Show Up for the Arts. Join Us in Washington, D.C.
ArtPride New Jersey, alongside arts advocates from across the state, travels to Washington, D.C. for New Jersey’s Arts Advocacy Day. Together, we meet with federally elected officials and urge them to maintain critical funding for the arts in our state. Arts Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity to engage directly with members of Congress, share powerful stories about the transformative impact of the arts in your communities, and build your skills as an arts champion in New Jersey.
Our presence in D.C. is more vital than ever. Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities is at risk of being cut or zeroed out. But YOU can make a difference — just by sharing your story of how the arts are making your communities better.
Make your voice count. Elected officials need to hear directly from you about the critical need for government support, how it shapes your life, and all that arts and culture have made possible for your community. Arts Advocacy Day unites us with a shared purpose: to demonstrate to legislators that the arts are vital to New Jersey's identity and future. This is more than advocacy—it's your chance to actively engage in democracy and ensure your story is part of the conversation.
Ready to Become an Arts Champion?
Complete the sign-up to join us in Washington, D.C. Contact Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations, with any questions or for more information.
Can’t Travel to Washington, D.C.? Here are ways to advocate from Home
Your advocacy has power wherever you are! If you can’t be in Washington, D.C., stand with us from New Jersey and help champion the arts right from home. Your voice counts—make it heard!
RESOURCES
Hotel Options for Advocates
Here are some possible hotel options for anyone interested in an overnight stay before the meetings. Please note these prices are subject to change. Attendees are responsible for covering their own food, lodging, and transportation expenses for the trip. ArtPride NJ estimates the total cost at $500–$750 per person, which includes personal expenses for travel, lodging, and meals. If costs are a barrier, you may also join by traveling to/from Washington, D.C., on the day of the meetings.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcanmgi-hilton-garden-inn-washington-dc-us-capitol/
https://www.hotelhive.com/
https://www.theriverinn.com/
https://www.eurostarshotels.us/eurostars-st-gregory-dupont-circle-georgetown.html
Preparation Webinar
Our Prep Webinar is here to help you prepare to participate in meetings with your Member of Congress. The training focuses on how to collectively ask Members of Congress to support FY25 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), as well as other key issues.
Stay tuned for more information and a Zoom link to register for the meeting.
Care, Safety, and Community Support
We recognize that traveling to Washington, D.C. this year may raise safety concerns for some members of our community, given the current climate and heightened ICE enforcement activity in the region. ArtPride New Jersey is committed to the care and well-being of everyone participating in Arts Advocacy Day.
We will share resources in advance, provide guidance to help individuals assess their own comfort level and personal risk, and foster a culture of mutual care so advocates can look out for one another throughout the trip. As part of our preparation, we are also working to include dedicated time in our advocacy training webinar for members of the delegation to have an explicit conversation about safety, community care, and supporting one another while in D.C.
Participation is always voluntary, and we encourage everyone to make the choices that feel safest and most aligned with their circumstances. Our goal is to ensure that advocates feel informed, supported, and respected—whether they join us in person or engage in advocacy from home.
Help amplify the voices of tomorrow’s advocates.
The Burgio/Rittenhouse Memorial Fund was established in 2013 to honor the legacies of Jane Burgio and Berda Rittenhouse—two trailblazing women whose tireless efforts helped shape New Jersey’s vibrant arts community. Through this fund, we continue our mission by empowering the next generation of arts leaders and advocates.
