Arts Advocacy Day 2025 – Messages of Impact and Advocacy Across Tennessee

By Stephanie Conner, Tennesseans for the Arts Board of Directors –

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s Arts Advocacy Day on March 6th, 2025. Hosted by Tennesseans for the Arts (TFTA), this annual virtual advocacy event once again achieved record levels of engagement, uniting arts advocates from every corner of the state.

Bryce McDonald, TFTA President and Executive Director of the Cumberland County Playhouse, expressed his excitement: “This year’s participation numbers demonstrate how our virtual format continues to increase engagement among arts advocates throughout Tennessee. Additionally, the content available on our website will further broaden our reach. We are thrilled with our outcomes and inspired by the continued enthusiasm surrounding Arts Advocacy Day. Thank you to everyone who participated!”

Celebrating Arts Advocacy Across Tennessee

TFTA was delighted to witness an increase in watch parties held across the state, bringing together even greater numbers of participants to celebrate and advocate for the arts. A special thank you goes out to all the organizations that hosted local gatherings—we were excited to learn about each watch party!

This year’s program featured insightful messages and updates from influential leaders, including Senator Becky Massey, Chair of the Legislative Arts Caucus, with Molly Pratt of TFTA; Kelly Barsdate, Executive Advisor for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies; and Anne Pope from TAC.

Also, TFTA again highlighted arts organizations with a proven commitment to advocacy and a deep understanding of the significance of the specialty license plate program.

Highlights Included:

• Paula Wilkes and the work of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and African American Museumin Chattanooga
• Dana Beal on the impact of The Plateau Women’s Chorusin Crossville
• An inspiring advocacy message from Michael Detroit, Executive Producer of Playhouse on the Squarein Memphis
• A message of healing and collaboration from Becky Hamm at the Rose Centerin their efforts to serve counties affected by Hurricane Helene
• Insights from Cristy Dunn of the Johnson County Center for the Artson the importance of full board participation in TFTA and specialty license plate purchases.

There was even a demonstration at a county clerk’s office showing how easy it is to purchase a specialty license plate! On average, 80% of Tenneessee Arts Commission grants are funded by the sale of specialty license plates.

This year’s messaging focused on the profound impact of the arts in our communities, the importance of advocacy, and the crucial need to partner with TFTA to engage legislators and community members to highlight the importance of the license plate program and arts funding throughout Tennessee.

Join Us!

Please connect with TFTA at www.tn4arts.org for all things arts advocacy—from becoming a TFTA member to accessing valuable tools and graphics for your use. The video from Arts Advocacy Day 2025 will soon be available on the Tn4arts website under the advocacy page in the “Putting Advocacy into Action” section. If you missed it on March 6th, be sure to tune in and share!

Thank you, TFTA board and membership, for your support and for another great day for the arts in Tennessee!