Volunteer Notes is published four times a year by the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras, the nonprofit service and educational organization dedicated to the development of American symphony orchestras and to the cultural vitality of the communities they serve.
Nonprofit Resources for Voter Engagement; Federal COVID-19 Relief Negotiations Still Ongoing; Data Drives Decisions: Explore New Arts Education Data Toolkit; Visa Policy: Engaging Artists from Abroad Amidst COVID-19
For far too long, inadequate data about the state of arts education in schools has allowed structural inequities to persist, which has prevented many students from experiencing, learning about, and becoming practitioners of the arts in their schools. Earlier this month, the National Endowment for the Arts and Education Commission of the States released a new suite of resources that has been two years in the making–the Arts Education Data Toolkit.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only forced the cancelation and postponement of countless concerts, it has also caused tremendous uncertainty regarding the participation of international artists in future events.
While lead negotiators may have stepped away from the table, Congress continues to consider the scope and scale of the next massive package of COVID-19 relief. The details really matter, and you can add your voice once again by contacting Congress this week, alongside colleagues in the broader performing arts sector.
Continued Advocacy Needed! Next Federal Relief Package Nears Completion; Quick Federal Policy News; Steep Artist Visa Fee Increases and Policy Changes to Take Effect October 2, 2020; U.S. House Recommends NEA and Arts Education Increases for FY21; Music Education is Essential
The League joined more than fifty national organizations issuing the statement, Arts Education Is Essential (PDF), which succinctly reminds school administrators and the public that — especially in the context of COVID-19 — arts education contributes to the social and emotional well-being of students, encourages student expression, and is essential to a well-rounded education for all students.
Last month, the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives advanced all twelve of its funding bills for FY21, followed shortly by passage by the full House of a package containing nearly all of them.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied the requests outlined in detailed comments (PDF) submitted by the League and national nonprofit arts stakeholders in response to the DHS December proposal to impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications. DHS finalized (PDF) its fee increases and policy changes, to take effect beginning October 2, 2020
In the summer of 2020, the League of American Orchestras issued a Statement on Racial Discrimination expressing how it is coming to grips with the history and impact of racism within the League and the wider community of orchestras, and committing to sustained action.