• Advocacy
  • Local
  • State
  • Federal
• Volunteer
  • Direct Links to Organizations
  • Other Community Resources

Coming soon:

• Candidates positions on the arts
• Information on local advocacy events

For more information or to contact your local representative:

NC General Assembly: Mecklenburg County Representation  

Arts NC Update - Summer 2010:

On May 19, 2010 Mecklenburg County arts supporters travelled to Raleigh to gather with hundreds of other citizens across the state for ARTS Day—a unified effort to tell our State Legislators how significant the arts are in our community and the importance of arts education for our children. Many who were not able to attend also took part in ARTS Day by sending e-mails to their state legislators expressing their support.

We are proud to say that since our visit-- our state leadership unanimously passed Senate Bill 66 requiring a Task Force to create a comprehensive arts education plan for North Carolina. Additionally, in a difficult economic year, the North Carolina Legislature recommended sustained grants funding for the North Carolina Arts Council, but because of concerns about Medicaid reimbursement and economic stimulus extensions, 1% was held back from every state department. The net effect on grants was a 2.5% holdback. 

This victory for the arts would not have happened without the leadership of the Secretary of Cultural Resources, Linda Carlisle, Cultural Resources Liaison Melanie Soles, and the willingness of the North Carolina Arts Council to take deep operating cuts so that the grant programs remain whole. We must also recognize the exemplary leadership of Representative Becky Carney.

For more info on NC Arts Council Grants to Mecklenburg County organizations for FY11—check out this article in the Charlotte Observer.

ARTS North Carolina is NC’s statewide advocacy organization for the arts. ARTS North Carolina calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina’s arts communities, and fosters arts leadership. We speak for the arts wherever there is need.To get involved in advocating for arts and cultural issues at the state level, visit the Arts NC website. Arts NC provides an overview of key issue, voting records and ways to reach state elected officials. To visit Arts NC, click here.

Get Your The Creative State Plates and Magnets Today!
Because so many of you helped us fight the valiant but losing battle to get legislation for an arts specialty license plate, ARTS North Carolina has a great opportunity to show we don’t take “no” for an answer.  While the General Assembly works on its license plate policy issues, we are not wasting time putting our message on the road.The Creative State front license plate and car magnets claim our position.  North Carolina is full of passionate, creative people who support the arts and who make our state an extraordinary place to live and work.So if you are looking to show your colors or for a perfect gift for your arts compadres, order online at www.artsnc.org/creativestate.