Tennesseans for the Arts joined forces with Metro Nashville Arts Commission’s Cultural Executives to host a roundtable arts advocacy discussion at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Before a packed room, the roundtable discussion, moderated by TFTA’s Legislative Consultant, Molly Pratt focused on “Viewing the Arts” and effective communication methods. The panel included Jane Alvis, Alvis Company, Metro Arts Commission member and TFTA board member; Metro Council member and chair of the Metro Finance and Budget committee, Erik Cole; Metro Council member-at-large, Jerry Maynard; and State Representative Janis Sontany.
Panelists were asked what their impressions were of the public value of the arts in their communities, what advocacy efforts they found most successful, what types of information they needed from an advocacy organization such as TFTA, and overall what did they suggest arts advocates do to present the arts in the most effective way.
According to Pratt, “The program was well received and extremely productive. It is important that TFTA facilitate opportunities to connect our members directly to their elected officials.”
TFTA is working to determine which educational opportunities are most effective, and Stephanie Conner, TFTA’s Executive Director, believes the advocacy forum model can be very valuable.
“Discussions like the one we sponsored at the Frist are educational not only for TFTA members in attendance, but also for the panelists who participate. Today’s discussion and high turnout gave our members specific “how to tips” from key officials, and also gave TFTA members the opportunity to show these key elected officials the strong and valid presence of the arts in the districts they represent”, said Conner.
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