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The Power of Arts Advocacy
Your voice keeps creativity alive in Northeast Louisiana.
The arts shape our communities, fuel our economy, and give voice to our stories. Every mural, concert, play, and classroom project enriches daily life across our 12-parish region. Advocacy ensures those opportunities continue to grow. When you speak up for the arts, you’re protecting the heartbeat of our region
Why Advocate for the Arts?
Art is not a luxury—it’s an essential public good. The arts strengthen education, spur economic growth, and build healthier, more connected communities.
As a constituent, you are the most powerful advocate your elected officials can hear from. Your stories, your events, and your community’s creative work show how deeply the arts matter here at home.
Without your voice, decision-makers may never realize the scope of what’s at stake: local jobs, thriving students, and resilient communities.
The Arts In Education
Arts education teaches creativity, collaboration, and confidence—skills that last a lifetime.
Students engaged in the arts perform better academically, attend school more regularly, and develop stronger emotional resilience. Every child deserves access to those benefits.
How you can help:
Encourage your local schools to keep certified arts teachers in every classroom.
Attend school-board meetings when arts programs are discussed.
Volunteer time or donate supplies to support arts learning in your district.
Arts In Education Resources
The Creative Economy
The arts mean business. In Louisiana, creative industries generate billions in revenue and thousands of jobs. In Northeast Louisiana, they power tourism, revitalize Main Streets, and inspire new small businesses.
When you advocate for the arts, you’re supporting local entrepreneurs, galleries, musicians, designers, and cultural festivals that keep our towns vibrant and economically strong.
Creative Economy Resources
Public Art & Placemaking
Public art tells our stories in color, sound, and motion. Murals, performances, and installations transform ordinary spaces into landmarks of pride and belonging.
Programs like Louisiana Project Grants, Downtown Gallery Crawl, Herons on the Bayou and more show how creativity builds connection one block at a time. Keep an eye out for regional opportunities to not only enjoy our public art but to also add to our public art.
Regional Public Art Placemaking Resources
Arts & Wellness
Creativity heals. Across the nation and here at home, arts participation has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and strengthen social bonds.
From senior centers to veterans’ workshops, the arts help people process experience and find joy again.
Arts Wellness Programming
How You Can Advocate
For Individuals
Your story matters. Whether you’re an artist, educator, parent, or community member—your voice can make a difference.
Here are four ways to get started:
- Send a Letter: Use customizable online tools to email your representatives about current arts issues—from NEA funding to arts education.
- Write a Letter to the Editor: Share your story or perspective with your local newspaper to show community-wide support.
- Show the Numbers: Remind your officials how creative industries drive jobs and growth in your district.
- Meet with Your Representative: Ask whether they’re part of the Congressional Arts Caucus. If not, encourage them to join:
For Organizations
Arts organizations play a vital role in advocacy. You bring data, partnerships, and impact stories that resonate on Capitol Hill. Advocacy ensures your programs—and the communities you serve—continue to thrive.
Six Ways to Engage Your Representatives:
- Invite Them In: Send invitations to exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.
- Share the Impact: Provide local and state creative economy data to show how the arts create jobs and revenue.
- Highlight Your NEA Grant: If you’ve received NEA funding, let your legislators know what that support made possible.
- Ask About Caucus Membership: Encourage participation in the Arts or Cultural Caucuses.
- Educate and Empower: Add these advocacy resources to your own website or newsletters.
- Know the Rules: Learn what advocacy activities are permissible for nonprofits.
Current Priority – Protect the NEA
Why This Matters Right Now
Federal funding for the arts directly impacts Northeast Louisiana.
For Fiscal Year 2026, the Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended $207 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), while the House proposal cuts funding by 35% to $135 million.
Help us protect the NEA and the programs it sustains—from rural arts initiatives and youth education to veterans’ healing and cultural preservation.
Access & Equity
The arts belong to everyone. The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council is committed to ensuring access for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Through grants, partnerships, and accessibility initiatives, we work to remove barriers so every resident can create, experience, and benefit from the arts.
Learn more about our access initiatives...
Advocacy happens every day—in classrooms, galleries, and small towns across Region 8.
Recent Region 8 Highlights...
Louisiana artists & arts leaders participating in Arts Day at the Capitol.
Region 8 student Grisham Locke winning the state Poetry Out Loud competition & traveling to Washington DC for nationals.
Art Alley-Gator — the largest street mural in Louisiana, by Region 8 artists Ashley Greer & Daniel Myers, located in Downtown Monroe on Art Alley.
Legislative Tools
Economic Data
Nonprofit Guides
Templates & Samples
Be part of a growing network of arts advocates across Northeast Louisiana. Sign up for alerts, stay informed, and help amplify the voices of artists and organizations in our region.
