Advocacy

News & Updates

• Creative Sector Day at the Vermont Statehouse, Feb. 15, 2023

The Vermont Arts Council, Vermont Creative Network, Vermont Humanities and other creative sector supporters from across the state met with legislators as a part of Creative Sector Day to the Vermont Statehouse. Many testified in numerous House Committees on the importance the arts and humanities have in our state to transform lives, energize the economy, and sustain Vermont’s vibrant cultural landscape. Rep. Stephanie Jerome read resolution HCR 28 supporting the state’s creative economy. Read the press coverage. Check out the day’s photos.

• Report from the 2022 State Legislative Session

A historic level of investment in Vermont’s creative sector was made during the 2021-2022 legislative session to support the continued recovery and revitalization of Vermont’s creative industries, including $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the Vermont Arts Council to support up to $200,000 in direct grants to creative sector nonprofits and for-profits in their pandemic recovery. These grants were part of unprecedented investment in economic and workforce development in Vermont. Read our one-pager to learn more about the historic creative sector investments from the 2022 Vermont Legislative session. Review our efforts from last session on the Creative Futures Act.

Our Key Issues & Priorities

Creative sector enterprises—publishers, galleries, theaters, museums, design firms, film studios, manufacturers, artisan cheese shops, and more—provide 9.3% of Vermont jobs. In 2019, arts and culture alone contributed $1.1 billion to the Vermont economy. The creative sector drives economic growth and community vitality, bolsters Vermont’s reputation as a place for innovation and imagination, and builds thriving communities.

Vermont faces the demographic reality of a rapidly shrinking workforce. Prioritizing arts, culture, and creativity attracts young professionals and families. When it comes to health, strength and potential, the creative sector is not an island. Just as important is the “enabling environment.” Creative enterprises depend on a larger ecosystem that includes consumers who want creative goods and services and can afford them; suitable workspaces, equipment, broadband and technology, suppliers and workforce; and a robust service sector, including lodging, restaurants, and recreation.

Arts, culture and creativity are just as essential to Vermont’s future as roads, bridges and broadband.

Our advocacy builds toward a future Vermont where everyone from community members to state leaders recognizes the essential nature of the creative sector and invests in policies and resources that will foster vibrant creative enterprises and strengthen Vermont communities.

The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Creative Network are committed to having the voices of the arts, culture and the broader creative sector be heard at the local, state, and federal level.

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