President Obama Drops Cautious Arts Policy - Associated Press 12/8/09
In his first year, President Barack Obama has marshaled the largest infusion of cultural funding in decades -- despite a few stumbles.
"Notice me" - blog post by Seth Godin
If the new web has a mantra, that's it.
So much time and effort is now put into finding followers, accumulating comments and generating controversy... all so that people will notice you. People say and do things that don't benefit them, just because they're hooked on attention.
Attention is fine, as long as you have a goal that is reached in exchange for all this effort.
Far better than being noticed:
- Trusted
- Engaged with
- Purchased from
- Discussed
- Echoed
- Teaching us
- Leading
2009 Creative Industry of Fresno County Directory - Free Online Version
What are the cultural arts and how do we define our sector?
More broadly FCASH used the Creative Industries national standardized categories to survey and organize the field into six categories: Museums, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Film and Media, Design and Publishing, and Arts Service. Our first Directory attempt of nonprofits, businesses and government agencies found 2,439 entries with contact information, phone and web sites. We are creating a database version of the information and are distributing it for feedback. Plans are to update it and include the surrounding counties of Madera, Tulare and Kings counties in a revised edition in January of 2010. Funded by in-kind services and contributions.  View the 2009 Creative Industry of Fresno County Directory
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Entreprenuer The Arts - How Arts Schools Prioritize Career Development
Entreprenuer The Arts is one of the few emails/blog post that I make sure I read everyday. Lisa Canning posts and re-posts engaging ideas for building the cultural sector. Earlier this month, 9/19/09, to my delight she re-posted the announcement about the 10/2 Cultural Arts Conference - Creating Critical Mass.
In this morning's post (9/26) David Cutler discusses how schools programs support art as a career:
Travel Promotion Legislation Should Include Nonprofit Arts and Culture
Forwarded from the Americans for the Arts - Arts Action Fund:
What is the future for arts funding in the Fresno region? Do we have a say in what happens?
The landscape for funding for the cultural arts in our valley is challenged as never before. Communities around the country are starting to feel positive changes in the economy, while in the Valley we face the prospect of continued difficulty - unless we find ways to work together.¬â€
The status of our area funding institutions for the cultural arts nonprofits leaves us needing new approaches to support the sector. Below is an overview of the primary funders for the Fresno region:
A Demonstration in Being Remarkable
Seth Godin, in his book, The Big Moo, states that the only way to grow is to be remarkable. Winton Marsalis at the 22nd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy is a true demonstration of being remarkable.
22nd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy March 30, 2009 
Mr. Marsalis's lecture, entitled The Ballad of American Arts, focused on the importance of arts and culture to the American identity and featured special performances throughout by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. A performance not soon to be forgotten, the night included two standing ovations and a blistering encore performance from Mr. Marsalis and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Click here to watch and listen to the lecture, one of the most remarkable examples of the power and importance of the cultural arts.
Say Yes and Burn your Boats
The real problem with the economy is fear.  We are afraid that things will not work. Afraid of failing. This morning's post in the Entrepreneur The Arts Blog challenges us to say yes when faced with the choice of whether to go forward or retreat:
Burn Your Boats, by Jim Hart