October 2009 Archives

Becoming an arts advocate really takes little more than getting over the hurdle of one's own reluctance. My friend and colleague Victoria Saunders articulates this very well in a piece she recently wrote for Americans for the Arts about accepting the role as leader and hub for our local efforts to save the San Diego City School District's Visual and Performing Arts Department. I documented the effort earlier this year here and here.

If you are passionate about the arts you are an arts advocate. All you need to do is start working with others. A little effort and coordination can go a long way. In San Diego our advocacy efforts are all volunteer. There is no staff for the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition nor dedicated advocacy staff at any of our local service organizations. Wtih volunteer energy working together we've sustained city funding for arts and culture, established strong relationships with local elected officials at all levels of government, and secured media recognition for the impact of the arts in our community.

You can do this too. And now is a good time to start. It's National Arts and Humanities Month. In this quiet period before next year's budget battles, use this national focus to start a small coalition, engage elected officials, and get stories in the media about the local importance of the arts. Don't wait for a crisis. And if you need help from outside your community ask for it.

All artists and art lovers can be powerful champions for the arts. They just have to start.