ArtPride New Jersey, alongside arts advocates from across the state, will travel to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to meet with federal elected officials and champion the arts in our state. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, share powerful stories about the transformative impact of the arts in our communities, and advocate for meaningful support for the arts in New Jersey.
This year advocates discussed critical issues related to arts and culture policy, including federal funding for cultural agencies specifically the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Advocacy in DC is not one day a year but all year round. It's important to stay in touch with your members of Congress throughout the year, attend their town halls, and invite them to events.
Interested in Joining Us?
ArtPride is looking for new and excited advocates to join us in Washington, D.C. Please complete the form to let us know if you're interested in participating in this event. More information will be provided closer to the event.
Please share this with colleagues you feel would best fit this committee.
Advocate for the Arts in Washington, D.C.!
Why should you participate?
Elected officials need to hear from you concerning the urgent and continued need for government support, how that support affects you personally, and how the pandemic has impacted you and your community. Arts Advocacy Day combines our collective energy when we join to make the case to legislators that art is essential to life in New Jersey. Besides voting, this is another opportunity to be heard and be part of the democratic process.
Who is the best kind of advocate?
Students, artists, trustees of arts organizations, and arts professionals who want to discuss the arts' impact in their community are excellent advocates. As a constituent and voter, you are in the best position to create lasting change. These visits and interactions influence legislators more than any other group or strategy.
How does it work?
• ArtPride Director of Advocacy Operations, Vincent Hall, will schedule Congressional meetings starting in the morning and continuing throughout the day.
• Meetings will be held in person in Congressional offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
• Participating advocates will be grouped by Congressional district for each meeting.
• Meetings will be approximately 10-15 minutes which will only allow each constituent approx. 2-3 minutes to speak.
• Please keep your comments concise – it's helpful to have your statement prepared in advance.
• If you’re attending a meeting outside your district, please let the district constituents speak first.
• Feel free to bring promotional material to share.
Questions?
Contact Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations if you have any questions or for more information.
