The effective arts advocate needs to articulate the value of the arts in as many ways as possible—deploying the right case-making tool in the right situation. Consider these “10 Reasons to Support the Arts” as your Swiss army knife for arts advocacy. 

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures. The arts are also a fundamental component of a healthy community—strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.

1. Arts unify communities
2. Arts improve individual well-being
3. Arts improve academic performance
4. Arts strengthen the economy
5. Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses
6. Arts spark creativity and innovation
7. Arts drive the creative industries
8. Arts have social impact
9. Arts improve healthcare
10. Arts for the health and well-being of our military