Tucson, Ariz.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva and Viva Arizona.org (Artists for Action) are working together to fight Arizona’s anti-immigration laws and help bring artists to the state. They will be hosting a joint press conference on the collaboration and upcoming related events on July 8 at the Beowulf Alley Theater, 11 S. 6th Ave, at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Initiated by Joey Burns of Calexico and David Slutes of the Sand Rubies, Artists for Action is a grassroots coalition of artists whose main mission is to bring about change through voter registration and education by connecting artists with local organizations.

“Artists can motivate and encourage action in our communities and change the direction of our state,” Grijalva said. “I feel very strongly that socially committed artists cannot come to Arizona without addressing the status of human rights in our state, and that is what I hope they will do.”

“Many local artists have been working to fight this law and others like it that stand in the way of civil rights,” said David Slutesof Artists for Action. “Our organization is a coalition of artists standing up for the protection of Arizona’s cultural identity.  We will offer support and resources for artists who want to mobilize their fan base and promote civic activism.”

This press conference is the beginning of a number of planned events leading up to a September 24 concert and rally.

For more information, please visit http://vivaarizona.org/

WHAT: Congressman Grijalva and VivaArizona.org (Artists for Action)

WHEN: Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:30 am.

WHERE:  Beowulf Alley Theater, 11 S. 6th Ave.