Public Narrative:

Stories to share with your State Legislators

Use this sheet to help you organize your thoughts in talking to your state legislator

I am

(Name, town, affiliation, arts discipline)

Before COVID-19, I was

Before COVID-19, how was your work, creativity, and livelihood different? (I created…My life was…I struggled with…I really wanted…)

Then I

What did you experience after the COVID-19 state of emergency was declared? (How have the orders to close nonessential businesses and stay-at-home impacted your work, creativity, and livelihood?)

Now I am

In this new reality of COVID-19, how are you different? What are you struggling with? What would help? How has your creativity changed? How has your work changed to serve communities you care about?

I believe arts, culture, and creativity

Why do arts and creativity matter to you? (How have the arts impacted your life? Strengthened your neighborhood? Improved your local economy? Connected you to something bigger than yourself?)  

That’s why the creative community need your support. Just like the restaurant and retail industries, the creative sector is an economic driver that is struggling to survive under COVID-19 closures. To be able to weather this storm and make a safe return, the creative community will need substantial public support and investment. Arts and cultural organizations, artists, and independent contractors should be included in all government stimulus, emergency funding, and economic recovery efforts.