Advocating for the Arts Through Your Civic Duty of Voting
As Election Day approaches, many of us are focused on issues like the economy, healthcare, and education. But did you know that your vote can also impact the arts in your community? While it may not always make the headlines, voting for candidates and policies that support the arts is one of the most effective ways to advocate for a vibrant and creative society.
Here’s why your vote matters and how you can use it to champion the arts.
The Arts Are Essential for Our Communities
The arts are more than just entertainment. They foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation—skills that are vital for thriving communities. Whether through music, visual art, theater, or dance, the arts enrich our lives, help children develop lifelong skills, and build bridges between diverse groups. A strong arts scene can also boost local economies, attract tourism, and contribute to overall community well-being.
However, the arts are often underfunded and overlooked in public policy discussions. Arts organizations rely heavily on public funding, including federal, state, and local support. Decisions made by elected officials can have a direct impact on the availability of arts programming in schools, the sustainability of cultural institutions, and the vibrancy of the creative economy.
How Your Vote Supports the Arts
When you vote, you have the opportunity to choose leaders who understand the value of the arts and are committed to supporting them. Here are a few ways your vote can make a difference:
- Funding for Arts Education: Many school districts face budget cuts, and often the arts are the first to go. By voting for candidates who prioritize arts education, you ensure that students continue to have access to creative learning opportunities, which have been shown to improve academic performance and social-emotional development.
- Public Art and Cultural Spaces: Municipal funding for public art, museums, theaters, and other cultural venues depends on decisions made by city councils, mayors, and other local officials. Voting for leaders who are dedicated to fostering a rich cultural life can help secure the future of these vital community spaces.
- Arts Advocacy at the State and Federal Level: Elected officials at the state and federal levels often make decisions about grant funding, tax incentives for artists, and policies that affect nonprofit arts organizations. By supporting candidates who advocate for the arts, you help ensure continued investment in creative industries.
- Economic Growth through the Arts: Arts and culture contribute billions to the U.S. economy every year, supporting millions of jobs. When you vote for leaders who understand the economic impact of the arts, you help promote policies that bolster creative businesses and ensure that artists and cultural workers can thrive.
Know the Candidates
Before heading to the polls, take some time to research where candidates stand on arts-related issues. Look for their positions on arts education, public funding for the arts, and support for local cultural organizations. You can often find this information through arts advocacy organizations, candidate websites, or by directly asking candidates about their arts policies. Nebraskans for the Arts surveyed candidates on their arts support and their responses may be found at https://www.nebraskansforthearts.org/news_resources/advocacy/
Additionally, pay attention to ballot measures that may impact the arts in your community. These could include local tax initiatives, bond measures for public spaces, or policies that affect funding for schools and libraries. Every vote counts when it comes to protecting and growing access to the arts.
The Power of Your Vote
When you cast your ballot, you’re not just voting for a candidate—you’re voting for the kind of community you want to live in. By supporting the arts through your civic duty of voting, you help create a future where creativity is valued, cultural diversity is celebrated, and the arts continue to inspire, educate, and unite us all.
So, this Election Day, take a moment to think about the arts. Your vote can help ensure a vibrant cultural landscape for generations to come. Let’s advocate for the arts at the polls and continue to build a society where creativity and expression flourish.