ART ADVOCACY MATTERS!
ARTS ADVOCACY UPDATES
Stay in the know with all things advocacy here.
Advocacy efforts to secure National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities funding in the 2027 budget are working but aren’t done yet! Alabama’s arts advocates still have a vital role to play.
Here’s what is happening at the federal level:
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution Through December 11, 2026
That means the federal government will be funded through December 11, 2026 at the FY2026 Budget numbers. Legislators will go on break for the rest of September.
Since our representatives are working and campaigning in their home districts, now is the perfect time to reach out to them!
Critical Arts and Arts Education Related Legislation Pending in Congress
In addition to ensuring the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities are funded, you can advocate for the passing of policies that will support and strengthen the arts and arts education.
The broadest arts education bill ever introduced that expands K-12 learning, builds teacher workforce, and broadens arts programming reach.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) preserve Black art, but budget cuts threaten their programs. This initiative protects historic collections and empowers diverse professionals through financial aid, mentorship, and paid internships.
Both of these bills could have a positive long-term impact on the arts and arts education. Americans for the Arts has created an easy email template so you can tell your member of congress how important the arts are to you!
Host a voter registration drive at your upcoming events!
An information table with voter registration cards in your lobby is a great way to activate arts voters. To be eligible to vote in the November 3rd election, you must be registered by Oct 19th, but voter registration is always open!
ArtsVote Postcards
Go one step further with “Arts Vote” Postcards!
Encourage your audience members to tell legislators how much they enjoy and rely on the artistic opportunities your organization provides. Use these templates from Americans for the Arts: Arts Action Fund to start the conversation.
Invite Your Legislators
An email or phone call to your local, state, and federal representatives is a great way to share your work. Invite your representative and/or a staffer to drop by a rehearsal, a class, or a performance so they can see how much value the arts have on their constituents.
Need help finding your legislator or cultivating that relationship?
Legislative outreach support is one benefit of being an Alabama Arts Alliance Member!
Email director@alartsalliance.org for more information.
Looking for deeper connections with your legislators, community, and fellow Arts and Humanities organizations?
Join the Arts and Culture Coalition of Alabama! For more information and to join in the conversation, please email Rebecca Yeager, Executive Director of the Alabama Arts Alliance at director@alartsalliance.org