P.A.C.E.

presents:

Fundraising & Grants Individual Letter Assignment Feb. 18, 2011 Jessica Marsh

I Alberta Art Campaign

February 18, 2011 Dear Donna, As you may know, the Government has cut funding to the arts in Alberta and plans to take even more from this vital sector. Culture Minister Lindsay Blackett is warning provincial art groups well have to do more with less this coming year. Last year, the province cut 16% or 5.5 mil ion of the budget from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, which grants money to artists and arts organizations. These cuts wil affect the amount of funding in administration and artist grants as well as programming too. The Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) is a not-for-profit arts advocacy organization, run by a volunteer executive board and one part-time staff member. Its membership consists of professional arts organizations and independent professional artists from Edmonton and the surrounding region. PACE has served the professional arts community since 1986, originally as the Edmonton Professional Arts Coalition (EPAC). Over the years, PACE has initiated many positive changes for the arts in the City of Edmonton. This year, we have found it necessary unearth other means of funding from different resources. Our organization has benefited greatly from private donations given by arts enthusiasts and businesses in the community in hopes to raise money and awareness for the arts in Edmonton. We find it critical for arts groups to present a strong voice to the province in the coming months. The more people involved, the more we wil be able to bring important issues to the forefront. According to a 2010 survey, conducted by Resinnova Research & Consulting, 91.5% of Albertans feel it is important that the Government of Alberta continues to fund and support the arts. You are among a select group of generous, compassionate, community members who have an opportunity to help. Wil you please send a gift to PACE today?

Quick Facts:
A forecasted 10-15% cut from arts groups funding across the board Cut productions means less number of artists employed, number of exhibitions that take place Cuts lead to fewer Alberta artists touring Canada and the world Culture is extremely important: It not only allows free speech but it makes the world a better, brighter place. It adds vibrancy. The world would be a really bleak place without the arts.

Were the ones telling Alberta stories, we need to foster that and we need to be proud of that, said Cournoyer, who is the artistic director of LUni Theatre, a francophone theatre company. If we dont, we lose our artists and they go elsewhere. Todays tough economic conditions make it difficult for us to meet the needs of artists without help from people like you. I am asking you to help us out this year by giving a tax-deductable donation to PACE. We work very hard to provide support for artists and arts organizations in the community each year and I hope we can count on you for a generous donation of $100 or more. However, please note that any donation amount is always welcomed. I thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to whatever support you can provide. If you are able to donate privately, please also check for matching funds through your employer. Many companies have matching programs which you may not be aware of. If you require additional information about PACE, please contact me and I wil be happy to answer any questions you may have. You may also visit www.paceedmonton.com online or contact them by phone (780-243-6223). You can also donate online. If you are sending your donation in the form of a cheque, please make it payable to The Performing Arts Coalition of Edmonton. Please know that all contributions you make wil positively impact our organization and the arts in Alberta. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request at this time. Sincerely, Jessica Marsh | PACE | 780-243-6223