Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 23, 2025!
Virginians for the Arts (VFTA) invites you to be part of Arts Advocacy Day 2025 at the Virginia Capitol! This event is your opportunity to champion the arts and help secure critical funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA).
For over 30 years, VFTA has been dedicated to advancing the arts across the Commonwealth by increasing public awareness of their impact on Virginia’s culture, economy, and quality of life. As a government agency, the VCA cannot advocate for its own funding, which makes your voice essential in ensuring robust state support for the arts.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
- Time: 8am to approx. 1pm
- Morning Kickoff: Start your day with a light breakfast and legislative briefing at McGuireWoods Consulting (800 E Canal), where you'll receive updates on our advocacy efforts and talking points to guide your conversations with legislators.
- Legislative Visits: Use the insights and materials provided to connect with your legislators and advocate for greater arts funding. Find your legislators here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/
Registration is strongly encouraged due to security and will close on Monday, January 20, 2025. Once registered, you’ll receive detailed event information to help you prepare for the day.
**We encourage you to contact your legislators in advance to let them know that you will be attending Arts Advocacy Day on 1/23 and that you would like to meet with them or their staff to share how the arts are impacting the economy and communities across the Commonwealth. Please let VFTA know if you are able to secure an appointment by emailing the confirmation to info@vaforarts.org.
Prepare to Advocate with Confidence: How to Talk to Virginia Legislators and Policymakers About the Arts
Talking to legislators and policymakers about the arts can feel intimidating, but it’s crucial to securing support for arts funding. That’s why we’re hosting a Legislative Advocacy Training Webinar on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 4PM - 5PM.
Learn tips and tools for effective advocacy from Jay Dick, VFTA Board Member and Senior Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at Americans for the Arts and Fran Bradford, Senior Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC. They will be sharing their insights on building relationships with lawmakers and becoming a strong advocate for the arts in the Commonwealth! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to engage with your elected officials and help secure pro-arts policies across Virginia!
Registration is required -- REGISTER HERE
Support the Arts in 2024-2025
If you haven’t already renewed your membership for the 2024-2025 year, now is the perfect time! Your support fuels our advocacy efforts and ensures a vibrant arts community across the Commonwealth.
Renew individual support here: https://donorbox.org/individual-member-2024-2025
Renew organizational support here: https://donorbox.org/organizational-member-1-2