Who are Arts Advocates?

Arts advocates are individuals who are civically engaged and who stand up for issues and policies that are important to them and to the arts sector. Advocates make it easier for legislators to support arts funding and policy issues by sharing their first-hand knowledge of the impact of the arts within their communities.

How We Serve Individual Advocates

senator tom carper with children

We connect advocates with public officials

Our advocacy software takes the guesswork out of connecting with your public officials about important arts issues. With just a few clicks, you can access talking points and email templates and route your communication to the correct legislator.

Contact Public Officials
woman working on a computer

We provide advocacy resources and tools

There are many ways to advocate, from posting on social media to attending a meeting with your legislators. We have resources to help you at any level of advocacy you choose to engage in.

Browse Advocacy Articles

Meet Delaware Arts Advocates

arreon harley with representative lisa blunt rochester
Arreon Harley
Director of Music & Operations | Choir School of Delaware

“After years of sitting on the sidelines, DAA engaged me and equipped me with the skills I needed to be a competent and effective arts advocate. DAA helped me mobilize my board members to advocate against a major cut in state arts funding in June 2017. They also led the charge to ensure that all students throughout the State of Delaware are empowered through a comprehensive arts education.”

leah beach photographing a man
Leah Beach
Photographer

“I’m honored DAA gave me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the artists and arts organizations in this amazing state to advocate for arts funding. As a professional artist and founder of a community arts nonprofit, I’ve benefited from arts funding in so many ways. This funding changes lives inside and outside of the arts, because I truly believe art extends beyond the reach of a paintbrush.”

nanci hersh reading to a group of people
Nanci Hersh
Executive Director | DiAE

“DAA provided training that helped us develop an advocacy strategy for our organization. If you are an artist, an agency or an organization, you also need to be an advocate for the arts. It is imperative that we share the value of what we do and the impact our work has on others with our legislators, funders and stakeholders. Thanks to DAA, we have the support we need to be well informed and effective advocates.”