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Bumper to bumper
By Stephanie Kendrick
support for the arts
Assistant Features EditorIf you value the contribution made by arts groups, you could voice your support through bumper stickers. But if bumper stickers just aren't your style, The Hawaii Alliance for Art Education may have created the just means you need to advertise that support.
The arts license plate decal, an idea similar to the combat veterans decal, has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Designed by Clarence Lee, the colorful decal should begin popping up on Hawaii autos in mid-February.
Lee, famous for his Chinese zodiac postal stamps, was chosen to do the work based on his talent and support of the alliance. "He is extremely aware of what appeals graphically to the eye," said Marilyn Cristofori, alliance executive director. "We wanted something people would look at and say, 'Gee, I'd like one too.' "
The alliance needs pledges from 150 people to satisfy its commitment to the DMV. There is a one-time fee of $5.50 for replacement plates, plus an annual fee of $25 that will be tacked onto the cost of vehicle registration.
Of that $25 annual fee, $20 goes to the alliance, the rest covers the DMV's administrative costs. "It's pretty generous. We were pleased," said Cristofori.
The alliance serves as a network for arts organizations of all disciplines, dance, music, theater and visual arts. Its purpose is to promote the arts as vital to the education of children.
Founded 20 years ago by Alfred Preis, the first director of State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and designer of Arizona Memorial, the alliance is the Hawaii member of the national Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, allowing it to offer access to national scholarships, among other things.
The group's local programs include bringing the arts to needy children; reviving the ancient Hawaiian form of puppetry, hula ki'i; offering professional development for teachers; and maintaining the "Artists in Hawaii Guide" directory and a website where more than 200 artists have individual pages (www.arts-hawaii.org).
Its 90 arts and education organization members include most Hawaii schools, The Contemporary Museum, Hawaii Craftsmen, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Oahu Choral Society and Tau Dance Theatre. It also has more than 300 individual artist members.
The idea to do a license plate decal was inspired by similar programs in other states. Costs for the decals amount to about $3 per set. Seventy percent of the revenue generated will support the alliance's community programs, which now live and die based on grant writing success. "We were looking for a way to stabilize those programs," said Cristofori.
The other 30 percent of revenue will serve members. Initial funds will be used in a campaign to promote the arts in general.
Cristofori acknowledges the $20 annual donation is not an enormous money-making endeavor, but her hope is it will pay off in broader support for the arts.
Bishop Museum also is introducing a license plate decal. It plans to use the revenues to support education programs.
The museum's decals have been produced and will be available directly from the DMV as soon as the department's computers are ready to handle the new program. That system is expected to be in place by the end of the month.
Art supporter on board
To pledge: For a set of Hawaii Alliance for Art Education decals send name, address, telephone/fax numbers and email address to Hawaii Alliance for Art Education, 2445 Kaala St., Honolulu, HI 96822; fax to 942-9440; or email haae@aloha.net. The alliance will send out notices when the decals are ready for distribution by the DMV.
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