUNDED IN SENATE BILL

On July 20, the Senate Appropriations Committee provided level-funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the Office of Museum Services (OMS) (within the Institute of Museum & Library Services) in the FY 2007 Labor-HHS-Education bill. CPB was provided $400 million for fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (the agency typically receives multi-year advance funding). Additionally, CPB was also provided $29.7 million for the conversion of public broadcasting to the digital format and $36 million for the replacement project of the interconnection system. OMS was essentially level-funded at $31.9 million.

On June 13, the House Appropriations Committee had taken a different route by cutting funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), but approved a $4 million increase for the Office of Museum Services, similar to the administration budget request.

top

SENATE COMMITTEE BROADENS FEMA DEFINITIONS

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee has approved the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, which includes language broadening the definition of entities eligible for FEMA emergency assistance to include performing arts facilities. Under existing FEMA regulations, non-governmental performing arts facilities were not eligible for assistance, unlike museums and historic sites. Advocates argued for inclusion on the grounds that performing arts organizations, along with museums and historic sites, are integral to a community's identity and important to a community's recovery effort. We note that nonprofit organizations of all kinds are still ineligible for certain kinds of Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster recovery loans.

top

NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH

National Arts and Humanities Month is being celebrated across the country in October. This year, NAHM-a nationally recognized celebration of the arts-is recognizing how the arts can bring cultural richness and vitality to communities nationwide. The NAHM website is your source for tips and ideas on how to celebrate the only nationwide celebration of the arts and humanities. Start planning now with the exclusive NAHM tool kit. Promote events in your community on the NAHM event calendar and show your support for NAHM by requesting a free window decal. For more information about National Arts and Humanities Month, e-mail nahm@artsusa.org. For more information go to: www.AmericansForTheArts.org/nahm

top

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a long history as New York’s service association for arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen cultural organizations. The Alliance informs the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support.

P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101