Young Arts Advocates: Arts Day 2018

By Susan Wiedmeyer

Rachel and Hannah in front of the Capitol.

On March 21, 2018, our two student representative board members, Rachel Young and Hannah Lipscomb, along with a First Stage staff member, joined nearly a thousand arts supporters at the State Capitol for a day of arts advocacy. The three attended networking events, a panel discussion and presentation as well as met with Senator LaTonya Johnson and the staff members of Representative Leon Young and Senator Alberta Darling.

We asked them to share a bit about their experience.

Was this your first time experiencing Arts Day?

RY: Yes, it was for me!

HL: I’ve been once before—a couple years ago. I was happy to return this year.

What did you think?

RY: Representing First Stage at Arts Day was an amazing experience! Fortunately, everyone we talked to was supportive of the arts, which means we have been doing our job stressing the importance of the arts. It was really nice to hear that a few of the legislators were interested in coming to a First Stage production. Senator LaTonya Johnson even has relatives currently enrolled in the Theater Academy!

First Stage visits Senator LaTonya Johnson.

HL: I enjoyed many components of the day, but the best part was talking to our state legislators. I gained a better understanding about what they already knew about First Stage, and what they supported in their work. I loved sharing our stories to help further secure their support of the arts in Wisconsin.

What did you take away from your experience?

RY: I enjoyed visiting the capitol capitol building—especially the legislators’ offices—and learning what a staffer’s role is. During our networking breakfast, I also enjoyed hearing from one of the presenters about an incredible program that is being piloted at three Boys and Girls Club branches. This program investigates the benefit of arts education and introduces youth to amazing arts opportunities such as comic book writing, illustrating, and producing short films.

HL: I learned the value of working together as a team to successfully share our mission to our leaders. I also learned that it is important for me to put myself out there—to share my story and those of others about how the arts have a positive impact. We need to put our faces and names to this issue so people can truly understand the value of the arts. The arts make people stronger and more confident.

How would you encourage others to advocate for the arts?

Making a little art before heading home.

RY: Arts advocacy is important because not everyone recognizes how the arts shape an individual’s empathy, acceptance and perseverance, which are essential traits of a well-rounded person. It may seem that as teenagers, we can’t do a lot to advocate for what we love… but remember—“I can’t is not in our vocabulary!” Get out there and talk about your experience as much as possible. You never know who will find your story inspiring!

HL: Everyone can be an advocate in his or her own way. It can be as simple as going with your friends to see a show, participating in the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Ride for the Arts, or writing letters to our local, state and national leaders. Arts advocacy is “life skills through stage skills” in action and every little bit helps.

If you’d like help advocate for the arts, reach out to your legislators here.