Arts and Economic Recovery

March 11, 2021

NASAA recently released two research reports focusing on the role of arts in economic recovery. A study by Prof. Doug Noonan at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis provides empirical evidence that the arts and cultural sector can improve—not merely reflect—the health of the broader economy. A companion study from the Western States Arts Federation looks at data and communities from across the country to tell the story of how the arts build local economies. We kick off the NASAA 2021 Learning Series with a synopsis of key findings from each study, and a discussion of effective strategies state arts agencies can use to make the arts a relevant part of state economic development plans coming out of the COVID-19 crisis.

MODERATOR Ryan Stubbs, Senior Research Director, NASAA

SPEAKERS David Holland, Director of Public Policy, WESTAF; Karen Mittelman, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council; Doug Noonan, Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; George Tzougros, Executive Director, Wisconsin Arts Board

SPEAKER BIOS | NOONAN SLIDES | HOLLAND SLIDES

New Advocacy Messaging Strategies

March 31, 2021

Dive back into the Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation: A Narrative and Message Guide with this special training on how to garner support for the arts from conservative, centrist and progressive policymakers alike. This training session offers a wealth of evidence based advice on narrative framing, helping us to understand the advocacy power behind certain language and ideas. Tune in to learn how to use key messages and respond to common objections—and watch an advocate put the messaging into action!

SPEAKERS Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, Creative Director/Founder/CEO, Metropolitan Group; Rob Sassor, Vice President, Metropolitan Group

SPEAKER BIOS | AGENDA | SLIDES

Will Audiences Come Back?

April 21, 2021

Research shows that what cultural organizations do and stand for is as important as ever in our pandemic-impacted world. However, the conditions have changed drastically since the beginning of the pandemic last year. What does this mean for cultural organizations aiming to move forward while vaccinations are rolling out but the coronavirus is still rampant? This session focuses on current conditions and provides data that will help both exhibit based and performance based cultural organizations—and the state arts agencies that support them—understand shifting sentiments regarding safety and attendance during this unprecedented time.

MODERATOR LaVon Bracy Davis, Chair, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs

SPEAKERS Colleen Dilenschneider, Chief Market Engagement Officer, IMPACTS Experience; Jim Hekkers, Chief Strategy Officer, IMPACTS Experience

SPEAKER BIOS | RESOURCES | DATA-SLIDE TIME STAMPS

Refilling the Well

June 2, 2021

Resilience is our innate capacity to bounce back from difficulties, but prolonged stress can leave us feeling depleted—many of us were exhausted even before the pandemic! Fortunately, there are practices we can explore to help refill our reserves and replenish our strength, energy and flexibility, both physical and mental. Join us for this participatory session, which includes a roundtable discussion with grant makers on workplace well-being, followed by breakout sessions that demonstrate a variety of techniques you can use in your agency or with constituents, such as movement, mindfulness meditation, drawing, etc.

SPEAKER BIOS | WORKSHOPS | RESOURCES

New Paradigms for Artist Support

August 26, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern

Artists energize communities by offering solace and inspiration, facilitating transformation, fueling the creative economy and helping us to imagine solutions to crucial problems. To do this important work now and in the future, what structures, skills and resources do artists need? Can the events of the past year serve as a turning point for new models of support? A diverse roundtable of experts addresses obstacles that artists—especially BIPOC artists—face when trying to access resources and offers ideas for improving support systems in the future.

SPEAKER BIOS

Making Operating Support More Equitable

September 21, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern

State arts agencies devote significant dollars to general operating support grants—funds that cultural organizations can use flexibly to serve their communities and cover essential administrative and personnel costs. But operating support grants can be hard to get. Systemic barriers can make it challenging for some organizations—especially BIPOC organizations and rural groups—to secure operating funds. This session will explore ways that state arts agencies are tackling this problem. Join us to hear from three agencies that are changing their funding policies or practices to achieve greater equity and make funding more accessible.
Photo: Len Cabral performs at Funda Fest 2021, produced by Rhode Island Black Storytellers, a recipient of support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Photo by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley

SPEAKER BIOS

Business Bash Celebration

October 28, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eastern

Wrap up the NASAA 2021 Learning Series in style! This gathering will feature reflections from NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux, a little bit of business and a whole lot of camaraderie. Enjoy a special performance by Pablo Sanhueza and the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra.

2021 BUSINESS MEETING MATERIALS