Arts advocacy is most effective when it happens all year—not only when a bill is introduced, funding is threatened, or an advocacy day appears on the calendar.

In this interactive session, Dr. Lance Nielson, executive director of Nebraskans for the Arts, will share practical strategies for building an ongoing approach to arts advocacy in our community and state.

Together, we’ll explore how to build meaningful relationships with elected officials, create effective advocacy opportunities, and tell stories that help decision makers understand the value of artists, arts organizations, and creative communities.

You’ll also think beyond one-time advocacy efforts to consider what sustained engagement can look like throughout the year, and how artists, organizations, board members, and community supporters can each play a role.

You’ll explore how to:

Build and maintain relationships with local and state policymakers
Create a year-round advocacy plan
Organize effective advocacy events and opportunities
Use stories and local examples to demonstrate the value of the arts
Engage board members, artists, supporters, and community partners in advocacy
Identify practical next steps for your own community or organization

You’ll leave with tools you can use right away and a plan for turning awareness into sustained action.

Who is this for?

This free virtual workshop is open to artists, arts and cultural leaders, creative entrepreneurs, educators, community organizers, nonprofit leaders and board members, and others interested in strengthening support for arts and culture in their communities.

Individuals and representatives of nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, federally recognized tribes, museums, galleries, and other cultural organizations are welcome to participate from across the region and nationally.