Winter 2006 Issue

A Message From John M. Rohman, Chair

John M. Rohman, Chair
Rebecca Swanson Conrad, Vice Chair

Executive Committee
John M. Rohman, Bangor
Rebecca Swanson Conrad, Auburn
Katy Kline, Brunswick
Jeffrey McKeen, Freedom
Lee Sharkey, Vienna
Lynn Thompson, Boothbay
Mark Torres, Surry

At-Large Members
Rich Abramson, Readfield
Joseph Donald Cyr, Lille-sur-St-Jean
Hugh French, Eastport
Lee Griswold, Auburn
Victoria M. Hershey, Portland
Noah Keteyian, Rockland
Stuart Nudelman, Ogunquit
Mark C. Scally, East Millinocket
Donald Sharland, Saco
Jessica Tomlinson, Portland
Rebecca Welsh, Rumford
Stephen Wicks, Orono

Successful Partnerships

Having just returned from another trip to Washington, DC as well as a meeting with our State leaders in Augusta, the issue of advocacy is on the top of my mind. As many of you are aware, Alden and I visit our Congressional Delegation in Washington at various times, at least once a year. In the past, this was to seek their support of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the resulting funds for the Maine Arts Commission.

Frankly for us, this was a very easy, and in the eyes of the NEA, a very rewarding task. Why? Because we are very fortunate to have positive support of our entire delegation from Senators Snowe and Collins to Representatives Michaud and Allen. We are one of only a handful of states that have the luxury of unanimous support.

With this in mind, we have now expanded our dialogue on these trips to, “How can we be partners in their goals as well as ours?” When we now put our hand out it is to shake their hand rather than simply ask for money. This has been quite effective, and their support has been very helpful in realizing funds for projects throughout the state such as funding for the Oceangate new transportation center’s public art project in Portland or assistance from NEA’s Folk Arts Program for supporting master folk artists to carry on traditions through a statewide apprenticeship program.

This same approach, of a stronger outreach, was expanded on our most recent trip to include a direct visit to a number of the program managers of the NEA. Clearly, it is not feasible for every Maine organization to make these calls and do face-to-face discussions for their institutions. We found our last trip to the NEA to be extremely insightful and to open up real potential for funding opportunities.

Alden and I were pleased at the warm welcome and sincere encouragement we received for future applications. We want the Maine Arts Commission to be a true advocate for you and/or your institution. Please use us as a resource not only for direct Maine Arts Commission funding, but also keep us in the loop on other applications. We can be an advocate for you and also help make that DC connection with NEA or our delegation on your behalf.

Please also consider the same outstretched hands as a partner to your Maine legislators. We are very aware through the New Century Community Program how effective the one-on-one contact with your local state representatives produces results. We all need to continue those partnerships on all levels.

John M. Rohman
Chair