Feb. 23, 2026 Creative Sector Day recap | interview with Creation Grantee Seelai Karzai | Council grants and opportunities | and more

February 2026

Dear Friends of the Arts,

To make art is an act of great courage, Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone told state legislators during the House devotional on Feb. 12, Creative Sector Day.

All across the state, Vermonters are creating courageously-in the quiet of artist studios, in boisterous elementary school classrooms, on stages large and small, in museum exhibitions, and more. The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Creative Network are here to support every act of courage.

That's why we host one day in the State House every year to celebrate the work of Vermont's creative sector -so all those whose work is rooted in creativity can have their voices heard by our policymakers. Our sector is large and diverse, and we pack a strong economic punch. In 2023, the creative sector contributed over 10,000 jobs and $1.2 billion to Vermont's economy. When our sector thrives, so does the rest of Vermont. The Vermont Creative Network brought this message to the State House on Creative Sector Day. Read all about it and view photos from the day in our recap.

Beyond the one dedicated day, we continue to testify weekly in support of our legislative priorities, including this year a bill to curb deceptive online ticket practices. Vermont has joined Maine, New York, and California in leading the way to regulate this market, protecting venues and consumers alike. Read about our ticketing legislation here .

Creatives make our communities stronger, more connected, and better equipped for the future. Have courage and keep going!