The Dos and Don'ts of Advocating for the Arts

Individuals and organizations have the right — in fact, the duty — to participate in the legislative process. There are three primary reasons why you should lobby for issues which are important to you: first, every aspect of our lives is affected by government; second, in a democracy, the government responds to the wishes of the people; and third, if you and your organization don't lobby, remember that someone else with a different viewpoint or cause will.

Before you begin, it's important to know the regulations.

Your nonprofit 501(c)3 organization CAN:

• Educate elected officials on issues of concern in the arts community
• Arrange meetings with elected officials to learn their views on the arts
• Invite elected officials to meetings of their organization to talk about the arts
• Send elected officials literature on arts issues

Your nonprofit 501(c)3 organization CANNOT:

• Endorse or oppose candidates for public office
• Collect or distribute funds for political campaigns
• Use your facilities for political fundraising, although you can rent out your facility to candidates at market rate
• Engage in legislative activities to a "substantial limit" (The IRS has a lobbying limit for organizations; call NCA for more information)
• Personally participate in these campaign activities as an employee of your nonprofit arts organization.
• What's the difference? It is okay to educate legislators about the arts as part of your work day, but it is not okay to help their election efforts during your work day.

• Artown
• Brüka Theater
• Churchill Arts Council (Kirk Robertson & Zip Upham)
• City of Sparks Arts Commission
• John M. Shelton
• Las Vegas Philharmonic
• Mile High Jazz Band
• National Automobile Museum
• Nevada Museum of Art
• Nevada Shakespeare Festival
• Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
• Reno Chamber Orchestra
• Sierra Nevada Ballet
• VSA Nevada
• Youth Artworks