November 8, 2004

Susan S. Weiner, Executive Director

Georgia Council for the Arts

260 14^th Street, Suite 401

Atlanta, Georgia 30318

VIA FACSIMILE (404) 685-2788

Dear Director Weiner

I am writing on behalf of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.  We  are an organization that seeks to advance the cause of open government and monitors freedom of information issues throughout this state.

            It has been brought to our attention that the Georgia Council for the Arts is refusing to allow members of the public to videotape and or audiotape Council meetings.  We are concerned that this practice is contrary to the state’s public policy and open meetings law.  Georgia’s Open Meetings Act provides that “the public at all times shall be afforded access to meetings declared open to the public… and …. Visual, sound, and visual and sound recordings during open meetings shall be permitted.”  O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(a) (emphasis added).

            I have enclosed a copy of Georgia Law Enforcement And the Open Records Act, which discusses this issue and well as other similar ones.

            We would appreciate an explanation as to what will be done to remedy this violation that toes against the interest of the public, and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience in this regard.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hollie Manheimer

Executive Director

Enclosure

Cc:       GFAF Board