Learn why arts advocacy is crucial in today's world and become an effective advocate on the local, state, and federal levels.

Although the arts are an indispensable part of everyday living and community vibrancy, they are sometimes viewed as unnecessary; their relevance is not easily grasped by those who question their importance. Offering a holistic approach, a wealth of knowledge and arguments, and actionable information based on her lifelong experience and research, Beth Gigante Klingenstein covers an array of topics that benefit people who are new to arts advocacy as well as seasoned advocates.

She looks at the intrinsic value of the arts, the impact the arts have on the vitality of a community, positive influences the arts can have on individuals, the significance of the arts in wellness and in education, ways the arts are misperceived, advocacy steps for helping others understand the value of the arts, and resources for seeking financial and community support for the arts. She provides useful arguments when advocating, explains some of the common misconceptions that advocates encounter, and offers an understanding of the people in power who advocates ultimately address. Myriad examples from a variety of artistic disciplines help to reinforce practical application, and by the end of the book, readers will be able to create an advocacy plan that fits their needs.