The 2011 Policy Landscape

1. The issues reach across party lines.  Orchestras have a big stake in a startlingly wide array of policy issues including the tax reform debate, visa processing for foreign guest artists; funding for the NEA; arts education policy; cultural exchange funding; rules for carrying musical instruments on airlines; and protection of wireless microphone use. A member of Congress that doesn’t support us on one issue may be our champion on another.  THERE ARE NO LOST CAUSES.

2. Building a relationship with your elected officials is essentialand easier than ever as this Congress spends more time with constituents at home.

• Invite Them. Contact your federal elected officials and invite them to participate in an orchestra event. Congress is at home an unprecedented number of days this year. Take advantage of this opportunity to develop a relationship with your elected officials and show them - first hand - the impact of an orchestral experience. Take them backstage and let them see the workforce involved in presenting an orchestra event. View our Congressional Calendar to see when they will next be home.
• Surprise Them. Ask an "unlikely suspect" to contact your elected officials in support of federal arts funding. This might be a business leader, mayor, local celebrity, or other individual with influence. The League's online resources will provide messages on key policy issues such as the NEA, Arts Education funding, and Charitable Giving.

3. Many orchestras large and small receive direct NEA grants, and many, many other orchestras benefit from NEA support to state arts agencies.  Legislators need to hear from constituents why and how that money is well spent. Again, their focus is on jobs, education, innovation, and improving lives. Where does your orchestra fit in?

4. Partnerships are critical for private as well as public support.  The League partners closely with its fellow performing arts advocates and the broader nonprofit community. When orchestras demonstrate their teamwork with schools, health and human service organizations, libraries, etc., they are seen as more connected and valuable to their communities, and thus more deserving of public and philanthropic support.

5. Our League team in Washington D.C. can help you get the most bang for your buck by leveraging your local advocacy efforts and any connections you have to national legislators. The League has two professional advocates in Washington, D.C., working every day in collaboration with the broader arts and nonprofit community to represent orchestras before Congress, the White House, and the federal agencies. Email Heather Noonan ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Najean Lee ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with information about your contacts and connections to Congress.