MAAE Education and Advocacy
MAAE Education and Advocacy
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To inform and educate those who can help the arts and arts education thrive in Missouri!
To inform and educate those who can help the arts and arts education thrive in Missouri!
MAAE is non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates.
What is Arts Advocacy?
Anything that helps support the continuation of the arts could be referred to as arts advocacy. It takes many forms, from something as simple as inviting local school board members, elected officials or administrators to performances and exhibitions, or as extensive as arranging formal visits to meet with members of the state or national legislature and other policy makers. It most often takes the form of education, sharing information about the potential impact of an action or decision, and occasionally takes the form of lobbying or more direct action, asking a policy maker to support or oppose a specific issue.
MAAE Advocacy Initiatives
National Level Arts Advocacy Initiatives
From NASAA
interactive dashboards for exploring FY2026 revenue data.
press release provides a synopsis of the findings.
- Arts Education Alliance
- Maestro Act Resources
- Federal Funding for the Arts
- MEDSS - Music Education District Support Services
- FY2026 Federal Funding at Risk: Data Tool
Strategic Arts Messaging
Strategic Arts Messaging
MAAE's Tips for Talking to Legislators
Missouri Citizens for the Arts held an online training for arts advocates in preparation for Arts Advocacy Week, 2026. Kyna Iman introduced Representative Stephanie Hein who offered some tips for helping messages be heard.
Advocacy is essential: In 2026, strong and consistent advocacy will be essential for advancing arts and community initiatives.
Engage local representatives first: Start by ensuring your local legislators are aware of your organization’s work and its impact on the community.
Expand outreach strategically: Beyond local representatives, connect with members of the budget committee, as they play a key role in funding decisions.
Personalize your message: Share specific examples of how arts funding benefits your community—such as local fairs, events, and programs—to make your advocacy more relatable and memorable.
Maintain consistent communication: Frequent outreach and multiple points of contact (“lots of touches”) strengthen relationships and reinforce the importance of your cause.
Preparation matters: Legislators are more informed and supportive when advocates provide clear, localized examples of their work’s value.
60th anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Partners in Advocacy
Kyna Iman, MAAE legislative liaison kynaiman@earthlink.netAFTA-Americans for the ArtsAEP-Arts Education PartnershipMCA-Missouri Citizens for the ArtsMACAA-Missouri Association of Community Arts AgenciesMMEA -Missouri Music Educators AssociationNASAA -National Assembly of State Arts Agencies NAMM-National Association of Music MerchantsPartners in Advocacy
Right to Read Coalition Applauds Court Ruling to Overturn Book Ban Law
November 19, 2025
The Jackson County Court judge’s ruling to strike down Missouri’s book ban law is a victory for the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech. As a statewide coalition, representing 60,000 Missourians, we are especially pleased that this ruling affirms and respects the role of librarians to serve students in Missouri’s schools.
Here’s more information on the court ruling from the Kansas City Star
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