Meaningful arts advocacy begins at the grassroots level—where relationships grow, stories are shared and communities speak with a unified voice. At United Arts of Central Florida, we believe public support for the arts strengthens when people are actively engaged.
We mobilize more than 450 local advocates each year, including board members, nonprofit leaders, artists, grantees, donors and volunteers. This network participates in coordinated outreach such as advocacy training workshops, meetings with elected officials and public comment at city, county and state gatherings.
Rapid-response email and call campaigns amplify our collective voice, while youth-engagement initiatives—including an annual political science internship—help build the next generation of arts leaders.
A key highlight each year is Arts Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee—a two-day, 10,000-step immersive experience during the legislative session. Participants join a networking reception, rally and scheduled meetings with legislators.
Though funding is variable, United Arts maintains a presence in state-level advocacy, organizing regional leaders who champion arts appropriations during budget season.
Locally, we engage advocates across Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties and beyond. Four times a year, 12 representatives offer public comment at legislative delegation meetings, speaking on behalf of the arts in quick (one- to three-minute) presentations.
Artists, arts leaders, business partners, students, parents and community members all play a vital role in sharing why arts and culture matter. Looking ahead, we are deepening our year-round local presence by meeting directly with municipal and county officials to ensure arts, science, history and culture remain part of policy conversations and community planning.
Anyone can support this work by attending public meetings, sharing arts impact stories, contacting elected officials, amplifying advocacy alerts and inviting new voices to join the movement. Our advocacy priorities align with the United Arts Strategic Plan and the CANVAS Cultural Plan.
Together, we aim to protect and increase public funding for the arts, expand equitable arts education, strengthen creative workforce development, support cultural tourism and champion the arts as essential to economic vitality and thriving communities. To learn more or get involved, contact Trudy@UnitedArtsCFL.org.
