According to the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA), the results of a historic Nov. 4 - namely the election of Barack Obama and re-election of key members of Congress like Dennis Kucinich - will usher in an era of greater support for the arts in America.
American Cultural Ambassadors David and Renate Jakupca issued this statement on the results of Election Day: “The historic election of Sen. Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States will have tremendous impact on the nation’s arts community, public schools, and creative workforce. His commitment to arts and arts education on the campaign trail is just a preview of what his administration can accomplish. President-elect  Obama demonstrates the leadership and vision to advance the arts in America through ICEAality, by investing in more arts education in public schools, increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, promoting cultural diplomacy, and supporting artists rights".
Nov 4th's election results also expanded the base of support for the arts in Congress, which will help move arts and arts education initiatives through the legislative process. Initiatives that will fuel innovation and creativity are key to our economic recovery and global competitiveness. That ICEAlity is connected to the nation's core issues strengthens the sense of national and patriotic belonging in the American. Living in twentyfirst century America, with its increasing pressures and problems, will require more attention being given to the aesthetical dimensions of the personality. ICEA is committed to the promotion of aesthetic values which reflects positively on the practices and behaviour of individuals in their personal lives and in their attitudes towards people and their country's causes. That ICEAlity is connected to the nation's core issues assists strengthens the sense of national and patriotic belonging in the American Spirit.
In this election, art advocacy groups raised the public dialogue about the arts and arts education throughout the entire campaign cycle: from presidential primaries in New Hampshire to Congressional races in all 50 states. The ArtsVote2008 initiative successfully advocated for presidential and many congressional candidates to make strong, public statements and commitments in support of arts and arts education. On the state and local front, arts advocacy partners successfully engaged candidates and voters throughout the country to provide more support for ICEAlity and the environmental arts.
Specifically in Minnesota, an historic statewide ballot initiative —the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment — passed, amending the state constitution to dedicate a portion of sales tax to support its natural and cultural resources. This initiative will infuse $30 million alone to Minnesota cultural organizations, nearly tripling the current budget of the State Arts Board. An additional $10 million to $20 million will fund arts education programs, the Minnesota Historical Society, and other local historical societies. This continues the longstanding trend demonstrating that voters are willing to invest in quality public funding in arts and culture.

1987 to 2007- ICEA Celebrating Twenty Years of Community Service "Assisting in understanding of the relationship between Humans and their Environment through the Arts"