Member News and NASAA Resources

Return on Investment Advocacy Tools

NASAA’s Return on Investment: Public Arts Funding is a fresh collection of materials that will help you make the case for state and federal arts support. These tools offer concise talking points that speak to the distinctive impact of public-sector investments in the arts—including how government arts funding reaches communities that private support does not. For guidance on communicating with your congressional delegation, check out Return on Investment: National Endowment for the Arts, a new one-pager offering arguments aligned with today’s policy environment. Use it in tandem with the recently released The NEA and the States to make a focused case for federal support. State arts agencies also can request custom maps showing grant investment by federal or state legislative districts—request yours today!

Ammon Fepulea’i Is New ED in American Samoa

In February, Ammon Fepulea’i joined the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture & Humanities as executive director. Fepulea’i has been an educator at the high school and college levels for 15 years. He is the president of the Agency for Better Living Endeavors, which provides services to improve the lives of American Samoa residents through the promotion of employment, education and health awareness, with emphasis on special populations, rural and senior residents. He is a former advisor for the House of Flying Daggers, a club that offers a platform and support for individuals to showcase and nurture their artistic skills. Fepulea’i succeeds Male Timalu, who served four years in the position.

Amari Starks Joins NASAA as Operations Associate

Amari Starks joined NASAA in 2025 as the operations associate, supporting the organization’s day-to-day office functions. In this role, they manage the membership database, provide scheduling and administrative support for senior staff, and assist with logistical planning of meetings and events. Before joining NASAA, Amari began their nonprofit career at The Afiya Center, where they provided extensive administrative support and program coordination as both a programs assistant and a development operations associate. Prior to that, they spent several years working at the Carrollton (Texas) Public Library, where their passion for literature and community engagement flourished. In addition to being an avid reader since childhood, Amari has a strong fondness for film and the performing arts, using their free time to take ballet classes and analyze their favorite films.

Be a Champion for State Arts Agencies

This spring, champion the future of public funding for the arts by becoming a NASAA Champion—our community of monthly donors. Your recurring gift provides steady, reliable support, which is especially meaningful during uncertain times. Help us be there for state arts agencies no matter what. Make a monthly gift now—and know that however you choose to give, you make a difference.