League Forward: Spring 2023
Updates from the League, behind-the-scenes insights, and highlighting some of our wonderful donors across the country.
Last Chance to Weigh In on Drastic Artist Visa Fee Proposal
The opportunity to respond to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed rule on visa filing fees has been extended and will now close on Monday, March 13. This proposal would more than triple the cost for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners.
League of American Orchestras will Launch Inclusive Stages Program in Spring 2023
“Inclusive Stages,” a new program aimed at increasing racial diversity among musicians in American orchestras, will launch in Spring 2023. The program’s pilot year will be supported by San Francisco-based Sakana Foundation, with additional funders to be announced.
DHS Proposes New Fees: Includes Steep Increases for Artist Visas, Harmful Policy Changes
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners. The comment period is open until March 6, 2023, and DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expect to take several months to review public feedback and consider adjustments.
League of American Orchestras Establishes Anne Parsons Leadership Program for Women and Non-Binary Orchestra Professionals
Honoring Anne Parsons, the transformative orchestra field leader and mentor who passed away in 2022, the three-year pilot mentoring program aims to effect structural change by supporting women and non-binary orchestra professionals in their career progressions, and ultimately improving gender equity within the C-suite.
Happy Holiday Policy News: Arts Funding Increases and New Charitable Giving Incentives Win Approval
In the final days of 2022, Congress has come to an agreement on a year-end funding deal that includes victories for two League policy priorities – federal appropriations and enhanced charitable giving incentives.
Andrew Clark Joins League of American Orchestras Leadership Team as Vice President, Finance and Administration
Andrew Clark has joined the League of American Orchestras’ Leadership Team as Vice President, Finance and Administration, League President and CEO Simon Woods announced today. Clark brings over 10 years’ experience implementing strategic initiatives and overseeing financial management for non-profit organizations.
Global Negotiations Support Musical Instruments and Pernambuco Conservation
Improvements for the movement of musical instruments across borders and new support for the conservation of Pernambuco wood won approval at the conclusion of two weeks of global negotiations in Panama City, Panama.
Post-Election Update and Peek at 2023
In This Issue: Short-term Priorities for Year-End Legislating, Prepare for 2023 and Beyond, and Odds and Ends
Global Action on Musical Instruments Begins Next Week
The League is partnering with international stakeholders to represent the music sector in policy conversations that will determine future rules for travel and trade with musical instruments made with material subject to endangered species protections.