I am reminded daily how strong our argument is for the value of the arts here in Greater Lansing, in Michigan, in our nation and in our world.Throughout the entire month of March, the Arts Council’s advocacy agenda will include at least 30 scheduled visits to municipal and school board meetings around the Tri-Counties. But, we can’t do this alone, and that is where you come in.

We are encouraging you to join us and ARTiculate…raise your voice in support of the arts. We have created talking points that showcase the value and importance of arts and culture in our region and within our schools. We want you to be our spokespeople and present these ideas to our municipal and school board leadership during the five-minute public comment portion of these meetings. We know we have a strong message to convey, and we want as many diverse voices to be heard as possible.

We have created an extensive spread sheet with times, dates and locations of these meetings, and we are asking each of you to commit to attend just ONE in the month of March. The best meeting to attend would be where you live so you can add a local perspective of the arts. Aria Frawley, a truly exceptional young MSU student, is working with us as an intern this semester. Aria is earning her bachelor’s degree in art history with a minor in arts and cultural management, and she will be spearheading this project on our behalf.

If you would like to participate, please contact Aria today at AdvocacyinternACGL@gmail.com and tell her of your interest. She’ll get you signed up and will share the details of your presentation. We are even going to offer an early evening training (libations and light appetizers too) on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. here at the Arts Council to help you prepare and deliver the strongest message possible.Join the Arts Council board and staff as we ARTiculate the importance of arts, culture and creativity in our community throughout March 2018.

Deborah E. Mikula
Arts Council of Greater Lansing, Executive Director