Cultural Advocacy Day

On February 15th I had the opportunity to participate in Cultural Advocacy Day. This is an event that takes place annually planned by the Iowa Cultural Coalition. I was thrilled to take place in the planning of the event as well as writing their 2011 legislative platform. The Iowa Cultural Coalition is organized exclusively to foster and encourage development, appreciation, and promotion of Iowa's culture through communication, education, and advocacy throughout the state of Iowa. The Iowa Cultural Coalition serves as the main advocacy, technical assistance, and communications network available to people and organizations who create and appreciate all forms of art, historic preservation, museums, science, and cultural educational endeavors in Iowa. They serve the needs of every Iowan by supporting the people and resources in the state that make it a joy to live here.

Cultural Advocacy Day took place at 7am (YES, 7AM) at the State Capitol in Des Moines. It is such a beautiful building and I was very excited to be there. There was a breakfast for all of the state representatives and we had the opportunity to speak with them about why culture is important to the economic development of the state of Iowa. They were very receptive to me saying that it isn't very often they have a young face in the building who is so passionate about the arts and culture. I was asked to open and close the ceremony by singing patriotic songs. This was incredible! I sang in the middle of the hallway and it literally echoed through the Capitol. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to participate at this magnitude.

Here is a picture of me singing in the Capitol.

 ICC President Regina Smith was the emcee for the event with presentations by Mary Tiffany-Cownie, Helen Miller, Legislator from Ft. Dodge, William Dotzler, Legislator from Waterloo, Mark Ginsberg, Iowa City Businessman and recipient of a prestigious Americans for the Arts Award. ICC Volunteer Bob Untiedt presented the new Legislative Platform. After the presentation we had the opportunity to talk with different legislators about the issues important to us and it was a great day for the cultural community. I am so grateful that Iowa has such unique and interesting cultural activities for people of all ages and the government recognizes them as a vital part of the community. Great reasons to live in Iowa!!

Here is a picture of the Legislator from Waterloo - William Dotzler and me. 

And of course, a photo with the Capitol! :-)

Check out the link on my homepage if you want to get involved with the ICC. The cultural health of Iowa determines the economic vitality and quality of life for the State of Iowa. The Iowa Cultural Coalition gives a face to cultural endeavors in Iowa and allows cultural workers to create and care for the resources which make our state an incredible place to live.