Speak Truth to Power: Creativity, Advocacy, and Our Collective Future

This workshop led by Gabriela Kane and Chris Kiley frames the advocacy role creative communities can play at the state and local level. They will discuss the vital ways that advocacy shapes the industry by defining it as a practice. This is an opportunity to learn how to speak with elected officials, protect resources, and get involved with arts advocacy.

Chris Kiley joined Texans for the Arts in 2017 and will serve as the Executive Director beginning November 2023. He attended graduate school at Texas Tech University, where he received an MFA in Arts Administration in 2016. Since arriving in Texas, Chris has been involved in the state’s political realm and spent time working for retired Congressman Gene Green in Washington D.C., immersing himself in arts and education policy. He has experience as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech University, teaching graduate-level arts administration courses in advocacy, management, and funding for the arts. Chris has a true passion for arts education, including experience working for Austin non-profit Creative Action. Chris also has a background in acting and directing for the stage, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Austin Emerging Arts Leaders.

Gabriela Kane Guardia completed an MA in Latin American Studies at UT Austin with a portfolio in the Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship Program. She currently serves as the Interim Executive Director at Latinitas. She previously collaborated with culture bearers for the preservation of folk and traditional arts as the Deputy Director at Texas Folklife. She served as an intern with Texans for the Arts during the 86th Texas Legislature and recently became a board member. In 2021, she was accepted into the prestigious cohort of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) Leadership Institute. Gabriela currently serves on the board of Austin Emerging Arts Leaders.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance please contact (512) 974-3914 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.