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Policy + Advocacy

Our collection of resources to help arts and cultural organizations navigate policy issues and advocate for the arts. Explore tools that foster informed civic engagement, encourage public investment, and uplift creative communities across our region.

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Other Policy + Advocacy Resources

Americans for the Arts
For arts advocates making the case for creativity in their communities, Americans for the Arts offers tools, research, and national leadership to help strengthen public support for the arts and arts education.
Learn More via Americans for the Arts
The Performing Arts Alliance
The Performing Arts Alliance provides policy insights and advocacy resources to help artists and organizations speak up for the performing arts sector and navigate policy issues shaping the creative landscape.
Learn More via The Performing Arts Alliance
Arts Education Partnership
For educators and champions of the arts, the Arts Education Partnership brings together research, policy guidance, and a national network to advance high‑quality arts learning for every learner.
Arts Education Partnership

Explore Your State’s Arts Advocacy Organization

This page is updated regularly and reflects established arts advocacy organizations in every state across the Midwest; Indiana’s arts advocacy organization is forthcoming.
Illinois
Arts Alliance Illinois strengthens the state’s creative sector through advocacy and resources.
Learn More via Arts Alliance Illinois
Iowa
The Iowa Cultural Coalition organizes Iowans to advocate for increased public investment in arts and culture.
Learn More via Iowa Cultural Coalition
Michigan
The Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan amplifies the work of cultural organizations across the state.
Learn More via Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts works to ensure all Minnesotans can access the arts by producing research and advocating for the arts at the state and federal levels.
Learn More via Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
North Dakota
StrengthenND supports nonprofits and rural communities across North Dakota through capacity‑building and community development.
StrengthenND
Ohio
Creative Ohio provides advocacy and support for creatives, arts organizations, and the broader creative economy throughout the state.
Learn More via CreativeOhio
South Dakota
Arts South Dakota advances the arts statewide through advocacy, connection, and education.
Learn More via Arts South Dakota
Wisconsin
Create Wisconsin strengthens the state’s creative economy through advocacy, community cultural development, and support for artists and organizations.
Learn More via Create Wisconsin

Explore Resources for Detailed Economic Data

 

Provides state-by-state data snapshots showing the size, makeup, and economic impact of each state’s creative economy.

Learn More via National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

Offers detailed estimates of the arts sector’s contribution to state economies, including GDP, employment, and compensation.

Learn More via National Endowment for the Arts

Fact sheets summarizing arts and cultural production data for each state, highlighting key industries, value added, and jobs.

Learn More via Bureau of Economic Analysis

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