As we close out the fiscal year, ArtsBuild is proud to reflect on a successful and deeply impactful first year of our formal advocacy initiative. This work marked a significant step forward in our mission to position the arts as a critical component of community wellbeing, economic development, and civic life in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. There is no greater time than now to engage our elected officials around the importance of supporting the nonprofit arts sector.

With a strategic focus on five long-term goals—Awareness, Engagement, Action, Policy Change, and Sustained Impact—our advocacy campaign laid the groundwork for real and lasting change in how the arts are supported and prioritized across sectors.

Laying the Foundation

Our advocacy work began with a comprehensive strategy focused on education, coalition building, and civic engagement. We worked to raise awareness about the value of the arts by sharing data, local stories, and opportunities for public involvement. Hundreds of individuals participated in Advocacy 101 training sessions, gaining the tools to confidently speak on behalf of the arts in their communities.

Engaging the Community and Local Leaders

We made engagement a top priority—bringing artists, arts organizations, and everyday residents into the conversation. A highlight of the year was our fireside chat with Mayor Tim Kelly, which drew attention to arts-related priorities in Chattanooga’s future planning.

We also created a voter’s guide for the March 2025 elections, helping the public make informed choices and understand which issues directly affect the arts. The launch of our #ArtsVote communications campaign further amplified this effort, driving home the connection between civic participation and support for the arts.

Mobilizing for Action and Policy Change

Our supporters weren’t just informed—they were mobilized. Through our newly built advocacy mailing list, which grew to 236 engaged members, we delivered real-time advocacy alerts and calls to action, encouraging our network to attend meetings, contact local officials, and share vital messages.

We also began work toward policy change, meeting with both Mayor Kelly and Mayor Wamp, and pursuing a $30,000 transportation request to help cover buses for our K-5 field trip program. At the state level, we joined Tennesseans for the Arts’ Arts Advocacy Day and continued sharing national updates from Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund with local funders and partners.

Building for Long-Term Impact

Looking ahead, the seeds we’ve planted this year are already bearing fruit. We launched Chattanooga’s inaugural Arts Week, which hosted more than 60 arts events all over town, included a session with the City Council and showcased local artists and organizations.

We also maintained a strong presence in the community by promoting the Tennessee Specialty License Plate Program at every public speaking opportunity—supporting ongoing funding for creative programs across the state.

As we move into the next phase of this work, ArtsBuild remains committed to creating a lasting framework for arts advocacy—ensuring sustained investment, cultural recognition, and a stronger voice for the arts at every level.

We are grateful to the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County governments for supporting arts and culture funding in their FY 2026 budgets!

Visit artsbuild.com/advocacy to get connected to our ongoing advocacy efforts!