The Texans for the Arts' 2023 Texas Arts Advocacy Summit was Wednesday, February 8, 2023!
Thank you to all those who joined us for the most important day of arts advocacy during the 88th Texas Legislative Session!
Join your colleagues and citizen activists from across the state, as we gather to learn, share, and participate in the democratic process! Everyone has a story about how the arts make a difference in their own lives, in that of their families, and in their communities. Your voice (and your vote!) are the most important tools that you have in speaking up about the importance of investing public resources in the arts across our towns, cities, regions, states, and nation.
At the 2023 Texas Arts Advocacy Summit, learn how to put your passion about the arts into constructive and informative advocacy, through orientation, training, and more. Plus, Texans for the Arts Foundation will provide materials for you and your legislators on the issues most important to all of us: increasing the public investment in the arts.
As artists, arts administrators, board members, and citizens interested in the arts, you are already advocating every day through your work. Join us as we demystify arts advocacy and set attendees off on productive and rewarding visits with their legislators and their staff at the State Capitol.
REGISTRATION NOTICE: We will be able to ensure a scheduled meeting with your legislative office, attendee packet, and a self-purchased boxed lunch for all who register prior to Friday, January 28, 2023. However, after January 28th, you may still register and there will be room for you to attend and join in the full sessions, join in another legislative visit (or drop in that of your own legislator) and purchase lunch at the Capitol Grill. Thank you for understanding!
THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:(subject to change)
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Registration and Coffee
Legislative Conference Center, E2.002
10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon - Advocacy 101, Training and Education
Capitol Auditorium, E1.004
Welcome - Fiona Bond, Executive Director, Creative Waco, President, Board of Directors, Texans for the Arts Who we are, what we do, how we engage, why we are here.
From the Legislator's Perspective - Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D-14) What makes for successful advocacy when meeting with your elected officials.
The Impact of Your Voice! - Eureka Gilkey, Executive Director, Project Row Houses, Member, Board of Directors, Texans for the Arts Why we advocate for public support of the arts.
Texans for the Arts' Legislative Agenda for the 88th Session - Ann S Graham, Executive Director, Texans for the Arts From increasing appropriations for the Texas Commission on the Arts to protecting the Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax, what are our legislative priorities?
Texas Commission on the Arts and TCA Cultural Districts - Dr.Gary Gibbs, Executive Director, Texas Commission on the Arts - Protect and grow the legislative appropriation for the Texas Commission on the Arts (“TCA”), with a particular focus on the Cultural District project grant program, and “Exceptional Items”.
The arts are transformational! Lily Cabatu Weiss, Executive Director, Dallas Arts District, Member, Board of Directors, Texans for the Arts - How TCA Cultural District funding impacts Dallas.
Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax - Scott Joslove, Executive Director, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association - How HOT fuels the creative economy.
Texas Cultural Trust unveils the 2023 State of the Arts Report- Heidi Marquez - Smith, Executive Director, Texas Cultural Trust. Vital new economic and arts education, health and tourism data that underlines the important role the public investment in the arts plays across the state.
12:00 noon Grab your boxed lunch in the Conference Center or dine in the Capitol Grill
12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. - Celebration and performances in the Capitol Rotunda by Colombian band "Wache" and "Kupira Marimba".
12:45 p.m. Advocacy Group Photograph in Rotunda
Capitol Rotunda
1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Advocacy in Action - Speak Up, Speak Out! How to make an effective legislative visit.
Capitol Auditorium, E1.004
Shannon Ghangurde, Lobbyist, Texans for the Arts, and Chris Kiley, Associate Director, Texans for the Arts Take pride in your work and its value to the community. Demystify arts advocacy –Make your legislative office visit a success! Role playing and gathering with your team with time to prepare for your visits.
1:45 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Next Steps – The Impact of your Voice! Fiona Bond, President, Texans for the Arts Board of Directors
1:50 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Meet with your co-constituents; plan your visits
2:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Legislative Visits Meet with your Texas Senator and Representative or their staff and share our collective Agenda for the 88th and your stories about the impact of the arts in your community/their district!
Texas State Capitol, Legislative Offices
TFAF staff will pre-schedule office visits with attendee’s respective legislators and include that information in attendees’ packets.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Closing Reception & Happy Hour for Advocates