Roanoke Arts Advocacy
Advocate for the Arts
It might sound intimidating; however, anyone can be an arts advocate. In fact, you’re probably advocating for the arts already without realizing it. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Share your support of the arts with friends and family
- Send copies of articles about the arts and education to legislative/policy members
- Respond to action alerts from an advocacy network like the Virginians for the Arts
- Meet with legislators, school board members and other policy makers:
- Write letters and articles for the local newspaper about the arts and arts education
- Recruit others to advocate for the arts
- Attend Arts Advocacy Day in Richmond, VA
Other Ways You Can Help
Attend an Arts or Cultural Event
Sounds easy, right? It is! Roanoke offers some of the best arts and cultural events in the region, and they are right here in our backyard. Attend a performance, visit a museum, or purchase art from a local artist. The hardest part is deciding which incredible event to attend! Check out the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge event calendar for a list of current arts and cultural events.
Impacts of Supporting Arts & Culture
Quality of Life
Supporting the arts & culture helps improve the quality of life by:
Providing inspiration and enjoyment to residents
Beautifying shared public spaces
Igniting the mind to stimulate new ways of thinking, communicating, and doing business
Education
Exposure to the arts & culture boost learning for students by:
Improving vocabulary, communication, memory, and social-emotional development in young children
Increasing academic performance and scores on standardized tests.
Finding better jobs, earning degrees, and volunteering.
Social
Supporting the arts and culture helps reinforce the social fabric of our community by:
Preserving historic and cultural heritage
Providing a better understanding and an appreciation for cultural diversity
Facilitating connections and reducing barriers between diverse groups (e.g. age groups, ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes)