The following is a statement from Olga Stefan, Executive Director of the Chicago Artists’ Coalition (CAC).

Please help us convince aldermen to OPPOSE the proposed Public Art Ordinance, up for vote on June 13th. This revised ordinance will take away voting rights from citizens in the Percent For Art program, paid for by tax-payers, and will eliminate any remaining transparency in the decision-making process regarding public art commissions. All decision-making power will be transferred to the Department of Cultural Affairs staff, with no voting opportunities from the art community or other citizens.

What you can do to help us win at least 26 alderman votes:

Send us a letter with your signature stating your support for the CAC’s cause, and OPPOSING the Public Art Ordinance. We need your letters urgently, before Monday, June 11th. See Sample below.

Call your alderman and state your OPPOSITION to the ordinance. Find your ward here.

Write a letter to or email the editor of all local publications and newspapers: Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times

Write a letter to or email Mayor Daley at:
Mayor Richard M. Daley
121 N. LaSalle Street
5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
MayorDaley@CityofChicago.org

Attend the rally scheduled for Monday, June 11, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Picasso Sculpture.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you.

Olga Stefan
Executive Director
Chicago Artists’ Coalition
70 E Lake Street, #230
Chicago, IL 60601
www.caconline.org
312-781-0040
olga@caconline.org

Sample Letter

Your address here

Date here

Ms. Olga Stefan
Executive Director
Chicago Artists’ Coalition
70 E Lake Street, #230
Chicago, IL 60601

Subject: Opposition to Proposed Public Art Ordinance in Chicago

Dear Ms. Stefan:

I am writing in support of the Chicago Artists’ Coalition’s efforts to oppose the Proposed Public Art Ordinance, up for vote on June 13, 2007. I believe that the public has a right to have an opinion and a vote on what is to be displayed in the City of Chicago. I believe that the proposed ordinance will take away voting rights from citizens in the Percent For Art program and will eliminate any public involvement in the decision-making process regarding public art commissions.

Sincerely,

Your signature here

Your name here