On February 6th, 2025, UTeach Fine Arts Student Advisory Council members took a trip to the Capitol for Arts Advocacy Day. On Arts Advocacy Day, hosted by Texans for the Arts, artsadministrators, creatives, educators, and arts supporters from across the state got the opportunity to champion the critical role that the arts plays in our communities during the 89th Legislative Session.
Students attended orientation sessions and learned valuable skills in communicating the value of the arts. After a jam-packed orientation, students met for lunch at the Paramount Theatre with Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts and local non-profit theatre companies like Bottle Alley Theatre, Magik Theatre, and Glass Half Full Theatre. Afterwards, we made our way back to the Capitol and had the incredible opportunity to meet with lawmakers’ staff and listen in as arts advocates shared personal testimonies about the impact of arts education and advocated for policies that support the creative economy and arts funding in Texas.
UTeach Theatre student, Sophia Campbell, said “Participating in Arts Advocacy Day gave me a better knowledge of how Texas public policy affects the arts industry and arts education. Additionally, it equipped me with the training I needed to turn my thoughts into actions and demystified the process of meeting with my government officials to speak up for what I believe is right and lawful in regards to the arts.”
Participating in Arts Advocacy Day provided our students with a hands-on experience in civic engagement, demonstrating how artists and educators can be powerful voices in shaping public policy. We are grateful to Texans for the Arts for organizing this impactful event and graciously thank the Paramount Theatre for hosting us.
