Post by alimcg on Dec 11, 2009 20:53:42 GMT 10
Times are tough for the Melbourne Jazz Co-op. For those of you who don't know, the MJC recently lost it's Arts Victoria funding for the 2010 program. This means that the MJC will struggle to maintain the great programming level that it's presented in recent years, of three gigs a week.
Martin Jackson and the MJC Committee have been working tirelessly for a long time on the MJC (especially Martin), but it's time for more of us to get involved. Many of you have benefited from the great work of the MJC over the years - as paid performers and appreciative audience members - and it's time to give something back.
Recently Mark Isaacs presented a special fundraising concert for the MJC - now, we're not asking you to go that far, but there are a few easy things you can do to help ensure the MJC's survival.
This can be done very easily. Don't feel that you have to do everything suggested here, but every little bit helps.
1. Become a Member of the MJC - anyone can become member:
2010 Associate Membership of the MJC starts from as little as $20 a year (students/unemployed/musicians), and the benefits are better than ever. Upon signing up you'll receive a free CD and a free pass to one MJC concert. Members are also entitled to concession admission prices for all MJC performances, discounts on selected special events, a 20% discount on extempore journal, and regular give-aways via the e-newsletter. You'll soon be able to sign-up online at the MJC's new website (to be launched soon at mjc.org.au), as well as being able to sign up at MJC gigs and by cheque or EFT (email membership@mjc.org.au for details).
Improving our membership base is one of the best ways to help us gain more funding in the future.
2. Write to one of these people showing your support for the MJC and protesting against the funding cut:
The Premier, Rt. Hon. John Brumby, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, 3002. premier@dpc.vic.gov.au
Minister for the Arts, Rt. Hon. Ms. Lyn Kosky, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, 3002. lynne.kosky@parliament.vic.gov.au
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, Rt. Hon. Rob Hudson, 379 Centre Road, Bentleigh, 3204. rob.hudson@parliament.vic.gov.au
Your local State member of Parliament (if you're in Victoria, obviously!)
Penny Hutchinson, Director Arts Victoria penny.hutchinson@dpc.vic.gov.au
Andrew Abbott, Artists and Organisations Manager. andrew.abbott@dpc.vic.gov.au
It doesn't have to be a long letter, but these people need to know how much the MJC means to the Melbourne music scene.
3. Get out and support the MJC by attending gigs.
More (paying) people through the door at MJC gigs improves our chances of regaining our funding in the future.
4. Even if you don't want to be a member, at least join the e-newsletter mailing list.
Email your name and email to info@mjc.org.au with "e-newsletter" in the subject field. Even by just expanding our email list we improve our funding chances.
5. Sign up a friend to MJC membership
Give the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas! Having members from outside the musicians' community is vital to the financial viability of the scene. Current members who sign up new members will go into the draw for an MJC prize-pack. Email membership@mjc.org.au for details.
6. Donate some of your time and skills to the MJC
The MJC is often looking for volunteers to help out with a range of activities. Email volunteers@mjc.org.au to find out how you can help.
And don't forget to check our facebook page or www.myspace.com/melbournejazzcoop for details of upcoming gigs.
Martin Jackson and the MJC Committee have been working tirelessly for a long time on the MJC (especially Martin), but it's time for more of us to get involved. Many of you have benefited from the great work of the MJC over the years - as paid performers and appreciative audience members - and it's time to give something back.
Recently Mark Isaacs presented a special fundraising concert for the MJC - now, we're not asking you to go that far, but there are a few easy things you can do to help ensure the MJC's survival.
This can be done very easily. Don't feel that you have to do everything suggested here, but every little bit helps.
1. Become a Member of the MJC - anyone can become member:
2010 Associate Membership of the MJC starts from as little as $20 a year (students/unemployed/musicians), and the benefits are better than ever. Upon signing up you'll receive a free CD and a free pass to one MJC concert. Members are also entitled to concession admission prices for all MJC performances, discounts on selected special events, a 20% discount on extempore journal, and regular give-aways via the e-newsletter. You'll soon be able to sign-up online at the MJC's new website (to be launched soon at mjc.org.au), as well as being able to sign up at MJC gigs and by cheque or EFT (email membership@mjc.org.au for details).
Improving our membership base is one of the best ways to help us gain more funding in the future.
2. Write to one of these people showing your support for the MJC and protesting against the funding cut:
The Premier, Rt. Hon. John Brumby, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, 3002. premier@dpc.vic.gov.au
Minister for the Arts, Rt. Hon. Ms. Lyn Kosky, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, 3002. lynne.kosky@parliament.vic.gov.au
Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, Rt. Hon. Rob Hudson, 379 Centre Road, Bentleigh, 3204. rob.hudson@parliament.vic.gov.au
Your local State member of Parliament (if you're in Victoria, obviously!)
Penny Hutchinson, Director Arts Victoria penny.hutchinson@dpc.vic.gov.au
Andrew Abbott, Artists and Organisations Manager. andrew.abbott@dpc.vic.gov.au
It doesn't have to be a long letter, but these people need to know how much the MJC means to the Melbourne music scene.
3. Get out and support the MJC by attending gigs.
More (paying) people through the door at MJC gigs improves our chances of regaining our funding in the future.
4. Even if you don't want to be a member, at least join the e-newsletter mailing list.
Email your name and email to info@mjc.org.au with "e-newsletter" in the subject field. Even by just expanding our email list we improve our funding chances.
5. Sign up a friend to MJC membership
Give the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas! Having members from outside the musicians' community is vital to the financial viability of the scene. Current members who sign up new members will go into the draw for an MJC prize-pack. Email membership@mjc.org.au for details.
6. Donate some of your time and skills to the MJC
The MJC is often looking for volunteers to help out with a range of activities. Email volunteers@mjc.org.au to find out how you can help.
And don't forget to check our facebook page or www.myspace.com/melbournejazzcoop for details of upcoming gigs.