Arts Advocates Showed Up in Washington, D.C.
ArtPride New Jersey, alongside arts advocates from across the state, traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 25th, 2026, for New Jersey’s Arts Advocacy Day. Together, we met with federally elected officials and urged them to maintain critical funding for the arts in our state. Arts Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity to engage directly with members of Congress, share powerful stories about the transformative impact of the arts in your communities, and build your skills as an arts champion in New Jersey.
Our presence in D.C. this year was more vital than ever. Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities is at risk of being cut or zeroed out.
You made your voice count. Elected officials heard directly from you about the critical need for government support — how it shapes your life, and all that arts and culture have made possible for your community. Arts Advocacy Day continues to unite us with a shared purpose: to demonstrate to legislators that the arts are vital to New Jersey's identity and future. This is more than advocacy—it's your chance to actively engage in democracy and ensure your story is part of the conversation.
Ready to Become an Arts Champion?
Arts Advocacy Day 2026 concluded. Stay tuned for 2027. Contact Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations, with any questions or for more information.
Can’t Travel to Washington, D.C.? Here are ways to advocate from Home
Your advocacy has power wherever you are! If you can’t be in Washington, D.C., stand with us from New Jersey and help champion the arts right from home. Your voice counts—make it heard!
Care, Safety, and Community Support
We recognize that traveling to Washington, D.C. this year may raise safety concerns for some members of our community, given the current climate and heightened ICE enforcement activity in the region. ArtPride New Jersey is committed to the care and well-being of everyone participating in Arts Advocacy Day.
We will share resources in advance, provide guidance to help individuals assess their own comfort level and personal risk, and foster a culture of mutual care so advocates can look out for one another throughout the trip. As part of our preparation, we are also working to include dedicated time in our advocacy training webinar for members of the delegation to have an explicit conversation about safety, community care, and supporting one another while in D.C.
Participation is always voluntary, and we encourage everyone to make the choices that feel safest and most aligned with their circumstances. Our goal is to ensure that advocates feel informed, supported, and respected—whether they join us in person or engage in advocacy from home.
Visit the La Casa de Don Pedro's website for more information: La Casa de Don Pedro | Immigrant Resource Center
Help amplify the voices of tomorrow’s advocates.
The Burgio/Rittenhouse Memorial Fund was established in 2013 to honor the legacies of Jane Burgio and Berda Rittenhouse—two trailblazing women whose tireless efforts helped shape New Jersey’s vibrant arts community. Through this fund, we continue our mission by empowering the next generation of arts leaders and advocates.
