cohen110409
On the homepage
Petters
Out There
Vikings
Artcetera
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Longtime state arts advocate is named to Obama's panel on arts, humanities
Longtime arts advocate Sen. Richard Cohen will serve on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on Digg
Sen. Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, has been appointed to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Cohen, who plays a key role in the Legislature on arts issues, was sworn in Tuesday by Vice President Joe Biden at the White House. The committee is scheduled to meet today with Michelle Obama, the honorary chair.
The committee works with three primary agencies: the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Cohen has served on boards of major arts organizations in the Twin Cities and advocated for greater state funding. He spearheaded the initiative -- passed last fall -- to include arts funding in the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. He chairs the Senate Finance Committee, and this year Americans for the Arts presented him with the State Leadership Arts Award.
Cohen has interesting company on the committee, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma; actors Edward Norton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard; George Wolfe, director and former artistic director at the Public Theatre in New York, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Cohen said by phone that it's very flattering to be appointed to the committee.
"It's like being a freshman legislator," he said. "I'll have a clearer idea after tomorrow about what we're going to do."
In addition to meeting with Michelle Obama, Cohen will attend a concert in the East Room of the White House.
"I wondered if Yo-Yo Ma would play, but then I saw that he's a member of the committee," Cohen said.
GRAYDON ROYCE
Recent State Politics stories
Rep. Kohls out of race for governor - November 3, 2009
Rep. Kohls out of race for governor - There's one fewer name in the crowded race to replace Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty next year. More
New federal law could require moving up Minn. election - November 3, 2009
New federal law could require moving up Minn. election - In signing a massive military spending bill Wednesday, President Obama made it more likely Minnesotans will go to the polls in the heat of summer. More
- Quam exits firm to help husband run for governor
- Library is pressed to take gang force report off Web
- Backed by House, 6 patients sue Pawlenty, state officials
- Lowry Bridge, Saints, Como Zoo fighting for your money
- Sowing survivalism seeds on talk radio
- Emotions erupt over county budget woes
- As commission presses, Vikes will 'move on'
- Minn. GOP biggest user of tax break Pawlenty axed
- House revives budget fight with Pawlenty
- Minn./Wis. reciprocity: Will workers be torn between two tax bills?
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! Get A ProfessionalFind home maintenance, car repair, legal advice, cleaning, and more in the Yellow Pages. Go now! |
Win tickets to Erik Friedlander's 'Block Ice & Propane' in McGuire Theater at Walker Art Center.Vita.mn presents Erik Friedlander's 'Block Ice & Propane' in McGuire Theater at Walker Art Center on Dec. 5. |
Comment on this story | Read all 18 comments | Hide reader comments