Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 10:57 am
What is it? Do creative communities need it? What can you do?
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is a public activity that puts forward a vision with confidence and positivity. In doing so, it creates new spaces for discussion. It forms networks of like-minded people, as well as encouraging people to think differently. It empowers creativity. Well-distributed creative advocacy such as that undertaken by RAV Members generates a critical mass of public discussion that shows the world how important creative work is to us – and why.
Why do creative communities need advocates?
Making art and championing the arts are two very different things. Creatives aren’t always best placed to advocate for their own work. Summarily, community arts groups are being run by volunteers, so they don’t always have the resources to do advocacy either. We know too well the value of creativity in our communities, whether that be in creative recovery after devastating bushfires. Or how creatives kept us entertained online during COVID lockdowns, and how much we missed in person festivals or performances when they were put on hold.
The importance of creative activities should not be undervalued at any level, and we need passionate advocates to help with funding, support, and resources.
Why advocate?
Sharing the insights, the processes and the experiences of what inspires us is one of the most powerful things we can do. It creates a society where creativity is appreciated, where art is valued. It builds confidence and trust in the arts as a practice, as a community and as an industry. When advocacy for the arts is frequent and well-distributed, it encourages media coverage and inspires our elected representatives to engage further with the arts.
What can I do?
As a RAV Member, you have access to a suite of unique resources on arts advocacy. These cover specific topics on how to advocate for the arts.