MAR
7

Advocate for the Arts Any Time, All the Time

How to be a champion for the arts — and why 

It seems like the merits of art is a never-ending debate.

Rarely is there similar deliberation about the value of, say, science or technology, math, history, language, or even sports.  It’s generally agreed upon that these are subjects which will benefit the nation’s students throughout their lives by making them more-rounded and evenly educated people.

Rarely is there similar deliberation about the value of, say, science or technology, math, history, language, or even sports.  It’s generally agreed upon that these are subjects which will benefit the nation’s students throughout their lives by making them more-rounded and evenly educated people.

Rarely is there similar deliberation about the value of, say, science or technology, math, history, language, or even sports.  It’s generally agreed upon that these are subjects which will benefit the nation’s students throughout their lives by making them more-rounded and evenly educated people.

The double-standard may well have to do with perceived value as opposed to tangible, testable benefits.  In other words, standard school subjects can be scored, analyzed, and evaluated, and organized sports have their own very clear way of measuring success and rewarding teamwork.  But what’s the tangible value of building confidence?  Teaching stage presence?  Overcoming fears?  Challenging and conquering anxieties?  Being comfortable in your own body?  Finding your voice?

At Pioneer Drama, we’ve addressed the value of arts many times before and have always encouraged you to actively advocate for your program.  Just last year, to help you persuade your school board and administration to provide you with a more generous budget, we published an article about calculating your “numbers” to quantify the impact of the theatre program at your school.  The article referenced the Center for Online Education’s “Salient Studies on the Arts in Education” as examples of art’s abstract benefits.

Too long?  Didn’t read?  To summarize:  Involvement in the arts makes students more proficient in other studies, improving literacy, achievement, attendance, test scores, and graduation rates; it helps students develop visual analysis skills, learn from mistakes, be creative, and make better critical judgments; it improves motor control, attention, and motivation; and it strengthens communities and pays dividends for — not just students — but also teachers at schools with “strong art climates.”

So, what’s to debate, right?

Well, speaking of “paying dividends,” a recent response from one of the nation’s largest nonprofit arts advocacy groups only strengthens the tangible case for the arts by showing its impact beyond education and character development.

Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, has been vocal in his opposition of a proposed FY2019 federal budget which would terminate funding for the National Endowment of the Arts, effectively “zeroing out all funding for the nation’s federal cultural agencies.”  In calling the proposed budget “shortsighted,” Lynch pointed to long-term effects of the arts and culture on the economy — always a primary talking point of Congress.

“With only a $150 million annual appropriation, the NEA’s investment in every congressional district in the country contributes to a $730 billion arts and culture industry in America, representing 4.2 percent of the annual GDP,” Lynch said in a Feb. 12 statement.  “The nation’s arts and culture industry supports 4.8 million jobs and yields a $26 billion trade surplus for our country.

“Federal investment in the arts helps power the creative economy across the country,” he concluded.

Arts funding is sure to be a much-discussed topic at the upcoming Arts Advocacy Day, March 13 in Washington D.C.  How can you be part of the nationwide discussion, whether at the local, state, or national level?

Americans for the Arts offers the following tips and resources to advocate for the arts, anywhere and anytime.  (Also see this week’s downloadable for a year-long ““Arts Advocacy Action Calendar,” or go online to read Americans for the Arts’ full, interactive “Advocacy Toolkit.”)

Why Advocacy?

Constituents are the ideal grassroots advocates to convey to members of Congress how essential the arts and arts education are to a community.  You, your students, and their parents have the power to educate about the importance of the arts in your community and to engage legislators on important arts issues.  Without the help of vocal activists, members of Congress may not realize the ability of the arts to support jobs, engage kids in school, and change lives.

Ways to Advocate as an Individual

• Use customizable letters online to e-mail your representative about current legislative issues.  Topics can range from National Endowment for the Arts' appropriations to arts education funding.  (Visit the Americans for the Arts’ Action Fund website for online tools including customizable letters you can send your representatives about current legislative issues).
• Want to share your cause with the local press?  Write a letter to the editor of a local paper.
• Remind members of Congress about the impact creative industries have.  Make sure representatives are aware of the presence of creative organizations — and the jobs they support.

Ways to Advocate as an Organization

• Invite Senators and members of Congress to learn more about your organization and develop a connection with their office.  Make a habit of sending invitations for performances, as well as concerts, art exhibition openings, workshops, and more.  Follow-up on your invitation with a phone call to the district office.  If possible, invite them to give brief remarks.  If they are unable to attend, ask for a meeting when they are back in the district.
• If you are a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant or, for that matter, any other type of grant, let your representative know what a difference this extra funding has made for you and your community.
• Find a volunteer at your organization to create an arts advocacy program to encourage more people to get involved.  Take advantage of the same tools Americans for the Arts uses for online advocacy and become a Voter Voice Affiliate to boost your local advocacy efforts.

We know that your job is already overwhelming and all-consuming without having to advocate for its importance.  And yet, if you don’t speak up, the future of your position could be in jeopardy.  Luckily, you don’t have to be the only voice speaking up.  Look around and you’re sure to find students and parents who also have the passion, commitment, and desire to get involved and make a difference.