July 24, 2006

Bovey Lee

1531 Scott Lane #2

Pittsburgh , PA 15217

RE: ARTSLAMS at the Asian American Arts Centre

Dear Special Arts Services Staff:

I write to express my disappointment and concern regarding the funding termination of ArtSlams organized and hosted by the Asian American Art Centre in New York. I ask that you reconsider your decision and continue to support this meaningful and important program.

I am an artist and educator currently teaching at the University of Pittsburgh. Last June, I served as one of the commentators of ArtSlams. The event was actively participated and well-attended by emerging artists and the public audience. As a professional artist, I have not come across many opportunities like ArtSlams, in which emerging and under-represented artists present their works to a live audience and gain feedback from curators, artists, and educators in the arts. After the event, I told Robert Lee, AAAC's executive director, that I wished there were ArtSlams when I just earned my MFA degree and was in the early stage of developing my career.

ArtSlams were clearly a very well-prepared and well-focused program with important mission and significant impact. Prior to the event, the Centre's staff and executive director, Robert Lee, prepared for the organization, scheduling, presentation and forum formatting, and other details of the event. The event was executed in a professional fashion and the conversations were very lively, stimulating, and interesting.

After the event, the Centre's staff, myself, and the other commentator discussed the outcome of the evening during a post-event meeting. We also gave thoughts on how to improve and expand the program in the future. We were energized and excited about the level of participation of and positive feedback on the program. The Centre also sent out an electronic survey to ask for all the participants' feedback, comments, & suggestions.

I believe the ArtSlam program is very worthwhile and meaningful. In addition, ArtSlams are also a very unique and valuable program that offer the kind of opportunity that is unlike other art institutions, such as commercial galleries and museums that don't always focus on assisting young and under-represented artists to develop their professional portfolios and skills necessary for their budding careers.

I urge you to continue your funding support of ArtSlams for the program is a rare and indispensable resource for young and under-represented artists.

If you would like to discuss this matter with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bovey Lee

Artist and 2005 ArtSlam commentator