Contact: Ben Newbern
American Arts Alliance
(202) 518-8846

Washington, DC — The American Arts Alliance today announced the launch of Pledge for the Arts, a campaign asking the major Democratic and Republican presidential candidates to commit their support for arts programs across the country. The pledge is intended to give each candidate an opportunity to explain the role their administration would have in promoting and supporting the arts in American society.

“The American Arts Alliance is calling on presidential candidates to take the Pledge for the Arts, a commitment to encourage the creative development and appreciation for the arts that is so key to our lives,” said Sandra Gibson, Chair of the AAA. “The arts impact not only local economies and cultural climates, but also the way in which we motivate our communities, the avenues through which they find creative expression, and the curriculum with which we inspire our children.”

The Pledge asks candidates to “support the performing arts as an essential element of our society, encourage creativity in our communities, promote global cultural diplomacy and exchange of the arts, and stimulate the circulation of arts and ideas.” The AAA has approached the presidential campaigns of Pres. George Bush, Amb. Carol Moseley Braun, Gen. Wesley Clark, Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. John Edwards, Rep. Richard Gephardt, Sen. John Kerry, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rev. Al Sharpton.

“While the Pledge does not ask candidates for specific dollar amounts or endorsements of any policy, its result will send a message to not only the arts community but the nation as a whole that their administrations would be dedicated to the appreciation of the role the arts play in our communities, our schools and our lives,” added Gibson.

Established in 1977, the AAA is the principal advocate for America’s professional non-profit performing arts organizations and their audiences in representing arts interests and advancing arts support before Congress and other branches of the federal government. To achieve this mission, the AAA informs legislators and policy makers of the vital role of the arts in American society, and advocates the development of national policies that recognize, enhance and foster the contributions that the arts make to America.

A 501(c)4 organization, the AAA Board of Directors is chaired by Sandra Gibson, President and CEO of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and its members include arts organizations Dance/USA, Opera America and Theatre Communications Group.