Latest news for the Nebraskans for the Arts
Latest news for the Nebraskans for the Arts
Advancing the Arts as essential to Life & Learning for All Nebraskans
Love the Arts in Nebraska?
We Need Your Voice!
Nebraskans for the Arts is a statewide advocacy organization focused on supporting the arts and arts education. This past year saw growing success in accessing and informing policymakers about the impact the arts have on economic development, community vitality, and educating our children. 
We did not do this alone - your participation as members through our adovocacy events, and supporting recognition programs like the NebraskARTS Award, helped us make an impact.
Please join or renew your membership before the end of the year and help us keep the momentum going into 2018 for sharing the importance of the arts for better schools and better communities.
Federal Tax Bill & Its Impact on the Arts
On December 22nd, the President signed a massive tax reform bill into law. While the bill could have a negative effect on charitable giving, many of the other harmful provisions for arts groups that were being considered were omitted in the final version of the bill while it was in conference committee.
A full breakdown of the final bill and provisions that affect arts organizations can be found at this link from the Americans for the Arts.
Thank you for all your efforts in contacting members of Congress about the impact that certain provisions had on the arts; your voice had an impact on having them omitted in the final tax bill.
The President also signed a short-term continuting resolution to keep the goverment operating, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), at its current levels until January 19th.
We will be sure to keep you updated on any developments to the NEA in 2018.
Rich Vierk Elected as Board Chair of the Mid-America Arts Alliance
Congratulations to Rich Vierk for his election as Board Chairman of the Mid-American Arts Alliance (M-AAA). This organization strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Rich is one of the founding members of Nebraskans for the Arts and is an advisor to the NFTA Board. Rich also currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. 
Arts Advocacy Day
@ the State Capitol
February 13, 2018
Registration Opens January 2
Arts Advocacy Day is the one day each year that arts advocates, organization leaders, and patrons come together to speak with our Nebraska legislators about the importance of supporting the arts and arts education in our state.
This year's events kick off with the Arts Advocacy Breakfast at the State Capitol. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. with an opportunity to talk directly with State Senators.
Also included in this year's event will be morning sessions to help you make your case for the arts, including:
  • "Arts & Economic Prosperity" - Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research & Policy, Americans for the Arts.
  • "How to Develop Your Impact Story" - Joe Giles, Director of Policy & Training, Coalition for a Strong Nebraska.
  • "How to Share Your Impact Story with Your State Senator" - a panel of past state senators, including Senator Tanya Cook.
After these sessions, we will work with you to arrange luncheon meetings with your state senators to advocate for the arts.
The training sessions will be held at the Governor's Residence, so that you will have close proximity to return to the State Capitol for your luncheon meetings. Due to space limitations, the training sessions will be capped at 60 attendees. Sign up early to ensure your spot and to with getting you on your state senator's lunch calendar.
Nebraska Rural Living Art Gallery 
There is now an online art gallery showcasing some of the great artists we have across the state.
The Nebraska Rural Living Art Gallery features artists located in communities of less than 10,000. The gallery is intended to showcase rural Nebraska artists and at the same time increase interest and knowledge of rural Nebraska through the arts. New artists are added quarterly through a juried selection process (details can be found at the website).
The Nebraska Rural Living Fine Art in Towns Under 10,000 gallery is hosted by NebraskaRuralLiving.com, and is funded with the support of the Phelps County Community Foundation, the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Great Western Bank and private donors.
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