The great recession, as it’s now called, continues to wreak havoc on local government, school districts and our state.  Yet because of our grassroots power, arts and arts education are no longer sacrificed or treated as dessert. Congratulations, advocates-- that’s a success in itself!

Danielle Brazell blogs on what Budget Season 2011 may have in store, and what we can do to be a part of the solution.

The other night I had the opportunity to participate in a convening in the 2010 Bravo Forum. A program of the Music Center of Los Angeles County, the Forum's theme was Empowering Educators as Advocates for Arts Education.

Something’s happening here! Our vast region of 88 cities, 81 school districts and approximately 140 (that’s right, 140!) unincorporated areas is transforming once again.

I’ve been thinking….

About why I do what I do. It could feel like a never-ending battle to increase support for the arts in Los Angeles, especially during tough budget cycles.

It's hard to believe it was just four years ago that I was working in the basement of Grand Performances, plugging in the phone lines, building our first website and membership campaign.

Whew! Take a deep breath, advocates.

They say advocacy is all about numbers: the number of people in a network and the number of constituents who take action. While this is true, advocacy is also about relationships. Having solid relationships with those in your network as well as those you advocate to is essential to developing the trust needed to make successful change.

Thanks to your efforts, the Campaign to retain the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs' TOT allocation was a success.