Policy Priorities

The arts and cultural policy and advocacy landscape is sprawling and complex, with numerous potential policy issues and decision-making taking place at every level of government. In ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders and partners, Creative West has identified several key policy priorities: supporting local, state, and federal cultural agencies; bolstering the creative economy and creative workers; advancing equity and justice; and investing in creative infrastructure.

Action Center

Creative West provides the latest advocacy updates, drives impactful campaigns, and monitors state and federal legislation. In our grassroots advocacy action center, we rally arts advocates, track the moves that matter, and keep you in the know every step of the way.

Take Action Now

Advocacy Partners

Creative West works in partnership with the broader arts, nonprofit, and creative industries sectors to strengthen public-sector involvement in the arts. As a leading member of national coalitions like the Cultural Advocacy Group, BIPOC Led Arts Advocacy Coalition, Creative States Coalition, National Arts Policy Alliance, and Grantmakers in the Arts Policy Committee, we’re connected with partners both regionally and nationally on year-round advocacy efforts.

State Advocacy Funds

For over a decade, WESTAF has distributed funds (generated from its earned income) to each state in the West to support advocacy on behalf of the state’s arts agency. From essential capacity-building support for state arts advocacy organizations and funding top-tier advocacy work and training and cutting-edge public affairs technology to organizing arts advocacy days and summits, our goal is to provide each state with funds to meet their needs and support their unique advocacy activities.

Western Arts Advocacy Network (WAAN)

With the support of Creative West, the Western Arts Advocacy Network (WAAN) was founded in 2020 and brings together leaders from statewide arts advocacy organizations and key advocates from across the West to share best practices, build advocacy capacity, and support arts advocacy.

Learn More

Arts Leadership and Advocacy Seminar

The Arts Leadership and Advocacy Seminar empowers arts leaders with the tools and knowledge to effectively engage in federal advocacy for the arts. Engage with policymakers, learn best practices, and build strategies to support and advance the arts in your community and nationwide through our learning opportunities and biannual fly-in to Washington, D.C.

Learn More