Arts Advocacy Day

About

Each year, members of Virginians for the Arts meet with legislators in Richmond to discuss the importance of arts funding in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2026 Arts Advocacy Day

This year Virginians for the Arts will host its annual Arts Advocacy Day at the Virginia Capitol on January 22, 2026.

As in previous years, we will host a morning meeting near the Capitol prior to gathering on The Hill to meet with legislators and promote how the arts positively impact citizens and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We encourage any of our members who would like to join us in Richmond for Arts Advocacy Day to reach out to us at info@vaforarts.org. We look forward to seeing you at our 2026 Arts Advocacy Day!

Schedule

8:00 a.m. – Meet at McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods LLP
Frances Hayes Room, 18^th Floor

We’ll start the morning together with a short briefing to get everyone comfortable and ready:

• Talking Points & One-Pager
• How to Engage with Legislators & Aides
• Assignments & Meeting Plan
• General Assembly Building (GAB) Logistics

After the briefing, we will head up the Hill to begin our day of advocacy.

---

Morning – Legislative Visits & Committees
Approx. 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

• Visits with Delegates and Senators
• Committee Activity

During this window, some of us will also be meeting with key “money committee” staff while others will have a single conversation with a Delegate or Senator, or their staff, to advocate directly around the arts-related budget amendments.

---

Noon – House Gallery & Resolution
12:00 p.m. – House Gallery

We anticipate that Delegate Rae Cousins will recognize Virginians for the Arts and the importance of the arts (final timing and details still to be confirmed). We plan to gather in the House Gallery to be present for this moment and demonstrate visible support from the arts community.

How to Prepare Before Arts Advocacy Day

To make the most of the day, please try to:

• Mark Your Calendar & RSVP
  • Please confirm your attendance so we can plan materials and assignments.
  • You can RSVP here.

• Schedule Appointments (If Possible)
  • Reach out to your Delegate and Senator’s offices to request brief meetings on the morning of January 22.
  • If scheduling is difficult, don’t worry — we will still have meaningful ways   for you to participate with informal visits and drop-bys.

• Plan for a Day at the Capitol
  • Bring a valid photo ID for security.
  • Wear comfortable shoes — you will be on your feet and moving between buildings.