First Arts Advocacy Summit to Support Economic Growth in This Nation

Fortune 500 Leaders, Policy Makers, Artists, and Entertainment Industry Notables to Gather at Summerlin in Las Vegas, February 12-13, 2025

Las Vegas, NV – The Creative Coalition is proud to announce the first National Arts Advocacy Summit, a high-level gathering of leaders dedicated to fostering economic impact and amplifying the transformative power of the arts. Taking place on February 12-13, 2025, in Summerlin, Las Vegas, this invitation-only event will include two days of in-depth dialogue aimed at developing ways to underscore the arts’ vital role in economic growth and workforce development. The Hollywood Reporter is the official media partner of the Summit. 

The Summit will convene 50 prominent Fortune 500 executives, policymakers, celebrated actors and musicians, media personalities, senior entertainment executives, and renowned artists. These thought leaders will engage in high-level discussions to craft actionable strategies that ensure the arts remain central to cultural and economic leadership on the global stage. Leaders at the table will include Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, Paramount Global Senior VP Rob O’Neill, actor Zibby Allen (“Virgin River”), actor Iain Armitage (“Young Sheldon”) , Emmy-nominated actor Amy Brenneman (“The Old Man”), Emmy-winning actor LeVar Burton ("Star Trek: The Next Generation"), Executive Producer Gloria Calderón Kellett (“With Love”), Emmy-nominated actor and President of The Creative Coalition Tim Daly (“Madam Secretary”), actor Kelly Frye (“Criminal Minds”), actor Peri Gilpin (“Frasier”), Emmy-nominated actor Harry Hamlin (80 for Brady), Emmy-nominated actor Dulé Hill (“Psych”), actor Richard Kind (“Only Murders in the Building”), actor Aasif Mandvi (“Evil”), Emmy-nominated actor CCH Pounder (“NCIS: New Orleans”), Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Bill Prady (“Big Bang Theory”), actor Retta (“Good Girls”), Emmy-nominated Executive Producer Jessica Sharzer (“American Horror Story”), as well as The Hollywood Reporter Editor-in-Chief Maer Rohan, among others. 

The National Arts Summit is designed to generate real-world solutions, culminating in a policy roadmap that will be presented on Capitol Hill and to the White House during The Creative Coalition’s Annual #RightToBearArts Day this spring. 

“The National Arts Advocacy Summit represents another bold step in positioning the arts as a cornerstone for both cultural and economic progress,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “The arts are more than entertainment—they are an economic engine, a powerhouse of innovation, nd a bridge that connects communities. We need to ensure that the arts are recognized for their unique ability to create jobs, build industries, and enhance our national identity. This Summit will bring together the best minds to make that case and take meaningful action.” 

For over three decades, The Creative Coalition has led national efforts to champion the arts, spearheading initiatives like the #RightToBearArts campaign, which highlights the power of the arts to drive meaningful societal change. 

"The Hollywood Reporter has long been a champion of the entertainment industry and the creative forces that drive it. As the official media partner of the National Arts Advocacy Summit, we are proud to stand with The Creative Coalition in its mission and honored to help amplify this crucial conversation,” said Maer Roshan, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Hollywood Reporter. 

“The National Arts Advocacy Summit is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects our belief in the arts as a core driver of economic development and social innovation,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “A thriving arts sector means stronger communities, more jobs, and a better quality of life for all. This Summit is about turning that knowledge into action, bringing leaders together to craft policies that will make a lasting impact.” 

The economic impact of the arts is undeniable. The arts contribute $763.6 billion annually to the U.S. economy—more than agriculture, transportation, or warehousing—and employ 4.9 million workers across the country, with earnings exceeding $370 billion. The arts also export $20 billion more than they import, providing a positive trade balance for the United States. 

AARP also has provided gracious support to the Summit. 

About The Creative Coalition 

Founded in 1989 by leaders from the arts and entertainment industry, The Creative Coalition is the nation’s premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts as a fundamental pillar of American society. Led by actor and President Tim Daly, The Creative Coalition educates its members on key public issues and champions powerful public service campaigns such as #RightToBearArts. For more information, visit www.TheCreativeCoalition.org and follow us on social media: @TheCreativeCoalition on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

The Hollywood Reporter 

The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is a flagship entertainment media brand, offering in-depth reporting, analysis and thought-provoking reviews; unparalleled access, world-class photography and video; and feature exclusives in its award-winning weekly magazine and dynamic website. The Hollywood Reporter also boasts prestigious live events, industry-leading philanthropic, empowerment and diversity initiatives and hugely successful video series including the Emmy-nominated “Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter.” In 2024, THR received 40 awards for excellence at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Nickie Robinson, GoodGirlPR 

nickie@goodgirlpr.com