(DFL- Mpls) received an Arts All Star Award from Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) on September 19, 2012 at MacPhail Center for Music. The award was in recognition of Rep. Champion's support of the arts in the 2012 legislative session and represents one of only a few Arts All Star Awards being presented this year."We are proud to thank a legislator who understands the importance of the arts to our communities," said Sheila Smith, Executive Director of MCA. "He has been very important to making sure the constitutional language and intent of the Legacy Amendment are followed, and voted against using Legacy funding for a stadium."
The award is designed to show the arts community's appreciation to legislators who display a significant understanding, interest, and support for the arts.
Rep. Champion has an interesting arts background. He worked with Flyte Tyme Productions and was co-founder and director of the Grammy-nominated Excelsior Choir. He has been very involved in youth music education for years. "I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition from such a fine organization. MCA represents the best of arts & culture in Minnesota, and I'll continue to fight for the richness that the arts bring to our state," said Champion.
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization whose mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts. MCA organizes the arts community and lobbies the Minnesota State Legislature and Congress on issues pertaining to the nonprofit arts and conducts original research. MCA works with over 42,000 arts advocates in Minnesota. For more information on MCA, this project or statistics about the arts in Minnesota, please contact MCA Executive Director Sheila Smith at the above number or view MCA's website.
