ARTS AT THE TABLE - ELECTION 2008

State Board of Elections Web Site
for all federal and state information:
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us

On the web site, go to Find Your County Board to see whose terms are up on your County Commission and School Board. Get informed about candidates' views on the arts as economic drivers, educations necessities, and value to community.

Important Dates:

• Filing period for most local elections: February 11-29 (but check your county's Board of Elections to confirm these dates)
• North Carolina Primary - May 6 (register to vote by April 11)
• State and Federal Elections - November 4 (register to vote by October 10)

Advocacy Facts:

• Recent research conducted by the North Carolina Arts Council indicates that household incomes are higher in counties with high concentrations of artists and creative professionals. Counties with higher proportions of workers in arts-related occupations are more likely to retain current residents and attract new ones. North Carolina counties with higher concentrations of creative workers have higher expenditures of tourism dollars.
   
• More than 12 million people annually participate in programs funded through the North Carolina Arts Council.
   
• During FY 2005-06, grants were awarded to 499 nonprofit arts organizations, 450 schools, community, and civic groups, and 149 individuals.
   
• Arts Council funding stimulates private giving – each grant dollar is matched by $18 from other sources.
   
• North Carolina cities (Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Charlotte) participated in an economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. Totals and averages include:
   
• Direct economic impact - $463.4 million
   
• Total event attendance – 10,555,195
   
• Average spending per person - $19.89(residents) $39.67 (non-residents)
   
• Full-Time equivalent jobs: 15,259
   
• State government tax revenue: $22 million
   

Live Expectantly.
 
Be Prepared.
 
Take Action.