Member News and NASAA Resources

Anne L’Ecuyer Is New ED in Arizona

Anne L’Ecuyer has been selected as executive director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. L’Ecuyer assumed leadership of the agency on February 1. A policy strategist, facilitator and seasoned executive, she is closely connected to an international network of creative leaders and individual artists. L’Ecuyer is an expert in creative placemaking and placekeeping, creative industries and cultural tourism, and the integration of the arts toward educational, social and environmental goals in U.S. communities. Throughout her career, she has worked with a range of large and small organizations at national, state and local levels and has consulted with hundreds of arts leaders on strategy and support for their efforts. Previously, she served on the executive team at Arts on the Block, taught graduate studies in arts management at American University and led the Field Services team at Americans for the Arts. L’Ecuyer is preceded at the Commission by Jaime Dempsey, who left the role in June 2021 to take a position at the Arizona Community Foundation. Since Dempsey’s departure, Deputy Director Alexandra Nelson acted as interim executive director.

Meditate with NASAA for Focus and Stress Reduction

Practicing mindfulness eases stress while strengthening our ability to focus, listen and connect with others—an asset in the best of times and even more so now. To support state arts agencies, NASAA offers meditation via phone several times a week, and all staff and council members are welcome to participate. These 15-minute sessions are led by Chief Advancement Officer Laura Smith, a certified meditation teacher who has experience helping creative professionals develop a practice that supports their goals and well-being. Reach out to Laura via e-mail or phone at 202-347-7066 for more information or to be added to the e-mail list.

Empower Your State, Empower the Arts

The legislative season is upon us! We know you’re busy gearing up—which means we’re busy too, working hard to equip you with concise, relevant data and customized talking points. When you give to NASAA, you make possible the advocacy resources that help you grow support for the arts in your state. And when public support for the arts is strong, more people and more communities have more access to arts experiences. Help us advocate and produce the resources you need most by giving to NASAA today. Thank you!