VOL. 10  NO. 5

	In This Issue
	Folklife Festival Returns
	On the National Front
	House Approves Funding Increase NEA Deadlines Americans for the Arts Conference Highlights October- Arts and Humanities Month
	Arts Council News
	Performing Arts Directory KY on Stage Plans for New Assessment Guide to Programs
	The Arts in Education
	Craft Marketing News
	Focus on Folklife
	Around Kentucky
	Celebrating the Governor's Awards Lewis and Clark Residency Final Shout Out The Kentucky Center Celebrates 20th Shakespeare in American Communities
	Resources and Reports
	START News Update
	Message From the Director
	Quotable Quote
	Hot Dates

The BlueMoon is published bi-monthly by the Kentucky Arts Council. Please send comments, questions and information to The Blue Moon, Kentucky Arts Council, Old Capitol Annex, 300 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601-1980 or call 502/564-3757V/TDD Toll Free: 1-888-833-2787
E-mail: kyarts@mail.state.ky.us

Dear Arts Colleagues:

The thrust of this particular letter revolves around an Americans for the Arts slogan: "Advocacy begins with you." Instead of beating around the bush, I am asking all of you--artists, arts organizations, educators, and communities--who receive Kentucky Arts Council support directly to become politically active in the weeks before the election of our next governor in November.

There are several factors that make this period in time crucial to the future of the arts in the commonwealth and the Kentucky Arts Council, including the current economic climate nationally and here in Kentucky, the uncertainty of possible additional cuts to our budget, and all of the changes that can and will occur with a new gubernatorial administration. Already, the message that we are getting early on in the campaign is that we are overdue for change in Frankfort. This could very well mean eliminating or restructuring the Education, Arts & Humanities Cabinet, which houses the Arts Council.

What can you do? First, become familiar with the platforms of each candidate. If these are not available, contact local campaign headquarters to inquire about an arts platform. Attend any function where the two candidates are present. Have at least one question or message in mind that you want to present, if the opportunity arises. Please mention the Kentucky Arts Council and how it has supported your efforts also. Join Arts Kentucky, (502) 561-0701, a statewide service organization. Trish Salerno, Executive Director, has begun sending out regular "alerts" when an urgent advocacy issue requires action. The last and most important act, VOTE in November. Hopefully, the candidate most favorable to public support for the arts will emerge before the election. We need you working on behalf of the arts in Kentucky.

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