Arts Activism 101

Presented byArts Alliance Illinois

Arts Alliance Illinois

Our work is grounded in the belief that:

The instinct to be creative is universal

The arts play an essential role in the social, economic, and educational growth and

vitality of Illinois

The arts must embrace all, celebrate all, and be accessible to all

What Is Advocacy?

Speaking out on issues you care about in order to have an impact on them.

Working to secure public funding at the local, state, and federal level

Urging private funders to maintain and strengthen their arts and culture program

Pushing for more theater in schools

Create a public policy agenda

Educate the public, legislators, and candidates

Register voters and run Get out the Vote

Engage in a limited amount of lobbying

Do NOT endorse or oppose candidates

Do NOT coordinate activities with candidates

Do NOT have candidates sponsor activities

Keep Legislators Informed

Keep the Media Informed

Educate Your Network

Train Your Network

Own Advocacy

Recruit Political Connections

Cultivate Champions

Meet with Your Legislators

People tend to under-emphasize the impact their letter has on a legislator. If I get 10

letters or emails that are actually written, I pay attention, because it must be important

to a sizable portion of my constituency.

Contact Us

Ra Joyjoy@artsalliance.org

Scarlett Swerdlowswerdlow@artsalliance.org

www.artsalliance.orgwww.facebook.com/artsallianceillinois