Member News and NASAA Resources

Strategies for Making Operating Support More Equitable

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

General operating support grants are much sought after by arts organizations because, unlike most project-specific grants, they can be used flexibly to cover administrative and personnel costs. But common operating support grant-making practices (such as minimum budget requirements or basing awards on past grant histories) can pose systemic barriers that can make it challenging for small and rural organizations—and those rooted in communities of color—to access funds. In the next session in NASAA’s 2021 Learning Series, September 21 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Eastern, hear from three state arts agencies that are developing strategies to reduce bias and achieve more equity in their funding policies and practices. These sessions are free to staff and council members of state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. Register for Making Operating Support More Equitable today!

Help Boost Professional Development Opportunities

Expanding our members’ knowledge is a cornerstone of NASAA’s work. We know that to advance the arts, state arts agencies need to be aware of changing trends and new directions so they can respond to their states’ needs. That’s why we offer professional development—and why we’ve adapted our programming during the pandemic to provide FREE virtual learning sessions. NASAA can be proactive in our response because of the personal support of our members and donors. Help us keep offering FREE timely and relevant learning opportunities—like the 2021 Learning Series and the upcoming Anti-Bias Training for State Arts Agencies—by donating to NASAA today. Your gift helps more people access valuable information and grow professionally. Thank you!