WHAT IS ADVOCACY?
A guide to what advocacy means for artists in Aotearoa, and how you can get involved.
To us, advocacy means having your voice heard to influence an outcome and make change.
Advocacy is about speaking and acting in support of something, to bring about positive change. Action is key to advocacy, and it can take many different forms.
The NZ Charities Services provide examples of advocacy in a general sense:
generating public debate or raising awareness about a specific issue
making submissions on a proposed law or policy change
lobbying decision makers
signing a petition
taking part in a protest
supporting a political party or candidate
Why is Advocacy Necessary?
It is important that we share about what we value.
Sometimes the things we care about are so central to our lives that they can seem like a ‘given’, or like everyone would, or should, understand that they are important. But this is not the case. Especially where something might not clearly and immediately generate monetary value, it is our job to share the deeper value that it creates. This is really important with arts, culture and creativity.
We can think of advocacy as extending an invitation for people to understand, and to take action. So, what does this have to do with arts, culture and creativity? We can lead with joy and hope and provide a positive vision. We can offer useful signposts to new ways of thinking and doing. This requires hard work, and it is important that this work centers community and wellbeing. It is important that we keep an eye on the ‘why’ behind our advocacy.
A Real-World Example
In our StopTheCuts advocacy campaign, we supported artists and arts organisations in Auckland to have their say on the impact of proposed budget cuts – and the outcome was that much of Auckland Council’s budget for arts and culture was retained.
“StopTheCuts showed that if you get enough people talking about something you can create change.”
— Zoe Black, Advocating for Change in the Creative Sector (2023)
We were able to effectively mobilise the sector, contributing to a significant number of submissions that mentioned arts and culture – which was the top feedback theme reported by Council (28% of submissions). The volume of response was a contributing factor to Council winding back some of its proposed cuts impacting the arts and culture sector, including $23 million in regional grants and community services and $12 million in local board spending.
“Activism is about making people listen, but advocacy is working on identifying solutions and inviting all parties to listen to each other’s problems.”
— US Institute Of Diplomacy And Human Rights
But How Does It All Work?
The process of advocacy broadly starts with the following steps.
Next time you want to advocate for change or mobilise your community, ask yourself these questions to help identify your actions and intentions.
1. Identify the Issue
You may be reacting to a threat, such as budget cuts
You may be advocating for something positive – such converting an unused council building in your area into a centre for arts practitioners
You may be reacting to an invitation to provide feedback on a proposed policy or strategy for the arts.
2. Identify the Outcome You Want
What changes do you want to see?
3. Identify How You Make Your Case
Who are the decision-makers?
What might make them in favour of your point of view?
What might block their support?
What evidence or information can you bring to support your case?
Who will share your goal – and might be able to support you?
4. Take Action
Is there a formal consultation process?
Are there opportunities to talk directly to key decisionmakers?
Can you build support, through, for example, getting news media interested?
5. Wrap It Up
Whatever the outcome, you want to preserve the relationships with key decision-makers.
If your advocacy was successful, you want to make sure you thank them and give them credit. If you were unsuccessful, you may want to come back with the same issue if circumstances change – or a new issue arises. Don’t burn those bridges!
Definitions
If you're new to advocacy and are not sure what some words mean, check out our glossary below to help you get started!
Arts, Culture and Creativity
An overarching term to describe the broad range creative forms and practices. This includes visual art, painting, music, theatre, dance, poetry, circus, craft, media, ngā toi Māori, Pasifika arts, cultural arts and practices, fashion, film, design, crafts and more.
Ecosystem
There are many contributors to the arts, culture and creativity sector. These include people and organisations such as educators, community arts, funders, publicists, arts organisations and their managers and governors. They also include infrastructure, such as venues. All of these are part of the arts, culture and creativity ecosystem.
Central Government
Central Government includes our Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Members of Parliament (MPs) from the various political parties. For the arts, culture and creativity sector, the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage is often a focus of advocacy around arts policy and funding.
Central government agencies help form and deliver policy and funding. For the arts, culture and creativity sector, these agencies include Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Creative New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission.
Local
Government
Local government is elected by and serves the communities in a particular city or region. Local government can play an important role in supporting the arts, culture and creative sector in a particular region, providing resources such as funding, promotional support for arts events, and venues such as theatres.
Local government includes city councils such as Auckland Council and Wellington City Council, regional councils such as Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Otago Regional Council, and district councils such as New Plymouth District Council and Marlborough District Council.
Philanthropic Organisations
Philanthropic organisations provide grants to support many different types of activities for the community. This may include grants to fund arts and culture programmes, from an after-school dance and drama class for primary students, to a regional arts festival. Not all philanthropic trusts are focused on supporting arts and culture.
Business and Corporate
Businesses and really big businesses (corporates) like their names to be known by their customers and potential customers. If an arts and culture initiative can help them do that, then they may become involved as sponsors. In exchange for providing funding, or a service such as printing programmes, a sponsor will ask to be recognised through means such as their name to displayed in publicity materials and some free tickets to the event. A big event, such as a regional arts festival, may attract multiple sponsors.
Patrons
Patrons are individuals who put their own money in to support arts and culture. A patron may support an individual artist, such as a painter or dancer; may ‘buy’ a seat to help fund the development of a venue; or be part of a group of patrons who support an institution, such as an art gallery or theatre.