Cross-Sector Partnerships: This session explores collaborations—within and outside of state government—as a strategic way to amplify our impact, respond to community needs and expand support for the arts.

Changes in the Creative Sector: While some parts of the arts ecosystem “returned to normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic, others are undergoing permanent shifts. What trends do you observe, and how should state arts agencies respond to these shifts?

Access for All: This session explores ways state arts agencies are ensuring that their programs and services facilitate access to resources, respond to local conditions and comply with new state policies.

Line Items: Some arts organizations secure their own earmarked funding from state legislatures, outside of the state arts agency grant process. What are the implications of these line items?

Create Your Own Breakout: Do you have a timely issue not covered elsewhere on the agenda? Share your topic and invite colleagues to join you for a self-directed jam session.

Your forum registration includes a luncheon buffet. No program is planned, allowing you to meet informally with colleagues and stretch your legs before the afternoon sessions resume

Rethinking Grant Making: Many state arts agencies are evaluating legacy programs and making alterations to their grant portfolios. This session explores shifts to grants policies and practices as well as funding formulas.

Working with Citizens Groups: Citizens groups can have a large impact on cultural policy at the state level. Discuss the changing landscape of these groups and share strategies for establishing effective working relationships.

Building Stronger Councils: How can state arts agencies orient appointees, support their engagement, and help council members to understand that they are not a board of directors? Feel free to bring materials (such as orientation packets, policies, etc.) to share during this session.

Staff Resilience and Cohesion: The last few years have created staff management challenges unknown to previous generations of state leaders. How can we work with our teams to support each other in healthy and productive ways?

Create Your Own Breakout: Do you have a timely issue not covered elsewhere on the agenda? Share your topic and invite colleagues to join you for a self-directed jam session.

Maximizing Capacity for Small Agencies: Small state arts agencies face acute constraints in pursuing ideas with limited staffs and budgets. What are some ways that small states are coping with capacity limitations?

Working with Authorizers: This session, offered in response to requests from members, offers a supportive space in which to discuss challenges, vulnerabilities and strategies for success in working with governors and legislatures.

Rethinking Grant Panels and Adjudication: What changes are you making to grant panels or adjudication practices? When are panels important, and are there situations where panels can be abandoned altogether? Bring all your ideas for reinventing adjudication to this freewheeling panel session.

New Frontiers: This session is designed to showcase innovative approaches being led by state arts agencies around the country.

Create Your Own Breakout: Do you have a timely issue not covered elsewhere on the agenda? Share your topic and invite colleagues to join you for a self-directed jam session.

Your forum registration includes a luncheon buffet. No program is planned, allowing you to meet informally with colleagues and stretch your legs before the afternoon sessions resume.