Communicate the value of the arts and tell the story of its impact in Iowa.

Advocacy is expressing support for a cause, idea or policy.  Arts advocacy includes educating the public and elected officials about the value of the arts and why the arts should be a part of public policy. There are many ways to be an arts advocate:

• Communicate the value of the arts by sharing how the arts have impacted your life, learning and career.
   
• Contact your elected officials about state and federal funding of the arts. It's important that they hear from Iowans like you, who are working in and passionate about the arts.
  
  Find your State Senators and Representatives
  Find your Federal Senators and Representatives

• Educate your community, supporters and board members about the importance of the public funding for the arts by sharing meaningful research, stories and data. 
  
  National Assembly of State Arts Agencies’ Creative Economy State Profiles

Can my organization advocate?

Yes. Nonprofits with 501(c)3 status may advocate a particular position or viewpoint as long as the activity is nonpartisan and objective, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

How is advocacy different from lobbying?

See National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Advocacy vs. Lobbying: An Arts Primer.

Arts Advocacy Resources

These resources can be used to build a case for the arts in your community, across Iowa and nationally.