Every handshake means an opportunity for education and connection. We united the arts field on several occasions to make sure our lawmakers heard our message.
ArtsVote2012
Our affiliated organization, the Arts Action Fund, hosted advocacy events throughout the country, culminating in our presence at the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention. Attendees participated in panel discussions as well as concerts to encourage awareness for arts-friendly policy. Through the work of the Action Fund and its members, the arts were included in the DNC’s platform, which was unveiled at the convention.
“Investment in the arts strengthens our communities and contributes to our nation’s rich cultural heritage. The entire nation prospers when we protect and promote the unique and original artistic and cultural contributions of the women and men who create and preserve our nation’s heritage.” (Democratic National Convention platform)
Arts Advocacy Day
More than 500 advocates from across the country joined us on Capitol Hill for one day of advocacy training followed by one day of organized meetings with legislators. Actor and arts advocate Alec Baldwin delivered the 25th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Art and Public Policy to a packed house at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts with a performance by musician Ben Folds and YoungArts and remarks from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maureen Dowd.
Alec Baldwin appeared on CNN International, Bloomberg’s Morning Call, and NPR’s Morning Edition, bringing the arts and federal arts funding into thousands of homes.
Actor and arts advocate Alec Baldwin at the 2012 Congressional Arts Kick Off during Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Photo by David Hathcox.