THE ARTS SHINE ON ARTS ADVOCACY DAY ON THE HILL 2008

Tuesday, March 4, 2008, was the day for the arts in the Tennessee legislature as arts supporters from across the state came together in Nashville for Arts Advocacy Day on the Hill 2008.

Events began the night before with an opening reception of Treasures from the Vault: Tennessee Artifacts ~ Legislator's Choice a special exhibition, selected by the Legislative Arts Caucus, showcasing choices from the Tennessee State Museum collection of personal meaning to each member.  With 18 State Senators and 30 House members in attendance, this event provided an excellent opportunity to directly connect the Arts Caucus members to an artistic experience.  It all tied in beautifully with a celebration of the arts on the following day.

Following TFTA’s membership meeting and legislative briefing on Arts Advocacy Day, Tennesseans for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission featured performing, visual and literary works by students from the Commission's Value Plus Schools.  Performances by Oak Grove Elementary (Cleveland) and Covington Academy (Covington) choirs took place Legislative Plaza. Visual art and essays from Mooreland Heights Elementary (Knoxville), Bradley Academy (Murfreesboro), Huntingdon Primary (Huntingdon) and Dickson Elementary (Dickson) were beautifully displayed and will remain in the hallway of Legislative Plaza throughout the month of March.

Stephanie Conner, TFTA’s Executive Director, was pleased by the turnout and the response to Arts Advocacy Day.  Says Conner, “I was pleased to see so many in the arts community from across the state come together on Arts Advocacy Day.  Our members realize the importance of giving the arts a strong showing in the legislature.”

All attendees were charged with going back to their communities and working to build grassroots support for the arts through increased TFTA memberships.  Adds Conner, “There is strength in numbers, and we want every legislator to be aware of the extent of support for the arts in their districts.  As TFTA’s numbers increase, the voice for the arts in Tennessee grows louder.” 
As for the legislator’s response to the Value Plus school children in the legislative plaza, Bob Willie, TFTA’s President said, “There is no better proof of the impact of art on our children than seeing their faces as they perform.  Legislators stopped, listened and took notice.  Some even took children from their districts on a private tour of the capital.  It was a special day for everyone.”

Please visit TFTA’s website at www.tn4arts.org for pictures and to read feedback from attendees on Arts Advocacy Day.