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Be a Champion of the Arts

Helpful resources for advocating for the arts 

We don’t have to tell you — you all know the challenges and struggles with funding a theatre program, and sadly, that is not likely to change any time soon.  Despite reports that show how beneficial school arts programs are to the development of our children, budgets remain tight and creative fundraising is the name of the game.

Beyond fundraising, however, it’s also important to advocate for your program.  When it comes time to apply for your annual budget, you should come prepared with an armory of information to justify your existence.  There are dozens of studies out there that show the benefits children receive from participating in the performing arts.  In the resources section below are links with helpful information for you to use.

It also helps to build a year-round strategy utilizing parents of your students to write letters advocating for your arts program to school and district administrators and the local school board.  Past students who’ve now graduated from college can also write powerful testimonials as to how their high school theatre experience has helped them in their college success, job search, and career.

In order to help secure continued funding for programs like yours, the National Arts Education Association (NAEA) gives the following advice for advocacy.  Notice how the three sections all connect to each other, building an advocacy web.

Communicate a clear MESSAGE

• The message is the answer to the question:  “Why is learning in the performing arts essential to education in the 21st century?”
• Use data.
• Tell compelling personal stories.
• Tap into your NETWORK’s values and concerns.
• Make your message VISIBLE.

Be VISIBLE

• Make an advocacy plan.
• Get out of your theater and into the community with your MESSAGE.
• Capitalize on the “visual” part of theatre.
• Show your NETWORK what arts literacy, 21st century college and career readiness, and engaged learning look like through exhibitions, media stories, and community events.  (HINT:  The work and “voices” of your students are the most compelling.)

Activate an Advocacy NETWORK

• Identify and build an advocacy network.  Action requires committed people.  Include parents, students, administrators, and the media to influence education decision makers and legislators.
• Communicate your MESSAGE to your network.
• Partner with your state/regional NAEA organization, your state Alliance for Arts Education affiliate, and your state’s arts advocacy citizens group.
• Leverage your network to impact policy and budget.
• Keep your network engaged by being VISIBLE.
• Activate your network in times of crisis.  (HINT:  A parent network can be your most effective advocacy tool.  Think social networking.)

Resources

The following resources are just a few we found that will help you with your process.  If you know of others that you find especially helpful, let us know and we will update this list!  (Note:  The pdfs linked below may have a virus warning, but they are all from trusted sites.)

• The Arts Education Parent Advocacy Toolkit
• Kennedy Center “Why Art Matters” articles
• Benefits of High Arts Involvement
• Art Involvement’s Impact on Dropout Rate
• Preparing Students for the Workplace
• 3 Reasons Why Brain Research Should Guide Arts Scheduling in Schools
• Arts Education Partnership Research & Policy — ArtScan
• Performing Arts Alliance Advocacy Basics