The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Creative Network invite you to three free webinars in the...

From federal tax policy to state grant programs to local public art commissions, public policies and government investments play a critical role in the wellbeing of Vermont’s artists, makers, creative businesses, and cultural institutions. We are excited to present three free webinars to empower and inform Vermont’s creative sector advocates. All are welcome to these sessions aimed to help us strengthen the creative sector at every level.

Local Advocacy: Municipal ARPA Funding, the Creative Economy, and Strategic Plans

6-7 p.m., Dec. 13, 2022

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included direct funding to municipalities. Since its passage, ARPA funding for municipalities has become easier to navigate, with many opportunities to support the creative economy in your town. If your town has already allocated your municipal ARPA funding, learn about municipalities across Vermont who have incorporated the creative sector into their town strategic plans to better access funding opportunities. This discussion will clearly outline possibilities for how local governments can strengthen our cultural and creative fabric and what you can do to engage in the process.

Presenters: Annie McLean, Community and Economic Recovery Specialist, Northeastern VT Development Association (NVDA) and Johanna de Graffenreid, Vermont Creative Network Manager, Vermont Arts Council

Statewide Advocacy: Vermont’s Creative Sector Advocacy Priorities 

2-3 p.m., Dec. 14, 2022

With historic turnover in the Vermont Legislature this coming session, learn the new lay of the land and what you can do to engage your state elected officials in the creative sector. We’ll cover key statewide advocacy priorities for the creative sector, review changes to legislative committees, and discuss how to ensure state representatives and senators understand the importance of the creative economy in Vermont.

Presenters: Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Executive Director, Vermont Humanities and Patti Komline, Government and Public Affairs, Downs Rachlin Martin

From Town Councils to the Statehouse: Effective Creative Economy Advocacy in Vermont

6-7:30 p.m., Dec. 15, 2022

In Vermont we pride ourselves on freedom and unity. With these values in mind, join the Vermont Creative Network (VCN) and learn how to best engage with your elected officials. We will review our 2023 local and statewide VCN advocacy agenda, provide key insights into how to best make the case for the creative economy with Vermont decision makers, and share important research to support our advocacy efforts. If you are interested in getting involved with your local VCN Zone’s advocacy efforts, this webinar is for you!

Presenter: Johanna de Graffenreid, Vermont Creative Network Manager, Vermont Arts Council

For additional resources on how to be a creative sector advocate, visit the advocacy toolbox on our website.