The Value of Multiple Perspectives in Advocacy

The Value of Multiple Perspectives in Advocacy underscores the importance of advocacy that sees the larger system while working within a local context. Three perspectives are described which are most often represented in arts, culture, and arts education advocacy: “practitioner advocate,” “field-builder advocate,” and “policy advocate.” Each group has its constituents, ranging from teachers to corporate citizens to national advocacy coalitions. Effective advocacy is accomplished by understanding first where you are, then embracing perspectives beyond your own.

In visual art, the term perspective is used when drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. A perspective drawing shows the viewer what is seen or experienced from a singular point of view. 

Perspective is also defined more broadly as having a particular point of view. What do we see from where we are standing? What might we see if we shift positions? Will that shift in perspective lead to greater understanding? Will it lead to action?

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