Advocacy Works, Michigan Elected Officials Share Their Insight
As Cultural Advocacy Month comes to a close in Michigan, the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan celebrates the successful gathering of arts and culture professionals and advocates to learn about best practices, network, and speak with elected officials on the latest challenges and successes faced here in the Fresh Coast state.
And now, as these professionals, practitioners, artists and residents go out into their communities to continue their great work, they can know that advocacy continues to make an impact in all neighborhoods across the state. We asked a few questions of the Michigan Cultural Causus Co-Chairs, elected officials in the state, to ask them about advocacy and the creative sector, here are their responses:
State Representative Julie M. Rogers
From your perspective, what role does arts and culture play here in the State of Michigan?
Arts and Culture plays an enormous role in placemaking in our Michigan communities. It’s what makes a city or county unique and special.
Share a story about a recent memorable arts and cultural moments here in Michigan?
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Grand Rapids ballet and witness the presentation of a 50-year anniversary tribute. The Grand Rapids ballet is the only professional ballet company in Michigan, and I am proud of this amazing gem that brings so much talent to our state.
For advocates looking to connect with, inform and influence their local elected officials, what tips do you have for having a successful conversation?
Make sure you lead with a personal story. They are always more impactful and meaningful, especially when sharing one from the legislator’s district. Advocacy is so important, and I enjoy hearing from residents about issues facing them.
State Senator Erika Geiss
From your perspective, what role does arts and culture play here in the State of Michigan?
The role of arts and culture collectively plays a huge role in Michigan. From such public and community art projects and installations such as the Nordin Brothers’ new sculpture for the head of the Iron Belle Trail on Belle Island to the economic impact of the arts/cultural industry as live performances return as we adjust to the late-stage covid-19 pandemic. The educational and public service impact of our libraries (which I have to stress especially during Reading Month) and the educational impact of the teachers guiding the next generation of visual and performance artists, who themselves are often also professionals in their cultural fields.
Share a story about a recent memorable arts and cultural moments here in Michigan?
This past weekend was the return of the MSBOA and MSVMA festivals. It was so inspiring to see and hear how our students have grown in their musicianship guided by their teachers, conductors, and coaches in honing the craft.
For advocates looking to connect with, inform and influence their local elected officials, what tips do you have for having a successful conversation?
I think it’s as simple as reaching out and sharing the stories of the importance of the arts and cultural community—especially the behind-the-scenes things that people who aren’t or haven’t been directly involved with the creation and production may be unaware.
Does advocacy truly affect policy?
I believe that it does. If legislators and policymakers aren’t aware of an issue, concern, or problem (and conversely something successful that needs to be maintained, supported, or grow) we can’t know to address it, much less how to address it. By having the people who are directly involved in and affected by an issue or content area, having advocacy from those voices will make the policy-making/legislation stronger, in my opinion, and useful in achieving (or coming close to achieving) the desired outcome(s).
Editor's Note: Fresh Coast Perspective invited all Co-Chairs of the Michigan Cultural Caucus to contribute to this article.
