Fun Palaces 2014 is a fantastic reflection of the creativity of British communities, and there has rarely been a better opportunity to highlight this to the decision makers that define the UK’s cultural landscape.

We’re encouraging all Fun Palaces Makers to invite their local MP to attend their Fun Palace. You can find out who your local MP is and how to contact them here.

Rather than simply sending an email, we’d love, if possible, for you to create a more ‘artistic’ invitation.

For example, you might decorate the outside of the envelope, write a poem, tweet them a film of why you think their attendance is important, or deliver it in person in costume. Whatever it means to you.

(above: Farnham Fun Palaces’s brilliant Mail Art submission from earlier this year)

Don’t forget to share your invitation with us through social media using #FunPalaces.

You could also let your local newspaper know, it’s a great news story for them and a chance to start building the buzz about your event.

The best time to send the invitation is early September, when MPs will have returned from Summer break, and before they enter Party Conference season (21 September – 8 October) – so they enter their Conference with the vibrancy of British arts and culture well and truly at the forefront of their minds.

Local authorities also have a significant part to play in supporting arts and cultures, and you may wish to extend the invitation to your local councillors and elected officials.

Below we’ve provided a suggested wording for the invitation, but feel free to be more creative!

Your name
Your address

Name of MP
MP address

Insert date

Dear add MP’s name

Invitation to insert full name of Fun Place here

I am writing to you as a local constituent, and the Maker of insert Fun Palace name here, to invite you to visit us during the weekend of the 4 & 5 October 2014, insert time if necessary.

Insert Name of Fun Palacehas been created by our local community and includes events including insert event details.

Insert name of Fun Palaceis part of Fun Palaces 2014, a free, nationwide celebration of arts, culture and sciences taking place on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October. Marking the 100th birthday of Joan Littlewood, one of the Twentieth Century’s most significant cultural innovators, Fun Palaces 2014 brings to life the vision she created with architect Cedric Price for spaces linking arts and sciences, entertainment and education, a campaign of culture at the heart of all of human life.

We would be delighted if you could come and see what we have achieved.

Yours Sincerely,

Insert name