Member News and NASAA Resources

Learn How to Engage Rural Communities

Nevada’s National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Photo by Sydney Martinez

State arts agencies are always looking for better, more effective ways to engage with their constituents. This is particularly the case when connecting with constituents and communities outside of their states’ more populous centers. Join NASAA and your peers on July 19 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern for the next online session in our 2023 Learning Series, Engaging Rural Communities. You’ll hear from three SAAs about the strategies they have undertaken to build trust, strengthen connections and promote engagement with their rural communities. This session is open to all state and jurisdictional arts agency and regional arts organization staff and council members. Register today!

Wyoming’s Rachel Clifton Appointed Executive Director

Wyoming Arts Council Assistant Director Rachel Clifton has been named executive director, effective July 18. Clifton has been with the Wyoming Arts Council since 2015. In her role as assistant director, her duties have included administering the state’s Art in Public Buildings program, overseeing special programs and managing the agency’s federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Previously, Clifton was the assistant curator at the University of Wyoming Art Museum. She has held jobs and internships with several prestigious museums, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Denver Art Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Clifton attended the University of Wyoming, where she received a B.A. in humanities and fine arts; she earned an M.A. from the University of Denver in art history with a concentration in museum studies. In 2022, she successfully completed the Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through National Arts Strategies and the University of Pennsylvania. Clifton succeeds Michael Lange, who stepped down in June.

Get Moving!

We know a lot now about the perils of extended sitting, but still, getting up and moving regularly throughout the workday can be a hard change to make. This infographic from The Washington Post, Don’t Just Sit There! shows in-depth information about what’s happening in a sedentary body and has some movement suggestions at the end. Also, here’s a short, fun and effective movement practice called The Spinal Six from athlete and mindfulness teacher Cara Bradley. It’s designed to move the spine, which stimulates the brain and gets energy flowing. Give it a try and see if it helps you up your movement game!

Speaking of mindfulness, NASAA offers short meditations via Zoom (camera-free) three times a week. Laura Smith, NASAA chief advancement officer and a certified meditation teacher, leads these 15-minute sessions, and all state arts agency staff and council members are welcome to join. Reach out to Laura via email or phone at 202-347-7066 for more information or to be added to the email list.

Make a Difference for Your Agency and Our Community

We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to our Thriving Together spring campaign. Your support strengthens our professional community, empowering your agency with the data, research and advocacy you need to meet the challenges of today—and to thrive in the future. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, it’s not too late! You can give online today or become a NASAA Champion and give monthly, providing us with ongoing support we can count on year-round. No matter how you give, your gift makes a big difference to help every state and jurisdictional arts agency—from Guam to Maine and everywhere in between—to thrive.

No NASAA Notes in August

NASAA Notes will take a summer break and forego publication in August. Our next issue will appear in your inbox in early September. To stay current with NASAA events and services in the meantime, please visit our website or contact a staff member.