2:42pm | In perhaps the first press release of its kind, the Arts Council of Long Beach today sent an e-mail advising that people not send money their way. Unless, that is, you’ve already supported the local arts in another way first.

The press release calls on holiday donations to be made directly to local artists and institutions, rather than to the Council, which is more of an advocate and partnership organization. Since their whole mission is to support the arts in Long Beach, the Council is using their influence to encourage donations that will benefit the specific musicians, symphony, performers, authors, galleries and institutions that you personally find most deserving.

If you’ve done that first, then by all means, send a little love the Arts Council’s way. Here’s the exact wording.

Please do not make an end of year contribution to the Arts Council for Long Beach UNLESS you have already renewed your subscription to your favorite Long Beach music, opera, theater or performing group. Or, you have already become a member or made a contribution to the museum, gallery, or artists’ group that inspires your passion for the visual arts. Or, you have supported local artists, musicians, dancers and authors by purchasing their work or buying tickets to see their performances.

Once you’ve done that, however, feel free to give to the Arts Council and the many programs they support. Over the past year, the group has helped more than 2,000 Long Beach Unified School District students get involved in art programs, finished a cultural master plan called “Create Long Beach,” opened a new public art gallery called The Collaborative, installed temporary and permanent public art throughout underserved neighborhoods and doled out more than $175,000 in grants to various artists and organizations.

Where will you give this year?

Disclosure: Long Beach Post publisher Shaun Lumachi is a Arts Council of Long Beach board member.