Arts Advocacy

On local, statewide and federal levels, PCA coordinates regional advocacy efforts to assure future funding for artists and arts organizations.

PCA is an active member of Virginians for the Arts (VFTA), the advocacy agency supporting the Virginia Commission for the Arts, as well as Americans for the Arts, a national lobbying and advocacy organization. See below for information from VFTA’s 2008 Position Statement.

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Virginia Arts Advocacy Day

Arts Advocacy Day is held at the end of January each year. PCA organizes a group of arts supporters to meet with our delegates in Richmond and ask them to support current legislation concerning arts funding in Virginia.

Arts Advocacy Information from Virginians for the Arts (VFTA)

Arts and cultural institutions are a vital part of building strong and vibrant communities in every corner of Virginia, from our most rural areas to our largest cities. Our stunning richness of art and cultural institutions is not a "luxury" but an important industry employing thousands of Virginians – a powerful magnet for tourism – an important asset for our children – and a unique catalyst for building and redeveloping communities.

Over the years, however, Virginia has badly lagged other states in its support for these important cultural, economic and educational assets. In the early 1990s, the Commonwealth was last among the states in its level of support for the arts and today it is still among the bottom half.

For two decades, Virginia’s governors and legislators have agreed that the state’s "seed money" support for the arts should be no less than one dollar per resident of the state, but we have not yet reached that goal. In his outgoing budget, Governer Warner proposed that state funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts grant programs be 60 cents per capita in 2006-2007 and 80 cents per capita in 2007-2008.

In 2008 the General Assembly has the opportunity to achieve the long-time goal of one dollar per capita for state support of the arts. Even at the dollar per capita, Virginia would still be under the national average of $1.21 per capita.

How You Can Help

Write a Letter to the Editor Supporting the Arts

Write a letter to the editor about how much you value the arts in Virginia. During times of economic stress, public arts funding is vulnerable. The arts are building vibrant communities in our Commonwealth and are essential to its economy, educational system, tourism, and culture. Our public officials need to hear this from you!

Visit Virginians for the Arts to start your letter. By entering your zip code, you will be able to select up to five local media outlets. VFTA has provided suggested text, but the best stories are always your own.

Write a Letter to Your Legislators Supporting the Arts

Write your legislators, too, and let them know about the grants your community has received this summer from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Thank them for their support of arts funding in Virginia. A listing of arts programs funded by the Commission by legislative district is now available through Virginians for the Arts.

Sign-up as an Arts Build Communities Supporter

The message is the same, regardless of the medium: The arts strengthen our communities, lift our spirits, and build a better quality of life for all Virginians. Become a supporter of The Arts Build Communities campaign through VFTA. You will be provided with printed materials, links for your website, bumper stickers, and more to help communicate the message that the arts play a pivotal role in strengthening our communities.

Become a PCA Member

You can also join PCA to support your local arts agency in helping gain financial support for the arts in Virginia! Together we can make a difference.