2026 Arts Advocacy Day Watch Party Host Guide
- Tennesseans for the Arts
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Local spaces. Local voices. Local wins. Local Matters.
We're gathering on Thursday, March 12th at 10am CST to learn, connect, and take advocacy actions that support arts funding in Tennessee - right here at home. You don’t need to be a policy expert, just someone who believes the arts matter. Your gathering builds community, strengthens support, and keeps Tennessee creative. Thank you for leading where you live.
This is our roadmap for hosting a simple, meaningful, and fun Tennessee AAD watch party.
At the bottom of the page are downloadable QR codes and supporting materials for advocacy action items!
We will send out the registration details and link closer to AAD.
Set the foundation.
Secure your location: library room, arts center, or school space - ideally a TAC-funded or
affiliated site.
Secure a sponsor if necessary for food, AV equipment, or anything else with which you
might need help or support.
Confirm tech setup will work: strong Wi-Fi, clear sound, and video. Designate a Tech
volunteer.
Build your volunteer team: Host, Tech, Greeter, and Social Media/Photographer Lead.
Gather supplies: name tags, sign-in sheet, postcards, pens, snacks, and QR code posters for advocacy actions.
Spread the word.
Launch registration via your preferred platform such as Eventbrite, Google Form, or email.
Invite local legislators, donors, partners, grantees, and arts supporters.
Engage non-traditional audiences. Invite community groups that may not immediately identify as “arts advocates”, but share common goals, framing the arts as a contributing solution to community priorities. For example:
PTA/School Groups: The arts and academic success.
Local Businesses/Chambers of Commerce: The arts as an economic engine.
Arts in healthcare.
Any others you can think of!
Post regularly using TN4ARTS templates (attached) and highlight local grant stories or use your own creative ideas! Tag us!
Send reminders at least one week and one day before the event.
Event day.
Before the stream: final tech check, welcome table setup, QR codes printed, snacks ready.
Sample Agenda:
1. Arrival & Mingling
Attendees arrive. Greet, offer light refreshments, facilitate introductions, take
photos.
2. Welcome Remarks
Thank you for coming/introductions.
Think about sharing local impact information to highlight why advocacy is so important.
Encourage participants to share information via their socials tagging us at #TN4ARTS.
Point out the QR codes for action items: 1 - Email your legislator; 2 - Buy a
specialty plate; 3 - Join TN4ARTS.
3. TN4ARTS Broadcast
Stream the official Arts Advocacy Day content. Take notes for any post-viewing
discussion you might want to have, and take photos for post-AAD reflection!
4. Advocacy Action Items
We encourage attendees to take the following actions to advocate for the arts and
promote the specialty license plate program.
1) Email their local legislators in support of the license plate program.
2) Buy an arts plate or any specialty plate and encourage others to do so.
Add your personalization!
3) Join or renew your membership in TN4ARTS to participate in and
support statewide advocacy efforts.
Post Event:
Send registration and attendance lists to TN4ARTS at info@tn4arts.org
Post and tag group photos with #TN4ARTS.
Follow-up on any advocacy action items.
Send thank-you and recap emails to attendees and registrants who did not attend.
QR Codes:
Email your legislator!
Your quick message helps protect the specialty license plate formula.
Scan the QR code, confirm your legislator,
then craft & send your message (sample included)!
Get your Arts Plate!
Your Arts Plate powers approximately 80% of grants across Tennessee every year.
Scan the QR code, choose your local clerk's office (or renew online),
and drive with pride - your plate funds creativity throughout TN!
Become a TN4ARTS Member!
Your membership helps TN4ARTS continue to support the specialty license plate program.
Scan the QR code, choose a new membership or renew an old one,
and get up-to-date information on statewide advocacy with TN4ARTS!
1. Social Media Template Ideas
Theme: Local Matters: The Art of Everyday Advocacy
Registration Launch
Facebook / Instagram: Hey [Your City]! TN Arts Advocacy Day is coming, and Local Matters! Join our TN4ARTS Watch Party to connect, learn, and take simple actions that keep arts funding strong right here at home.
🔗 [Registration Link]
X (Twitter): Don’t just watch, join the action! Our #TN4ARTS Watch Party is where Local Matters and Everyday Advocacy happens. Register now: [Link]
Why It Matters
Facebook / Instagram: Did you know Tennessee’s Arts Specialty License Plate provides approximately 80% of funding for arts across the state each year? That money supports places like [Insert Local Arts Org]. Come to our Watch Party and learn how help protect that funding.
🔗 [Registration Link]#LocalMatters #PlatePower #TN4ARTS
X (Twitter): Want to keep arts funding strong? Join our #TN4ARTS Watch Party and take the #PlatePower challenge. Local Matters and so do you!
Post-Event Celebration
Facebook / Instagram: Huge thanks to everyone who joined our #TN4ARTS Watch Party. Together we’re proving that Local Matters and Everyday Advocacy works. Tag yourself + your arts friends below!
2. Legislator E-mail Invitation Sample
Subject: Join Us for the TN4ARTS 2026 Arts Advocacy Day Watch Party, “Local Matters” in [Location Details]
I hope you’ll join us for our local TN4ARTS Arts Advocacy Day Watch Party on Thursday, March 12th, 10am CST at [Location]. We’ll tune in to the statewide broadcast, share stories of how arts grants strengthen our community, and give you an opportunity to spend time with constituents who are doing important work for the creative economy in [District #].
Please RSVP at [Registration Link].
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
[Organization / Role]
[Contact Info]
3. Local Economic Impact Data
If needed, local impact data can be obtained at
https://tnartscommission.org/about-us/aep6/ or by calling the Tennessee Arts Commission at 615-741-7401
