Arts Advocacy Day 2019
From Suzanne Lynch–
Tennesseans for the Arts (TFTA) presented Arts Advocacy Day on Wednesday, March 6 in Nashville. Arts Advocacy Day is an annual event that highlights the significant ways in which the arts contribute to a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. The day provides an opportunity for the creative sector to share with legislators how the arts have impacted their lives and communities.
The day began in War Memorial with breakfast and networking. TFTA president, Parke Kennedy kicked off the presentation with a welcome. The TN Arts Commission Chair Steve Bailey spoke next and thanked all the attendees for the work they do and for coming to Nashville to visit their legislators. Next up, Anne Pope, Executive Director for the Commission, spoke about the Specialty License Plate Program, which partially funds the arts. Then three presentations were made by Commission program directors Shannon Ford, Ann Brown and Kim Johnson about creative placemaking, arts education and Music & Memory TN respectively.
Amy King Ruggaber, TFTA’s Interim Administrative Assistant ended the morning’s meeting with tips on communicating with legislators. She effectively motivated the group with the message, the process and the backup. Groups gathered by region and everyone walked to Cordell Hull to find their representatives.
Despite chilly temperatures, it was an extremely successful day. The Commission would like to thank the TFTA Board for organizing another successful Arts Advocacy Day.
