Support Local Arts & Culture

[expo at lists.artsandmedia.net]

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       Expo Winter Fund Drive
       Funds raised so far: $1,075   //   Goal:  $2,000

       Donate online: http://artsandmedia.net/contributions/

       * Full details on making a tax-deductible
         donation are at the end of this email. *

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Dear friend of local arts and culture,

The Expo for the Artist & Musician emerged out of the agonies of the  
first dot-com boom, amid the infamous "cultural clearcutting" and  
rampant evictions of that burgeoning new Gilded Age.

The idea was to provide access to resources, education and networking  
for the beseiged but widespread local arts community, most of which  
did and does operate outside of the mainstream, on the economic and  
cultural margins.

In 2008 we're looking at the NINTH anniversary of the Expo, an event  
that has evolved over the years to encompass not just visual arts and  
music, but also literature and publishing, theater, dance, film and  
video, and more.

We've also grown to include musical performances, film screenings,  
gallery events, and a year-round curriculum of DIY Workshops and  
salons for culture workers of every description.

Throughout it all, Expo events have remained free or affordable.

We will never price out or turn away folks who lack financial means,  
but who nevertheless seek to develop their work as independent artists.

The flip side of this is -- those who can afford to support us, do.  
And whether it's a $2 donation at the door, or a $100 check in the  
mail, we are exceptionally grateful, and put it directly to work in  
support of our programs for local arts and culture.

We pursue this work because we understand democracy first and foremost  
as a dialogue -- and the arts are one of the most important  
wellsprings of independent voices and ideas in any democracy.

We do not seek to anoint a particular voice, or define who is an  
artist or what art is. Rather, we simply seek to do our part to ensure  
that these voices -- yours -- have access to the resources and  
connections they need to be heard.

2008 will bring many changes to the Expo and related services, which  
you'll be hearing much more about in the coming months.

Some of these changes have been in the works for several years, and  
will help us more effectively serve and advocate for the diverse  
communities that make the Expo so unique and vital.

As we look forward to all of this, we are grateful for your generous,  
tax-deductible donations, which -- along with your own creative works  
as an independent artist -- are as direct an investment as you can  
make in the culture and community of your home town.

Thank you again for raising your voice, and for letting us help along the way.

Sincerely,

The Expo Volunteers

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HERE'S HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS & CULTURE IN 2008

       Expo Winter Fund Drive
       Funds raised so far: $1,075   //   Goal:  $2,000

       Recommended donations: $25, $50, $100, $500 or more.

       Donate online: http://artsandmedia.net/contributions/

       Snail Mail (checks only!): Independent Arts & Media
       PMB 821 * 601 Van Ness Ave., Ste. E * SF, CA 94102

       * All donations are tax-deductible. *
       * Thank you for your generous support! *

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