(L-R): Leon Kuehner, Executive Director of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education; Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts; Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations; Robin Walenta, Vice Chair of NAMM and President of West Music Co.; presidential candidate Sen. Rick Santorum; TJ Marcsisak, CEO of Nishna Valley Credit Union; Chris Kramer, Deputy Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (Iowa Arts Council); Linda Langston, Linn County IA Supervisor; and Paul Dennison, Iowa Arts Council Board/KILJ Radio.
NAMM recently joined national and regional partners, including Americans for the Arts, Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, Iowa Arts Council, the United States Conference of Mayors, Americans for the Arts Action Fund and Bravo Greater Des Moines, to present the first-ever Iowa Arts Advocacy Caucus in Des Moines IA during the state fair. The event offered advocacy training as a prelude to Iowa’s presidential caucus process. Four campaigns sent either the candidate or a representative to present their policy positions about the importance of music and arts education in schools and the community. The event attracted 170 leaders from various organizations, as well as educators and supporters from across the U.S. NAMM’s support for the event will help ensure both music and the arts are front-of-mind during the 2016 presidential campaign.
“We must urge our presidential candidates, and all elected officials, to articulate their support and plans to assure that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow with music and the arts,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. During the event, former Sen. Rick Santorum, who represented Pennsylvania, shared why he supports music and the arts. Robin Walenta, Vice Chair of NAMM and President of Iowa-based West Music Co., introduced former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s daughter, who represented his position. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Dr. Ben Carson each had campaign representatives attend on the candidate’s behalf. The event also featured interactive training sessions presented by partner organizations.