Welcome to TAAD 2025!
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, artists, arts leaders, and advocates from across Texas will come together at the Texas State Capitol to champion the arts, connect with legislators, and push for policies that support a thriving creative sector.
This guide contains everything you need to navigate the day smoothly, make a meaningful impact, and maximize your advocacy efforts. Whether you’re a first-time participant or a seasoned advocate, you’ll find important logistics, schedule details, transportation tips, and key resources to ensure a successful experience.
Let’s prove to the 89th Legislature what we already know—the arts are essential, fuel our economy, enrich our communities, and deserve unwavering support.
📍 Locations
Texas State Capitol – 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown – 700 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Morning: Registration & Training
📍 Capitol Auditorium, Room E1.004 (Capitol Extension Level 1)
8:30 – 9:30 AM – Registration & Check-in
Pick up your name badge, event packet, and advocacy materials.
☕ Coffee available at the Capitol Grill (across from E1.004).
9:30 – 12:00 PM – Advocacy 101 & Training
Kick off TAAD 2025 with expert insights on legislative priorities, arts funding, and effective advocacy strategies from top policy leaders and arts advocates.
Featured Speakers:
Fiona Bond – Board President, Texans for the Arts; Executive Director, Creative Waco
Chris Kiley – Executive Director, Texans for the Arts
Dr. Gary Gibbs – Executive Director, Texas Commission on the Arts
Amber Scanlan – VP of Community Engagement, PNC
Heidi Marquez Smith – Executive Director, Texas Cultural Trust
Jenny Parry – Director of Programs, Texas Cultural Trust
Scott Joslove – President & CEO, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association
Shannon Ghangurde – Lobbyist, Texans for the Arts
This session will cover:
✔ Legislative priorities for the arts – Chris Kiley
✔ State arts funding & programs – Dr. Gary Gibbs
✔ 2025 State of the Arts Report – Heidi Marquez Smith & Jenny Parry
✔ Hotel Occupancy Tax & the Creative Economy – Scott Joslove
✔ Advocacy in Action: Speak Up, Speak Out! – Shannon Ghangurde & Chris Kiley
Midday: Group Photo & Arts Celebration
12:00 – 12:10 PM – Advocacy Group Photo
Gather in the Rotunda for a powerful group photo with fellow arts advocates!
12:10 – 1:00 PM – Live Performance
Enjoy a special performance by a West Texas Jazz Trio from UTPB in the Rotunda.
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Lunch Break
Grab lunch at the Capitol Grill or visit one of these nearby restaurants
💬 Use this time to connect with your team and review talking points for your legislative visits.
Afternoon: Legislative Visits
📍 Legislative Offices, Texas State Capitol
2:00 – 5:30 PM – Legislative Meetings
Meet with your Texas legislators (or their staff) to discuss the impact of the arts in your community and advocate for Texans for the Arts’ Legislative Agenda.
Your pre-scheduled meeting details (time, office number, and legislator/staffer names) will be included in your event packet.
What to do in these meetings?
- Introduce yourself & your connection to the arts
- Present key talking points from the TFA Legislative Agenda
- Share personal or local stories to illustrate the impact of arts funding
- Thank the legislator or staff member and ask for their support
💡 Pro Tip: Legislators have packed schedules! Be clear, concise, and stay on message to make the most of your meeting.
Evening: Advocacy Reception & Happy Hour
📍 Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
5:30 – 7:30 PM – Closing Reception & Happy Hour
Celebrate a successful day of arts advocacy with fellow advocates, policymakers, and supporters!
Network & Reflect
Meet legislators, fellow advocates, and industry leaders
Exchange contacts to build lasting connections
Toast to a day of action for the arts in Texas
Legislative Meeting Schedule 🗓
Your legislative meeting schedule will be provided in your event packet at check-in and also available online for easy access.
Please review your schedule carefully and arrive 15 minutes early for each meeting. This allows you to connect with your fellow constituents and make a plan. These are pre-scheduled visits with Texas legislators or their staff, and your participation is essential to making a strong impact.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have multiple meetings, plan ahead and allow time to navigate the Capitol between appointments.
Who Represents Me?
Not sure who your state representative or senator is? Use the Texas Legislature’s Who Represents Me? tool to find your elected officials:
Simply enter your home address to see the names and contact information for your Texas House and Senate members.
Knowing who represents you is a critical part of your advocacy. Be ready to introduce yourself as a constituent and explain why arts funding matters in your community!
Parking & Transportation
Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701)
Free for the first 2 hours, then $1/hour (max $12/day)
Located 2 blocks from the Capitol
Street Parking - Available, but limited. Use the ParkATX to find and pay for spots.
Omni Hotel Parking - valet parking available at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown (fees apply).
Getting Between the Texas Capitol & Omni Hotel
📍 Omni Austin Hotel Downtown – 700 San Jacinto Blvd
📍 Texas State Capitol – 1100 Congress Ave
Walking (5 Minutes)
Exit Omni onto San Jacinto Blvd and walk north to E 8th St.
Turn left on E 8th St, walk two blocks west to Congress Ave.
Turn right on Congress Ave, walk three blocks north to the Capitol South Entrance.
🚗 Rideshare (2 Minutes)
Pickup: Omni Hotel (Main Entrance)
Drop-off: Texas Capitol (South Entrance, 11th & Congress)
Uber/Lyft Pickups: E 8th & Brazos or 11th & Congress
Returning to the Omni
Exit Capitol South Steps, walk south on Congress Ave to E 8th St.
Turn left on E 8th St, walk two blocks east to San Jacinto Blvd.
Turn right—Omni will be on your right.
Weather & What to Wear
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
High: 82°F (RealFeel® 80°F)
☁️ Morning: A little rain (0.03 in), humid, and cloudy
☀️ Afternoon: Clouds breaking, warm and humid
Weather in Texas changes quickly - click here for most updated conditions
Dress Code
Business or business casual attire is recommended
You’ll be meeting with policymakers & appearing in event photos, so dress professionally
Wear comfortable shoes – the Capitol is large, and you’ll be walking a lot
What to Bring
Notebook & pen for notes
Business cards for networking
Phone charger or power bank
Comfortable shoes – Expect lots of walking
Water & snacks – Limited options inside the Capitol
Umbrella (collapsable under 12”) or light jacket – Morning rain possible
Navigating the Capitol, Bathrooms and Wifi
📍 Capitol Auditorium, Room E1.004 (Capitol Extension Level 1)
How to Find the Capitol Auditorium (E1.004):
Use the North Wing Elevators to reach Extension Level E1.
Follow signs for Capitol Auditorium.
Event signage and volunteers will help guide you.
Nearest Restrooms to the Auditorium (E1.004):
Restrooms are conveniently located near the North Wing elevators on Level E1, close to the Capitol Auditorium. Additional restrooms can be found throughout the Capitol Extension.
Wi-Fi Access:
The Texas State Capitol offers complimentary public Wi-Fi. To connect:
Network Name: Public-Capitol
Password: No password required
Security Reminder:
All visitors must pass through metal detectors.
Large bags may be searched.
📞 Capitol Visitor Info: 512-305-8400
Reception at the Omni Downtown
📍 Location: Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Entrance: Use the main valet hotel doors for entry
Unwind and connect after a full day at the Capitol! Join fellow advocates, policymakers, and arts supporters for a celebratory evening of networking and reflection.
What to Expect:
✔ Light food & drinks provided
✔ Engage with legislators, fellow advocates, and arts leaders
✔ Share your TAAD 2025 experience and key takeaways
✔ Live music and a relaxed atmosphere to close out the day
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your business cards and continue the conversations that started at the Capitol—this is a great opportunity to strengthen connections and expand your advocacy network.
FAQs
Do I need to pre-register for legislative meetings?
Yes, but we take care of everyone for you. Meetings with legislators are pre-scheduled. Your event packet will include meeting times, office locations, and legislator/staffer names.
Can I bring a guest?
No, please register online before TAAD25 all attendees must check in at Registration to receive a name badge.
Is there a virtual option?
No, TAAD 2025 is in-person only. A recap and video resources will be shared after.
Will photos and videos be taken during the event?
Yes! Texans for the Arts will be capturing photos and video throughout the day for documentation, advocacy efforts, and future promotional materials. By attending, you consent to being photographed and recorded. If you have any concerns, please notify a Texans for the Arts staff member at check-in.
What if I get lost or need help?
Ask a Texans for the Arts staff member or volunteer—they’ll be wearing red lanyards.
📞 Capitol Visitor Info: 512-305-8400
📞 Accessibility Assistance: 512-463-0063
Contact Us
Email: info@texansforthearts.com
Website: www.texansforthearts.com
🔹 Follow us on social media & share your experience! Use #TAAD2025 🔹
Successful advocacy starts with being prepared. Below are essential resources to help you clearly communicate the value of the arts to legislators.
📜 2025 Legislative Agenda
🔗 View the Full Legislative Agenda
Cultural District Grants – Seeking a $2M increase
Arts Organization Grants – Seeking a $9M increase
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Protections – Ensuring continued funding for the arts
Public Art & Arts Education Support
Your Role: Legislators need to hear why these policies matter to your community.
Talking Points Guide
🔗 Download the Talking Points Guide
✔ Make it Personal – Share a specific story of how the arts impact your local economy, schools, or quality of life.
✔ Be Concise – Legislators have limited time. Focus on one or two key points per meeting.
✔ Ask for Support – End every meeting with a clear request:
"Can we count on your support for increased arts funding?"
"Would you be willing to co-sponsor this legislation?"
Key Policy Areas:
📌 Economic Impact of Cultural Districts – Arts investment drives tourism and job growth in Texas.
📌 Public Funding for the Arts – Every $1 invested in the arts returns $7 in economic impact.
📌 Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) & Arts Funding – Protecting local revenue sources for arts programs.
💡 Advocacy Tips
✔ Be Confident, But Respectful – Your voice matters. Legislators want to hear from constituents like you.
✔ Follow Up – Send a thank-you email after your meeting and include any additional information they requested.
✔ Stay Engaged – Advocacy doesn’t stop after TAAD! Join Texans for the Arts to stay informed and involved year-round.
🎯 Keep It Local
Legislators respond best to real stories from their districts. Show them how the arts impact their own communities through jobs, tourism, education, and public programs.
