To stay future-focused and responsive to the evolving needs of state arts agencies, NASAA has a three-pronged approach to strategic planning:

1. Strategic Plan: Our strategic plan charts NASAA’s long-term course, asserting the value of state arts agencies as well as the goals and principles that guide our work.
2. Action PlanM: Biennial action plans complement the strategic plan, itemizing near-term actions we’ll take in each goal area. This ensures that NASAA’s day-to-day work aligns with our strategic vision and provides the agility to adjust to emerging needs and opportunities.
3. Performance Measurement: Our performance metrics dashboardM and biannual Action Plan HighlightsM reports keep members apprised of our programmatic accomplishments. We also conduct extensive program evaluations and member feedback loops to pursue continual improvement.

All three strands of NASAA planning are informed and inspired by ongoing input from state arts agencies and rigorous data review. Our planning methods, designed to engage a multitude of perspectives, include:

• in-depth interviews with leaders from every state and jurisdiction
• analysis of information requests, performance measurement data and indicators of state arts agency strength
• interviews with arts leaders
• focus groups with people from allied sectors (such as economic development, rural development, education, health, natural resources and others)
• benchmarking NASAA against other professional associations serving state government

NASAA’s latest strategic plan was approved to take effect in 2023. But our action plans are continually renewed and never stand still. We consult annually with every sate and jurisdictional arts agency to ensure that NASAA services remain responsive to members’ needs. Input from members and allies is always welcome. To share your thoughts, contact NASAA Director of Planning and Membership Dora Shick.