"Where's the Money" Series: Artists in the Schools!

OUR ACTIVITY: Join in a discussion with Eleanor Oakley (President/CEO) and Regan Carlile, (new Program Coordinator), at the United Arts Council office. We will talk about presenting your creative talents for pay through the schools, then walk to nearby Sitti Restaurant for dinner.

CULTURAL ARTS BOOKING FAIR: Every August, there is a Cultural Arts Booking Fair (like a trade show) of vendors who offer programs to schools. There is also a printed of directory updated every year or two of the same vendors. The vendors include performers and other creative talents who entertain and/or put on other workshops and programs geared to offer some educational value, while working within the artists' discipline.

Artists and entertainers from all over actively bid for the school business. Those approved for listing earn generous fees for their programs.

The schools turn out for the August event and do their booking for the whole year. Funding for these programs is usually gained partially by the school's booster clubs (like the PTA) and supplemented with grants from the United Arts Council.

This year's Cultural Arts Booking Fair will be held Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wakefield High School in Raleigh. You may be able to attend to get a feel for the event.

COST OF EVENT: **Please note, UNPAID members of our group will be charged $5 to attend this meeting, or they may pay member dues of $10 (joining dues) through December of 2012. Dues paying members will not be charged an event fee. (**Everyone will pay the cost of their restaurant order). **Talk to me if you are bringing a non-member guest.

DINNER RESERVATIONS: We have a reservation that night at 7:30pm. Sitti Restaurant is located at 137 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601.

When you RSVP for our event, please let us know if you plan to stay with us for dinner. We need a final count BEFORE that Monday night. Here is their website: http://sitti-raleigh.com/index1.php

PARKING: There is a parking garage downtown in the same block as the United Arts Council office. They should stop charging around the 6pm mark and you should easily be able to find a parking space.