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The Current State of Arts and Cultural Advocacy

Tuesday, October 20, 10:00am – 11:30am

Athenian, Mezzanine Level

Organized by Kerry McCarthy, Senior Program Officer, Arts & Historic Preservation, The New York Community Trust; and San San Wong, Senior Program Officer, Arts & Culture, Barr Foundation.

Presented by Sofia Klatzker, Executive Director, Arts for LA; Kerry McCarthy, Senior Program Officer, Arts & Historic Preservation, The New York Community Trust; and San San Wong, Senior Program Officer, Arts & Culture, Barr Foundation.

What is the current state of arts and cultural advocacy? This participatory group discussion will begin with case studies focusing on: the developing arts advocacy infrastructure in Boston, led by the Barr Foundation; the successful nine-year-old Arts for LA; and the New York City Cultural Agenda Fund in The New York Community Trust, a new donor collaborative working to strengthen advocacy, influence policy, and build equity. Following presentations, attendees will discuss in small groups: bright spots for arts and cultural advocacy; foundations’ level of involvement; how policy issues like racial equity, arts education, and uneven capitalization are being addressed; and advocacy tools being used, among other topics.