Attending Arts Advocacy Day are (left to right): Ann Smith, Tennessee Arts Commission member from Johnson City; Anne Pope, newly appointed executive director for the Arts Commission; and Ellen Hays, chair of the Arts Commission.
NASHVILLE, TN -- More than 300 arts supporters from across Tennessee attended this year's Arts Advocacy Day on the Hill in Nashville. The annual event, presented by Tennesseans for the Arts (TFTA), was held Tuesday, March 27, 2012 in War Memorial Auditorium.
According to Jonah Rabinowitz, president of TFTA, there was a 25 percent increase in attendance over last year. He attributed the increase to better dissemination of information to members, and a growing awareness of the importance and effectiveness of arts advocacy.
"The day allowed everyone to come together for one ideal, and put aside individual or organizational needs to work toward the greater good," said Rabinowitz. "The day also empowered members to talk and communicate with their elected leaders about the importance of the arts to their communities."
Molly Pratt, government and community relations consultant for TFTA, spoke to the participants about the importance of advocacy and provided an update on legislative issues relating to the arts.
Ellen Hays, chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission, introduced Anne Pope, the Commission's new executive director, and presided over a brief question-and-answer session.
After the luncheon, participants met individually with their state legislators.
