On the Hill for the Arts:
By Shoanne Seijas, Membership & Program Manager, South Jersey Cultural Alliance
Let me tell you—leaving before sunrise to catch an early train from Philly isn’t my favorite kind of morning. But this trip? Totally worth it. This March, I had the honor of representing the South Jersey Cultural Alliance (SJCA) at Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.—and while I was traveling solo, the work was deeply collective.
Last year, I made this trip alongside our Executive Director, Julie Hain. This year, we took a "divide and conquer" approach—because when your entire staff is just two full-time folks and one part-time arts administrator, let’s be real: we can’t be everywhere at once. But we *needed* to be here. South Jersey deserved to be in the room, and I showed up with pride, a deep sense of responsibility, and a clear mission: to advocate for our region’s artists, cultural organizations, and communities at the highest level of government.
Showing Up for South Jersey
Serving on the ArtPride NJ Government Strategies Committee and bringing experience as a legislative intern in D.C., I’ve seen firsthand how arts funding decisions are made—how stories turn into strategy, and how critical it is that South Jersey isn’t left out of those conversations.
SJCA’s mission centers on connection, engagement, and impact—and that’s exactly what this day was about. I joined a powerful delegation from ArtPride NJ and inspiring South Jersey leaders like our Board President Kahra Buss (Perkins Center for the Arts), Mark Morgan (Moorestown Theater Company), and Rick Dammers (Dean, College of Performing Arts at Rowan University). Together, we carried our region’s stories into meetings with Congressional offices, advocating for continued support of the federal agencies that support the arts in South Jersey. We discussed FY26 funding for:
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) - Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
- Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
- NJ-specific arts education initiatives
These aren’t just line items—they’re lifelines. Especially in South Jersey, where arts and culture can be overlooked, this funding helps contribute to local arts and culture organizations, supports underserved communities, and powers the creative work that keeps our local economies and neighborhoods vibrant by providing broad access to arts and culture.
Putting Faces to the Data
What were the most powerful moments of the day? Was it listening to high school theater students speak about how the arts gave them a voice when they felt voiceless? Or hearing about how veterans with PTSD have found healing through music. These weren’t just nice stories—they were evidence of impact. The kind of proof we need when advocating for the arts as essential infrastructure, not optional enrichment.
And yes, I brought South Jersey’s data to the table—like how 35% of NEA grants go to underserved communities, including people with disabilities, those in institutions, and veterans. But stats alone aren’t enough; they need a human voice behind them. That’s why I shared stories and insights from across our region, using tools like the South Jersey Cultural Asset Map to show the depth and diversity of our creative communities. From Salem to Ocean and from rural townships to urban centers, I made sure decision-makers heard how South Jersey’s artists, organizations, and residents are creating, connecting, and thriving because of their funding—and why continued support is essential to keep that momentum going.
Advocacy = Strategic Impact
This trip wasn’t just about showing up—it was about showing up for you. For the artists pushing creative boundaries in their communities. For the history organizations preserving South Jersey’s stories. For the theaters, galleries, cultural centers, and grassroots groups that keep local culture thriving, often with limited resources and infinite passion.
At SJCA, we work every day to build stronger connections across the region, raise awareness of the powerful work happening here, and ensure that South Jersey has a voice where decision-making happens. Showing up in national and statewide spaces is one of the ways we make sure our region is seen, heard, and supported.
Advocacy like this helps open doors—to funding, to partnerships, and to recognition. It makes it easier for all of us to build sustainable programs, reach new audiences, and amplify the impact of arts, culture, and history across South Jersey.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about policy—it’s about protecting and growing the work you do every day and ensuring the people in power understand why it matters.
Looking Ahead, Together
Coming back from D.C., I felt fired up and more confident than ever that South Jersey’s arts and history communities belong at every table where decisions are made. And I’m glad I was here to help SJCA make sure we ALL get there.
To everyone who shows up for the arts—whether you're teaching, creating, organizing, advocating, or just supporting one another—thank you. Your voice matters. Together, we’re making a difference.
Let’s keep pushing forward—for South Jersey, for New Jersey, and for the power of culture in every corner of our region.
— Shoanne
P.S. A heartfelt thank you to ArtPride NJ for organizing this powerful day of action and to every single advocate who shared space and made this work possible. We’re in this together!
