Advocating for artists and the future of the arts is who we are and at the heart of everything we do.
Have you ever asked yourself one of the following questions?
- Do we have the kind of professional arts environment that leads to successful lifelong careers?
- Are we accepting of artistic expression and freedom of speech, which are essential for cultural sustainability?
- Is San Antonio a safe place for artists to work without fear of judgement or retribution?
- What is the factual state of the arts economy, and what can be done to improve it?
- What is being done to support artists to succeed locally, nationally, and globally?
- Would I live in San Antonio if there was no museums, art programs, public art or practicing artists?
Why is advocacy so important?
Marketing and promotion of local artists and cultural events obviously emphasizes all the positive attributes of San Antonio’s arts and culture, leaving out the underlying challenges within the art field that need the attention and support from their community. Unresolved conflict breeds resentment and stress, qualities that repress artistic potential and marginalize the professional status of arts and cultural workers. Art advocacy pays attention to unresolved conflicts and rectifies issues that cause harm to artists through no fault of their own. This unfortunate outcome is usually caused by a lack of due process, improper artistic adjudication, and decisions being made without the appropriate guidance and public input, or sometimes even common sense.
These linked articles below, published in recent years, represent a selection of news headlines that highlight local deficiencies in our community’s enforcement of professional standards regarding art policy. Once these headlines fade, the issues turn into lasting scars that damage our culture.
What can advocacy do?
- The corrective path requires advocacy, where people unite to encourage, educate, and improve arts education standards.
- A cultural change is essential at all levels.
- Art Field Agency seeks to form collaborative groups of mentors and volunteers to eliminate barriers to the growth of the arts economy and address systemic dysfunction within the art field.
- We must be ready to face new challenges and seize opportunities.
How To Get it Done?
- The professional art community has the knowledge to address these issues; we need leaders to invite them into the process for positive change.
- Open communication and information sharing will enhance our understanding of collective potential and foster innovation in the arts economy.
- We need diverse philanthropy and a sense of civic volunteerism that includes tech, development, business, and thought leaders.
- Art is an industry intertwined with local partners like tourism, conventions, retail, and restaurants. We must work towards mutual progress to achieve a more populated city over the next century.
There’s a good chance if you are reading this, your are already an art advocate. Would you consider joining our effort? Sign up below so we can add you to our Art Advocacy Network.
We are looking to build a broad network of Art Advocacy Agents who will support our fellow artists and cultural workers. Let us know who you are, and also where advocacy is needed. Click on the link below to sign up and become part of our Art Advocacy Network.