The City has begun its 2004 budget process. Here are three ways you can influence the final budget, which will include grants to artists and their organizations:

1. "Listening to Toronto", January 17-24, is a series of sessions at which members of the public will be asked to answer the following questions: What makes Toronto great? What challenges are we facing? What advice would you offer the City as it considers its 2004 budget? Mayor David Miller, Budget Chief David Socknaki and other Councillors will attend each session.

These sessions are almost fully-booked, but it may still be possible to register by calling 416-338-0338. We know that a number of Coalition members are participating. Please call or e-mail if you’d like any help with preparations.

For those Coalition members not attending Listening to Toronto sessions - it is not too late to participate. Written comments may be addressed to:
listeningtotoronto@toronto.ca. Or, write Mayor Miller and/or your Councillor directly .

2. Alternatively, members of the public may register to speak before Council
committees during February and March. Most important to the arts community are Economic Development and Parks Committee, which will hear deputations on February 2 (contact Betty Henderson, Secretary, at 416-392-8088), and the joint meeting of Policy & Finance and Budget Advisory Committees where deputations will be heard on March 30 (Contact Patsy Morris at 416-392-9151).

3. Call, e-mail, or write your councillor and/or the Mayor. Let them know that the arts are important to you and why. If you think the City should invest more heavily in the arts, let them know that too.

For more information, please contact Susan Wright, 416-392-6802 x211 or
susan@torontoartscouncil.org.