Arts Advocacy Day 2018
Arts Advocacy Day 2018 was celebrated at the Nashville Public Library on March 7 with over 300 advocates in attendance. TFTA’s Board President welcomed everyone and thanked TFTA’s 100% Advocates and Pacesetter members. Senator Becky Massey from Knoxville took the stage for an inspiring keynote address. Senator Massey, the newly appointed Chair of the TN General Assembly Arts Caucus, has been a long-time supporter of the arts in Tennessee.
Rodney Van Valkenburg, Tennessee Co-Captain for Americans for the Arts’ State Arts Action Network briefed the audience on current federal arts policy and explained how those who are interested in action at the national level can become involved. Anne Pope, Executive Director for the TN Arts Commission delivered the exciting results of the long-awaited Arts & Economic Impact 5 study, which revealed that the arts and culture industry drives $1.17 Billion in economic activity.
The morning’s presentations were rounded out by an informative and delightful presentation from Unscripted, a Nashville-based improv group. Unscripted demonstrated how to use improv alongside storytelling as a communication tool for advocacy. Following the demonstration, current and pending legislative details were delivered by TFTA’s Community Education and Government Relations Specialist, Molly Pratt. Regional breakout sessions followed before advocates headed off to meet with legislators from their respective districts.
Tennesseans for the Arts would like to thank the many advocates that came together to make Arts Advocacy Day an overwhelming success. TFTA would like to also thank Senator Becky Massey, Rodney Van Valkenburg, Anne Pope and the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Unscripted Team, Gary Moore, Reed Hummell, and all the volunteers. TFTA appreciates the support of Arts Advocacy Day 2018 partners which include the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Nashville Public Library, Dream Catering and Events, the Nashville Children’s Theatre, and Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.
