There are many positive changes underway with Tennesseans for the Arts, and many of those changes will be taking place under new leadership. Stephanie B. Conner was recently named the new executive director of the statewide arts advocacy organization, and is excited to have the opportunity to promote the arts through TFTA. Her responsibilities will include managing the day-to-day administrative operations of the nonprofit organization, cultivating membership, and working closely with TFTA’s Legislative Affairs Liaison, Molly Pratt. She will also educate the members on the art of advocacy, and educate city, county, state and federal leaders on the importance of the arts in Tennessee.

“This position appeals to me because I have been in positions that have enabled me to see firsthand the power of effective and organized advocacy,” says Conner. “I have seen what strong arts advocacy organizations have done in other states, and I see the great potential we have here in Tennessee to become a place where art is valued and fostered.  TFTA gives Tennessee a unified voice for the arts.  As the movement grows stronger, the voice grows louder, and then we really start to see things happen.”

TFTA has accomplished a lot in recent years and has been successful on many levels. With Conner’s arrival, a new fresh new look will soon be unveiled. A new logo is planned, a new brochure will be designed, and a new Web site is planned for fall. “Long term, it is all about growth and education,” adds Conner. “We will continue to focus on increasing membership, which in turn, strengthens our voice for the arts in Tennessee, and we will work to educate our membership on the art of advocacy and the most effective methods of communicating the value of the arts.”

Dr. Jim Brooks, president of Watkins College of Art & Design, served as president of TFTA for the past year. He is pleased with the selection of Conner. “Stephanie is a great choice for executive director because of her previous service on the  Tennessee Arts Commission, her knowledge of government, and her understanding of the importance of the arts in every community,” said Brooks. “She has a well-established record as a strong, inspiring leader.”

Both Brooks and Conner believe the organization is at a turning point. They express a belief that the momentum is increasing. According to Conner, membership continues to grow at a steady pace, and the Legislative Arts Caucus continues to gain new legislators. This past year, Arts Advocacy Day at the state capitol had the greatest turnout yet. “TFTA’s efforts in communicating the value of the arts in education, economic development, and the overall quality of life has been very effective,” says Conner.

Brooks expects the organization to have extraordinary strong leadership in the coming year, with a combination of energetic new board members and an outstanding group of veteran board members returning. “I think the momentum that has been established in recent years will continue and TFTA will significantly expand its influence and service in the arts across the state in the coming year,” says Brooks.

Conner is quick to mention that TFTA is Tennessee’s only statewide advocacy organization, and stresses the importance of membership. “The larger the membership, the louder we are able to speak out on behalf of the arts. A powerful membership gives TFTA the strength in numbers it takes to get the attention of those business people and legislators who can help support and foster the arts in Tennessee. The size of our membership is directly proportional to our influence.  Collective action yields tremendous possibilities.”