Dance/USA is a national co-sponsor of Arts Advocacy Day 2011 in Washington, DC. Each year, the two-day event unites hundreds of artists, arts administrators, advocates and students from across the country to discuss, explore, and ultimately take action in support of federal arts policy. Facilitated by Americans for the Arts and co-sponsored by almost one hundred national organizations, Arts Advocacy Day empowers arts advocates and brings their voices to the halls of Congress each year.

The Nancy Hanks Lecture Series at the Kennedy Center coincides with Arts Advocacy Day as an exciting and important event on cultural policy. Kevin Spacey will offer this year's lecture. (Past presenters have included Robert Redford, Daniel Pink, William Safire, Robert MacNeil, and Jane Alexander.)

Visit the Americans for the Arts’ website to learn more about Arts Advocacy Day, the Nancy Hanks Lecture, and to register for the event.

As a national co-sponsor, Dance/USA participates in the Legislative Planning Committee to draft annual legislative issue briefs on a variety of arts policy topics. Below is the complete list of issue briefs that arts advocates will be advocating in support of this year.

Arts Education Funding and Research: Improving Access for All Students

Arts Education: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act

Artist Deduction: Tax Fairness for Artists and Writers

Cultural Exchange: Strengthening Ties Between the United States and the World

Healthcare: Strengthening Healthcare through the Arts

Musical Instruments as Carry-On Luggage

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Promoting Creativity and Public Access to the Arts

National Service and the Arts: Strengthening Opportunities to Partner with National Service Initiatives

Office of Museum Services (OMS): Promoting Lifelong Learning and Protecting Our National Heritage

The Federal Communications Commission: Protecting Performing Arts Audio Technology

The IRA Charitable Rollover: Encouraging Charitable Gifts to Arts and Culture

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Improving the Visa Process for Foreign Guest Artists

Issue of Concern

• Network Neutrality
• Public Broadcasting
• The Save America's Treasures Program