Advocating for the Arts in Tennessee
Become a Member of TFTA!
Arts Advocacy Day 2017 A Success
Tennesseans for the Arts would like to thank all advocates from across the state who attended Arts Advocacy Day 2017. Because of you, this year’s event was one of the most successful advocacy days in the history of TFTA! With nearly 300 advocates in attendance, the green TN4ARTS lanyards and tote bags that were visible across the War Memorial Building and the Legislative Plaza on March 1 made a strong visual representation of the unified voice that protects the arts in Tennessee.
Arts Advocacy Day is YOUR day--to reconnect with familiar friends and colleagues across the state, to make new friends and meet other advocates, and to be heard by your legislators. We hope that you found the day’s events to be informative and enjoyable. If you registered and attended this year’s event, please check your email for a link to a survey regarding your experience at Arts Advocacy Day. We appreciate your feedback so that we can continue to provide quality programming for our advocates. 
L to R: Kiran Singh Sirah, Senator Rusty Crowe, Virginia Salazar-Buda
Thoughts from a First-Time Attendee:
Meet Your Statewide Tribe
From start-ups to established arts and creative groups, regardless of your position within these organizations, congregate during one important day - Arts Advocacy Day in Nashville. 
This day is dedicated to encourage and inspire avenues of communication - not just within our tribe - but with the government-legislators that make decisions that will affect us all. 
As a first-year participant, I want to encourage everyone to pencil this day into your calendar as "a must." As we know, arts advocacy doesn't begin on that day. However, it does encourage us to see the bigger picture and provides an opportunity for creatively tackling our initiatives differently because this day exists.
See you during Arts Advocacy, Nashville, TN 2018!
Virginia Salazar-Buda, founder Artlandia, Inc

Photos from Arts Advocacy Day 2017
Photos by Reed Hummell
100% Advocacy
Organizations that have achieved 100% Advocacy designation were announced at Arts Advocacy Day this year. Tennesseans for the Arts recognizes the extraordinary efforts of these organizations and appreciates your continued support.
Organizations that are current members along with 100% of BOTH Staff and Board:
  • Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
  • New Day Children’s Theatre
Organizations that are current members of TFTA along with 100% of Staff:
  • Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
  • Bristol Ballet
Organizations that are current members of TFTA along with 100% of Board Members:
  • Community School of the Arts
  • Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
  • Knoxville Museum of Art
TN Arts Commission News
2017 Poetry Out Loud Winners, L to R: Marquavious Moore, state champion;Addisyn Bryant, first runner-up; Brennen Humphreys, second runner-up; MichelleMellard, third runner-up

Marquavious Moore from Memphis Wins 2017 Poetry Out Loud State Competition
The 2017 Tennessee Poetry Out Loud (POL) champion is Marquavious Moore, a senior at Harding Academy in Memphis. The competition was held on Saturday, March 4, in the CMA Theatre at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This was Moore’s second year competing. He took first runner-up in last year’s competition.
“Tennessee’s artistic heritage and culture are among the richest in the nation, and across the globe we’re known for our music and creativity,” Governor Haslam said. “These ten outstanding recipients contribute to the breadth, depth and quality of arts and culture in our state. Crissy and I want to congratulate them on their contributions to Tennessee, and we are so glad they call this great state home.” Continue reading

Governor's Arts Awards
In an award ceremony held in Conservation Hall at the Executive Residence the evening of March 7, 2017, Governor and First Lady Haslam honored ten recipients with the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award. The recipients who represent the best in arts and culture in Tennessee join 225 others who have also received Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts since 1971. Continue reading
National News
National Arts Action Summit
Join arts advocates from across the country on March 20-21, 2017 in Washington, DC for the 30th annual National Arts Action Summit, consisting of Arts Advocacy Day and the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts & Public Policy. Continue reading
Want to Know How to Stay Informed on National Arts Policy?
To stay informed on current national issues that impact the arts and arts education, join Americans for the Arts Action Fund. Joining is free and assures that you receive up-to-date, accurate information straight from the source. Continue reading
Become a Member of TFTA or Renew Today!
Join or Renew Now!
Twitter Facebook Instagram
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.