2010 Arts Advocacy Day Highlights

We learned, listened, and advocated.

Tuesday afternoon at the State House was clearly a day for the arts and creativity. Artists, arts leaders, advocates and business leaders gathered in and outside the Governor's State Room on the 2nd floor. Early on in the day's event, a group of advocates learned the tricks of the trade with a brief training session facilited by Lori Fresina from M+R Strategic Services. A wine and cheese reception set the tone for the upcoming speaking program.

The speaking program opened with a performance by the Community MusicWorks Phase III Teen Ensemble. Lisa Carnevale, RI CFA's Executive Director welcomed the crowd with a few words focused on the arts and creative sector as an asset in Rhode Island - that many other states want - and yet, RI has in abundance. She then introduced Master of Ceremonies, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Robert. An avid advocate for many important issues that face our state, including the arts and creative sector, the Lt. Gov. rallied the crowd with her encouragement to find legislators and tell them: "2,000 businesses and 12,000 jobs" in this growing sector.

House Finance Chairman Steven Costantino (D-Providence) speaks with keynote speaker RISD President John Maeda.

Representative Peter Kilmartin (D-Pawtucket), a founder of the Pawtucket Arts Festival and strong legislative ally in the House, then delivered an impassioned speech, urging his fellow legislators . Kilmartin expressed: "We can provide hope, we can provide jobs, we can provide culture, we can provide quality of life, all in that one line item in the budget.... You don't get that very often."

Master of Ceremonies Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts is a strong advocate for the arts.

Small business owner, real estate developer specializing in green space for the creative sector, and RISD graduate, John Jacobson spoke about how his creative background has seeded his ability to seize opportunities in which he has grown his businesses in Rhode Island. He highlighted how creative thinkers can see opportunities and solutions despite difficult times, and urged the RI Gov't to seize this historic opportunity for the state to reinvent itself and be positioned as a leader in the knowledge and creative economy in the 21st century. "Make no mistake: small business and entrepreneurs fueled by the spirit of creativity and innovation are going to lead us out of our current economic mess."

RISD President John Maeda delivered the keynote address, with compelling statements of the necessity of the arts and creativity in our lives.

And finally, our keynote speaker, RISD President John Maeda, closed the program with an address on how the arts make our lives important and relevant, highlighting the importance of art in public spaces, and economic benefits the arts and design bring to Rhode Island. Likening the 5% growth seen in RI's arts and creative sector in recent years to similar growth in London's creative industries, he highlighted the strength of the creative sector that can continue to thrive in recessionary times.

In calling for the importance of art in public spaces, Maeda challenged the audience to consider what life would be like without the vibrancy of the arts, and made the case that art is vitally important to a city and state - making it a desirable place to live and work. He expressed, "[Without it,] it'd be a place without feeling, without emotion, without hope." The President commented that this is a key factor in retaining the talent of graduates as well.

Check out President Maeda's blog entry about his talk »

After the speaking program, a number of things happened in the House and Senate Chambers: the Community MusicWorks Teen Ensemble performed to legislators in the House; 20 CityARTS youth were individually recognized in the Senate; and advocates spoke with legislators. A great day!

Download Take Away (pdf)

More photos can be seen on the RI CFA Facebook Fanpage. Become a Fan!
Photos by Mary Hanley