Hundreds of Arts Personel Expected At 26th Arts Congress Feb. 7

Artists, arts-related organizations, advocates and business leaders representing tourism and economic development from across the state will gather at the Arizona State Capitol for the 26th annual Arizona Arts Congress from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Sponsored by Arizona Action for the Arts, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Arizona House of Representatives Office building, 1700 W. Washington. Meetings between legislators and citizens from their home districts are scheduled throughout the day.

Former Arizona legislators Jackie Thrasher and Jennifer Burns will conduct advocacy trainings during the morning to familiarize participants with how to interact effectively with their elected officials. Another workshop also will be conducted by Patrick McWhorter, President of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, to explore how 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations can be involved in the 2012 elections and how they can encourage their member and constituents to become personally involved in voter education efforts.

“The nonprofit community can play a critical role in elections through advocacy efforts that include educating voters and candidates about special issues through activities like forums. Non-profits, including the arts, also can encourage voter registration to increase citizen involvement in the elections.” said Catherine “Rusty” Foley, executive director of Arizona Citizens/Action for the Arts. “If we’re going to advocate for and stimulate change, we need to be involved through voter engagement.”

Arizona Action for the Arts is in now scheduling meetings for advocates with Arizona senators and representatives that will begin mid-morning and run through 3 p.m. Arts advocates will be gathering on the State Capitol lawn throughout the day.

“This is an important opportunity to reinforce with our legislators the value and importance of the arts on Arizona’s economic future, educational outcomes and quality of life,” Foley said.

Registration is $20 and includes a box lunch and all materials. To register, visit www.azcitizensforthearts.org/artscongress.html or call (602) 253-6535.

For more information, visit www.azcitizensforthearts.org or www.azarts.gov.