When we hear the phrase “arts advocacy,” we might imagine writing letters to elected officials or meeting with legislators. And while that’s absolutely important—because lasting change happens through policy reform—you don’t have to wait for a meeting on Capitol Hill to make a difference.
So what does it actually mean to be an advocate for the arts? We’ll talk about this in more depth in an upcoming post. But for now…
Advocacy, at its core, means taking action to support and advance something you believe in. True arts advocacy includes working toward policy change, yes—but it also includes all the smaller, everyday ways we show up for the arts in our communities.
If you're ready to explore advocacy at the policy level, the Americans for the Arts Advocacy Toolkit offers helpful templates, tips, and email scripts to get you started.
But advocacy doesn’t stop there. Whether you have 5 minutes, 5 hours, or $5—there’s something on this list that you can do right now to support the arts here in Rutherford County.
1. Support Local Artists
Local residents chat at an event at the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro.
Come to an art show. Buy a handmade piece. Tip the band. Follow a local artist on Instagram. Share their work with a friend. Even a quick shoutout on social media goes further than you think.
Need a starting point? Our RAA Happenings newsletter lists upcoming local arts events and creative opportunities each month. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss out!
2. Help Spread the Word About Arts Scholarships
RAA offers needs-based scholarships of up to $100 to K–12 students in Rutherford County to support participation in arts activities—band, chorus, visual arts, culinary arts, theater, and more.
You can help by:
Donating to the scholarship fund
Printing and sharing this flyer with teachers, students, and parents
Letting arts educators know it exists!
3. Become a Member of RAA & Volunteer
Colorful raised hand image made in Canva
RAA is a nonprofit advocacy group connecting creatives and community through collaboration, education, and the promotion of arts, culture, and heritage in Rutherford County.
By becoming a member, you:
Get free access to workshops and events
Receive exclusive discounts at local shops
Are spotlighted in our newsletter and social media
Gain access to grant info and artist opportunities
Can serve on committees and Interest Groups
Help shape the cultural future of our county
Volunteer opportunities are coming up this summer—keep an eye on our social media for ways to get involved! Whether you’re an artist or an arts supporter, there’s a place for you here.
4. Support an Arts Organization That Aligns with You
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a difference in the arts. There are amazing organizations—locally and beyond—already doing meaningful work. All they need is your support to grow their reach and deepen their impact.
Whether it’s subscribing to a newsletter, donating $5, sharing their work online, attending an event, or becoming a member—your engagement helps keep the arts thriving.
Here are a few to explore:
Girls Write Nashville – A mentorship and songwriting program that fosters creative expression and resilience in teen girls through music and community-based collaboration.
girlswritenashville.orgCreative Generation – An international nonprofit committed to supporting youth creativity, arts education, and cultural equity. You can contribute to their blog, podcast, or resource center, or apply for their leadership incubator.
creative-generation.orgCarpe Artista – Based in Smyrna, TN, Carpe Artista empowers young artists through arts education, leadership training, and events that foster cultural engagement.
carpeartista.comYEAH! (Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities) – Home of Southern Girls Rock Camp, YEAH! offers inclusive, music-based programming for youth across Tennessee.
yeahrocks.orgDiscovery Center at Murfree Spring – A hands-on museum in Murfreesboro that includes creative learning experiences in art, science, and nature for children and families.
explorethedc.orgArts Bellevue – This West Nashville nonprofit promotes the performing, visual, literary, and culinary arts through events and education rooted in diversity and collaboration.
artsbellevue.orgDaybreak Arts – A social enterprise in Nashville that provides artistic and economic opportunities for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
daybreakarts.orgRutherford Arts Alliance (RAA) – Our local nonprofit supporting and connecting creatives across Rutherford County. From murals to mentorship, policy to performance—RAA exists to advocate for a creative life for all.
rutherfordartsalliance.org
Find the one that speaks to you and get involved!
5. Join the Arts Advocacy Interest Group + Book Club
RAA is launching a new Arts Advocacy Interest Group, and you're invited to be part of it!
We’re kicking things off this summer with a free book club with a short, powerful book about the role of teaching artists and how everyday people can support them.
We’re hoping to be able to provide free copies of our first book to all participants
Meetings will be held via Zoom (with recordings available)
Open to anyone, not just artists!
There will be three sessions:
An in-person kickoff and book pickup in June
A virtual group discussion in July
An optional meeting in August to plan a local advocacy project together - inspired by the book!
Want in? Sign up here or email Mai Hamric at maihamric@gmail.com for more info.
No Action Is Too Small
Whether you’re showing up at a local gallery, handing a flyer to a teacher, or simply telling someone why the arts matter to you—you are helping shape the future of arts and culture in Rutherford County.
Every action matters—and together, they create momentum. Start where you are, use what you have, and help the arts thrive!
