Now that the election is over, it’s time for the real work to begin. Arts advocacy depends on building relationships and educating our community about the value the arts bring to our quality of life and local economy.
According to the recent polling of our membership, only 33% have ever written their elected officials to ask them to support public arts funding. Are you passing up an opportunity to give voice to the arts experience?
Arts advocacy is more than just a financial plea in response to a budget crisis. A personal letter or note goes a long way to representing your patrons. A testimonial from a board member, a local business, or an audience member offers a special insight into the impact the arts provide.
When you write your legislators about the importance of the arts in your life, you make the arts important to them. Here is a contact list of your newly elected and re-elected federal and state legislators. Use this opportunity to congratulate them and introduce yourself. Set up a visit and start the conversation.
Randall Forte, Executive Director