AEP5 As An Advocacy Tool
By Carol White, Associate Director of Operations –
Presenting your local or regional AEP5 report is a perfect opportunity to advocate for the arts to your local city government.
A recent example is from the Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA). On Monday night, Lauren Brown Shepherd, executive director for AAC shared an overview of the findings with the Athens City Council. The data was well received with positive feedback from a few council members. As seen in the photo from the live stream of the study session, Shepherd used the customizable presentation that was provided by Americans for the Arts (AFTA).
In an email, one council member said, “Thanks for the ‘top drawer’ presentation Monday night on the Arts and its economic impact. As you know, you do not have to convince me, but it was nice to see an update. Athens and the whole area are enriched to have AACA and all of its positive effects. Thanks for what you, staff, board and volunteers do to make this community special.”
Another council member said, “That was a well-organized and easy to follow presentation. We know the service AACA provides to our community and appreciate having the data about the impact all our arts programs are making.”
Shepherd will address the McMinn County Economic Development Authority board at the end of the month and is also scheduling an appearance with the Chamber of Commerce Board and the McMinn County Commission.
