KEEP OUR ARTS ALIVE RALLY
Monday 10th December 2007, 10.30am
Stormont, Belfast
The arts sector is calling all artists, arts groups and supporters to gather at Carson’s statue at Stormont on Monday 10th December 2007 at 10.30am, to make a public call for increased arts funding.
A letter will be handed to the MLAs at 11.00am.
Supporters might come dressed in costume, or carrying the tools of your arts/crafts. Please bring a banner or placard with the name of your group/artform/hometown/who you work with – so there is a strong visual signal about the reach of the art.
LIMITED FREE TRANSPORT TO THE RALLY
Two Ulsterbus buses will travel from Derry City to Stormont on the morning of the rally, picking up along the way. The buses will return to Derry City via the same routes, departing Stormont at 1pm and arriving back at the Guildhall at 3.00pm-3.30pm.
Route 1
7.30am – Depart Derry, Guildhall Square
8.00am – pick-up Dungiven, Belfast Bus Stop, Top of the town
8.45am – pick-up Magherafelt, Castledawson roundabout
9.00am – pick-up Toombridge, Toom by-pass
10.00am – Arrive Stormont
Route 2
7.00am – Depart Derry, Guildhall Square
7.30am – pick-up Strabane, Bus depot
8.00am – pick-up Omagh, Bus depot
9.00am – pick-up Dungannon, Bus depot
10.00am – Arrive Stormont
**PLEASE NOTE:
Places are strictly limited to 49 seats on each bus. Seats are available only by contacting mhendry@artscouncil-ni.org. Seats will be allocated to the first 49 people on each route to respond directly to this email address. We will send you an email confirming your booking, which you should present to the driver on embarkation.
To book a seat, please email us the following information:
1. your name
2. on which Route you would like to travel
3. at which bus stop you would like to be picked up.
Do you intend to join the rally?
Even if you do not intend to travel on one of these buses, but intend to attend the rally, it would be very helpful if you could drop us an email to let us know, so that we can gauge the likely turnout.
Support the Arts Tool Kit
Who to contact
The Draft Budget 2008-2011 consultation period runs until 4th January 2008. It is crucial that as many people as possible respond to this consultation. Please act now while there is still time to influence the outcome of the budget.
Responses to the Draft Budget 2008-2011 should be sent by email or post to arrive by 4th January 2008 to:
Melanie McGinnis
Economic Policy Unit
OFMDFM
Rm E5.22
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SR
Telephone: (028) 9052 0093
E-mail:pfgbudget@nics.gov.uk
Web: www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk/
In keeping with the Executive’s policy of openness, from 8th November 2007 responses to this consultation will be published on the PfG website. If you do not wish your response to be used in this way, or if you would prefer it to be used anonymously, please indicate this when responding.
It is worthwhile also copying your response to:
Mr Peter Robinson MP MLA
Minister for Finance and Personnel
Department of Finance and Personnel
Craiganlet Buildings
Stoney Road
Belfast BT4 5SX
Email: private.office@dfpni.gov.uk
Tel: 028 9185 8111
Web: www.dfpni.gov.uk
Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast BT15 1AQ
Email: private.office@dcalni.gov.uk
Tel: 028 9025 8825
Web: www.dcalni.gov.uk
Your local MLA
All MLAs can be contacted on email: firstname.surname@niassembly.gov.uk
To find out which MLA represents your constituency, go to:
www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/membership07.htm
The editor of your local newspaper
Send a short ‘Letter to the Editor’ to your local newspaper highlighting how increased investment in the arts would benefit your area.
Responses sent by organisations
Organisations should consider sending their letters jointly from their Chief Executive and their Chair.
Does your Board include any local councillors or other influential people? If so, ask them to write separately, highlighting the contribution of your organisation.
Other practical ways to get involved
Here are some ideas for artists and arts organisations, just to start you thinking.
- Arts organisations and venues could encourage their audiences to become involved by including an appeal in their programmes, newsletters and websites.
- Artists, organisations and venues could make a short announcement prior to performances.
- Add the ‘Keep Our Arts Alive’ logo (and hyperlink) to promotional printed material, including leaflets, programmes and tickets; and to your websites, emails and e-newsletters.
- Take advantage of any media or interview opportunities to highlight the importance of increased arts funding to you, your organisation, or your community.
- Everyone should encourage anyone they know who is passionate about the arts to respond to the Draft Budget.
- Be creative - use whatever influence you have, including sponsors.