Press Release

For Immediate Release
February 16, 2009
 
Contact: Meredith Craig
(972) 906-7441
www.iaam.org

 

International Association of Assembly Managers
joins other organizations in Appeal to Congress for inclusion of
Performing Arts in Stimulus Bill

Coppell, TX - Tomorrow, February 17, the ‘Stimulus’ bill, H.R 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will be signed into law by President Obama. This bill marks a significant victory for the arts community in the US as money for the arts prevails in the Final Version of the bill. Working with other groups on behalf of IAAM and, encouraging IAAM members to communicate with their respective representatives, Turner Madden, Esq., pursued inclusion of language in the bill for performing arts venues.

On February 6th, an amendment, introduced by Senator Coburn (R-OK), passed the Senate prohibiting funds in the Economic Stimulus Bill from going to museums, theaters, and arts centers. Following the reconciliation of the House and Senate versions of the Economic Stimulus Bill, some of the Coburn Amendment language was removed. The final bill now allows these arts institutions to compete for economic recovery funds.

“This is an incredible outcome to what could have been a disastrous decision; if it had not been for our many members that spoke out and took action,” said Robyn L. Williams, CFE, of the Portland Performing Arts Center and President of IAAM. “These venues are important economic generators.”

This past Friday, Congress approved $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and deleted the Senate version of the bill that eliminated arts centers and theaters from receiving stimulus money. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi helped the House version prevail in the final bill so that arts centers and theaters will be able to receive stimulus money. The key focus was on the number of jobs in the arts industry which also encourages travel and tourism. Forty percent of the funds are to be re-granted through the state and regional arts agencies and sixty percent will be direct grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Public assembly venues are not just a vital part of cultural impact for communities but are an important economic driver as well. Our many members are strong advocates for the communities they represent and dedicate themselves to making a difference in the communities where they serve,” stated Dexter King, CFE, Executive Director for IAAM.

The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage public assembly venues such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,600 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.  

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