Texas Arts Advocacy Summit 2023

The Texans for the Arts Foundation's 2023 Texas Arts Advocacy Summit is coming on Wednesday, February 8, 2023!

Do not miss 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.

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REGISTRATION NOTICE: We will be able to ensure a scheduled meeting with your legislative office, a boxed lunch, and attendee packet for all who register prior to Monday, January 23, 2022. Because of the time required to organize and secure these resources in advance, we can't guarantee the above for registrants after January 23rd, but 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!

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THE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:(subject to change)

9:30 AM-10:00 AM Registration and Coffee

Legislative Conference Center, E2.002

10:00 AM -12:00PM - Advocacy Training

Capitol Auditorium, E1.004

WHO - Who we are, what we do, how we engage across the state

WHY - Our Legislative Agenda, what we hope to accomplish together

HOW - Why advocacy matters, what makes for a successful legislative visit

*From the Legislator’s Perspective

*From Texans for the Arts’ Lobbyists’ Perspective

WHAT - Our Legislative Agenda for the 88th Session

HOT – Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax

*The vital role the Hotel Occupancy Tax – “HOT” – plays in fueling the creative economy.

Texas Commission on the Arts and TCA Cultural Districts

*Ensure and grow the legislative appropriation for the Texas Commission on the Arts (“TCA”), with a particular focus on the Cultural District funding appropriations and “Exceptional Items”

Share 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 PM Grab your boxed lunch in the Conference Center or dine in the Capitol Grill

12:00 PM –1:00 PM - Celebration and performances in the Capitol Rotunda and Group Photo

State Capitol Rotunda

1:15 PM-1:50PM - Advocacy in Action

Capitol Auditorium, E1.004

HOW – Advocacy and Lobbying - Government Relations Strategist, Texans for the Arts

HOW – Speak Up-Speak Out – Advocacy 101 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.

1:50 PM– 2:00 PM Closing Remarks – The Impact of your Voice!

2:00 PM-5:00 PM - Legislative Visits

Texas State Capitol, Legislative Offices

TFA staff will pre-schedule office visits with attendee’s respective legislators and include that information in attendees’ packets.

5:00 PM-7:00 PM Attendee Reception and Celebration!

Location TBA

Host or Publisher Texans for the Arts Foundation