The Creative Coalition is a non-profit non-partisan organization founded by prominent members of the arts and entertainment community who believe it is our responsibility to use our unique voice to educate and inspire our audiences to mobilize around issues of public importance… primarily arts advocacy and public arts education. It is our mission to promote, protect and defend the arts as a basic human need. In pursuit of educational objectives The Creative Coalition does the following: Sponsors forums for the discussion of central issues such as education policy, violence in America, the role of the media, campaign finance reform and other topics of broad concern. These events ensure a balanced approach that always includes concerned and informed members of the creative professions. Tackles issues of direct importance to the arts and entertainment community, including First Amendment rights, public funding for the arts, and arts education in the public schools. Testifies before Congress, sponsors awareness-building events, actively participates in the Democratic and Republican conventions, and plays an assertive role in presenting the creative community’s views on these issues. Offers special services to its members to help prepare them for public roles as advocates and spokespeople. The Coalition believes informed advocacy is effective advocacy, and encourages the ongoing education of its members as they exercise their rights as citizens in public settings.