Include Funding for the Arts in Economic Plans

I received the following in an email from Americans for the Arts. We don't want the Arts to be overlooked in the economic recovery plans being debated in Congress. You can follow the links to learn more and to find out what you can do.

For the last month, Americans for the Arts has been working with the field, Congress, and the Obama Transition Team to include support for the nonprofit arts sector and individual artists in any federal economic recovery package. With your help, we have been compiling examples of how the recession has affected arts groups. We are getting this compelling information along with our economic impact data into the hands of key policy leaders in Washington.

Last week, Americans for the Arts officially proposed Nine Recommendations for Economic Recovery & the Arts to help nonprofit and governmental arts groups as well as individual artists during this economic downturn. Today, Americans for the Arts President and CEO Bob Lynch met with the Obama Transition Team to discuss these and other ideas.

Also today, the House Appropriations Committee released an $825 billion economic recovery package. Included in the proposed bill is an infusion of $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (in addition to its annual appropriations) to specifically preserve jobs in the nonprofit arts sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support. The House plan proposes additional opportunities throughout other parts of the federal government that could also help the nonprofit arts sector and individual artists. Many of these other opportunities correspond closely with our Recommendations for Economic Recovery & the Arts.

Take Action
The Senate and the White House will likely unveil additional versions of an economic recovery package. We are calling on arts advocates to contact your House and Senate members and your local media to raise the profile of why it’s important to ensure there is support for the nonprofit arts sector in the federal economic recovery plan.

1. Write to your Members of Congress
2. Send a letter to the editor of your local media

Happy New Year

2009 promises to bring changes big and small to artisTree. We are expanding our programs and continuing our search for a permanent home. We are in the process of revamping our website to improve the flow, provide meaningful information and facilitate online registration and payment. In the meantime, however, our ability to accept online registration will be limited. We hope to get the new, improved site up and running soon, but are at the mercy of our day jobs. We appreciate your patience and understanding during the transition.

Here's some information about Winter classes:

Groundworks Dance classes resume this week. One of our teachers may have a conflict on Monday evenings this semester, so the classes may be altered slightly. Instead of ballet, we would offer Dynamic Alignment, a class designed to improve body awareness and mindful movement through anatomy, yoga and ballet-inspired stretching and toning. We will know after January 15th.

Mondays (at Wee Play)

• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Studio I - Ballet I/II (or Dynamic Alignment) (age 8-12)
• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Studio II - Modern II/III (age 13 & up)
• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - in Studio I - Ballet II/III (or Dynamic Alignment) (age 13 & up)
• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - in Studio II -Modern I/II (age 8-12)
• 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Ensemble Rehearsal (Groundworks Ensemble members only)

Wednesdays (at Brown's Chapel) - beginning January 14, 2009

• 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. - Creative Movement (age 3-5)
• 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. - FUNdamentals of Acting (age 7-12)

Thursdays (at Wee Play) - beginning January 15, 2009

• 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Dance FUNdamentals (age 5-9)
• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Studio I - Yoga for Dancers (and parents)
• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Studio II - Hip Hop I/II (age 8-12)
• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Studio I - Groundworks Acting Ensemble (Acting for Dancers)
• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Studio II - Hip Hop II/III (age 13 & up)
• 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Ensemble Rehearsal (Groundworks Ensemble members only)

We are still working on the elemenTree visual arts class schedule. We plan to resume Monday afternoon classes at the Glade Room in February. We also plan to add an additional day to the schedule. Stay tuned!

We are striving to keep our costs down, but everything is a little more expensive than it was when we started this past summer. As a result, you may see a slight increase in fees this semester. ("Slight" means less than $2 per class.) We're still playing with the numbers, looking for ways to keep tuition down. We should have prices set by the end of the week.

If you want to register for a class, please contact me at info@restonartistree.com . Let me know your name, the student's name & age, and the class you're interested in. I'll get back to you within 48 hours with registration details (length of the session, cost, etc.). You may also leave a message at 703-650-9200, if you prefer.

We look forward to a creative, collaborative, educational and growth-filled year with everyone at the 'tree!