July 7, 2020
NASAA News and Current Information
NEW! Inclusive Language Guide
Donta McGilvery leads the African American Theatre class he created at Arizona State University. Photo by Abisai Alvarez, The State Press
Words have power, and the way we use them can be evidence of respect for others and of learned or ingrained biases. As agents of state government and supporters of the arts for all constituents in their states, state arts agencies can be standard bearers of inclusive language. NASAA has developed the Inclusive Language Guide to help our members and colleagues to choose language that is welcoming and inclusive. Along with general principles, the guide offers language guidance resources regarding race and ethnicity, ability, age, gender and sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The Inclusive Language Guide is part of NASAA’s newly configured Diversity Equity and Inclusion resources.
2020 NASAA Learning Series: Shifting Policy and Practice
In this time of social, political and economic upheaval, how can state arts agencies support their constituents while embracing positive change? NASAA’s new online learning series, Shifting Policy and Practice: Insights and Actions for States, offers provocative perspectives and actionable ideas. The seven-session series runs from August 27 through October 22, with topics including how to make grant making more equitable, how state arts agencies can help build bridges within fractured communities, new tools for values-driven advocacy and more. Although we made the decision to cancel NASAA Assembly 2020, we hope this new learning series will keep you informed, inspired, connected and equipped to navigate change. Participation is free for all state arts agency staff and council members and regional arts organizations. Register for the full series or for the sessions of your choice.
Register for New to NASAA? Web Seminar July 15
Registration is open for a new web seminar that is all about NASAA. Register for New to NASAA? taking place on July 15 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, to learn what NASAA can do for you and your agency. You’ll hear from NASAA leadership about our research services, advocacy activity and learning opportunities—and because it’s a live session, there is time to ask your questions as well. We hope you can join us!
Be on the Lookout: NASAA Awards
The call for nominations for NASAA’s 2020 Leadership Awards will be announced this month. NASAA’s national awards recognize the exemplary leadership of state arts agencies and regional arts organizations. This year, our awards will include two new awards to recognize exceptional diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts by a state arts agency and an individual. Keep an eye out for an announcement soon and the chance to nominate your state’s or region’s outstanding leaders and DEI work!
Show Your Commitment
It’s hard to know what the future holds, but one thing is certain—NASAA is here for you, as an advisor, facilitator, champion and connecter. We’re committed to giving you tailored support 24/7/365. We’re committed to adapting our programs and resources to best serve you. We’re committed to innovating new offerings so you can be responsive and proactive in your state. And we’re committed to our mission to strengthen state and jurisdictional arts agencies—all 56 of you. Show your commitment to state arts agencies by making a gift to NASAA now. With your help, we can keep moving our work forward and be there for you and all state arts agencies. Thank you!
New State Policy Advisory on the Arts and Public Health
University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine is working to help health professionals, policymakers and the creative community leverage the power of the arts to address COVID-19. The center has expanded its dynamic repository of research, communications tools and other resources (including many inspiring artworks!) that show how the arts are helping communities to fight disease and build well-being during the pandemic. NASAA collaborated with the center to prepare a new Advisory Brief for State Agencies and Leaders that encourages governors’ offices and officials working in public health, education, mental health, economic development, aging, human services and disability services to include the arts—and state arts agencies—in policy development relating to COVID-19. A companion resource, the Advisory Brief for Local Public Health Agencies and Organizations, illustrates how counties, municipalities and townships can harness the arts to support community connection, well-being and recovery. This initiative draws on collaborations with many partners, including ArtPlace America.
Karen Paty Departs Georgia Council for the Arts
On July 10, Karen Paty steps down as executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a position she has held since 2011. During her tenure, Paty built collaborative partnerships with numerous divisions of state government, including the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Department of Education, Office of the Governor, University System of Georgia, Georgia Forestry Foundation and sister agencies within the Department of Economic Development. Among the initiatives Paty led that infused the arts into state policymaking were the Tourism Product Development grant fund and the Arts Learning Task Force. GCA’s collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice helped incarcerated youth and adults tap the arts as a transformative path for healing, education and empowerment. A partnership with the Georgia Municipal Association illuminated the impact of the arts as an economic development tool in Georgia’s communities. The multiple programs and projects Paty executed also included guidance of an annual Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities; inclusion of the arts in several tourism initiatives; a poetry/photography book, Inspired Georgia, that she conceived and coedited; and development of The Art of Georgia, GCA’s first exhibit featuring the work of state artists at the capitol. Paty led the creation and implementation of two five-year strategic plans that redefined the agency’s mission and goals to better provide an opportunity for the arts to become an integral part of the lives of all Georgians. In recognition of her valuable contributions to the arts and to the state of Georgia, Paty was named one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend magazine in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.