Looking Back with Pride—Looking Ahead with Purpose

Our guest columnist this month is NASAA’s outgoing board chair, Donna Collins.

As I complete my term as chair of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) Board of Directors, I am filled with immense gratitude and deep pride in what we have accomplished together. This role has been one of the great honors of my professional life, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated, passionate leaders committed to public support for the arts in every state and jurisdiction across our country.

Despite a landscape of financial and political uncertainty, NASAA has stood strong—anchored by its mission, bolstered by its strategy, and uplifted by the collective strength of our national Assembly. Together, we have met challenges with resolve and leaned into opportunities with purpose. The last two years have reinforced that while the political winds may shift, the conviction that the arts belong to everyone—and that public support is essential—remains constant.

Board and Organizational Highlights

Over the past two years, our Board has remained focused, nimble, and future-oriented. We strengthened our commitment to the arts for all and supported thoughtful governance that positions NASAA for long-term success. Together, we:

Supported the protection of the federal-state partnership, ensuring that state and regional Partnership funds remained intact even amid sweeping staff cuts and program changes at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This effort preserved essential lifelines for state arts agencies, many of which depend on federal funds for more than a fifth of their budgets, or in some cases matching state dollars that might otherwise be unavailable.
Welcomed new leaders and diverse voices to the NASAA Board, with special attention to bipartisan balance, younger leadership and geographic inclusivity. These new perspectives ensure NASAA is positioned not just for today’s challenges but for the decades ahead.
Advanced fundraising success, including record-breaking individual donations, new first-time donors, and a unifying campaign theme—56 Years, 56 Strong. We also celebrated a transformative $3.1 million Creative Aging grant from E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, expanding arts opportunities for older adults, those who are “55 and better,” across the nation and demonstrating the power of national, state, and private partnerships.
Strengthened our fiduciary stewardship through clean audits, low-risk investments, and adoption of a prudent investment policy that will safeguard NASAA’s long-term financial health.

At the organizational level, NASAA has continued to set the national standard for research, advocacy and policy support for state arts agencies. Together with our remarkable staff, we have:

Delivered more than 250 customized research requests in just six months—guiding members through shifts in federal funding, state budget trends, and political dynamics. This rapid-response service has become a lifeline for many state agencies navigating turbulent times and highlights the expertise of our professional staff.
Expanded advocacy tools–including state-by-state return-on-investment maps and creative economy data–and contributed to evidence that state and federal funding for the arts reaches far beyond foundation funding. The data underscores the irreplaceable role of public investment in ensuring fair access to the arts.
Provided critical clarity by correcting misinformation, strengthening bipartisan advocacy strategies and conducting fresh voter research to better understand conservative perspectives on the arts. These efforts ensure NASAA speaks to all Americans, regardless of party or geography.
Convened state arts agency leaders in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts for the Healing, Bridging, Thriving Summit, which focused on the role of arts and other sectors with more than 10 departments/agencies of the federal government.
Advanced cross-sector knowledge and programs at state arts agencies through new research, reporting, and convening.
Supported state arts agencies through volatile legislative sessions, helping members adapt to restructuring proposals, budget cuts, and shifting political priorities.

These achievements are not just organizational milestones—they represent the ways NASAA equips state arts agencies to serve millions of people and communities across America. Together, we have made the case that the arts are not a luxury, but a fundamental part of civic life, economic vitality, and community well-being.

With Gratitude

To my fellow NASAA Board members: thank you. your time, wisdom, and energy are gifts that fuel this organization. You have shown up with care, conviction, and creativity—and you’ve done so as volunteers. I see your service, and I celebrate you.

To the remarkable NASAA staff: your work behind the scenes powers every success we celebrate publicly. Thank you for your expertise, your professionalism, and your unwavering belief in the power of the arts to improve lives and strengthen communities.

To my colleagues at the Ohio Arts Council—both Board and staff: thank you for your steadfast support during my term as NASAA chair. Your encouragement, flexibility, and belief in the value of national service made it possible for me to lead with confidence and focus. I am deeply grateful.

And to every state and jurisdiction: thank you for your resilience. Even in difficult fiscal times, your commitment to sustaining the arts as a public good has inspired us all. You remind us that public funding for the arts is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Looking Forward

I step away from this leadership role knowing NASAA is in strong hands and ready for the future. We are advancing with momentum, guided by a strategic vision rooted in service. While challenges remain, so does our collective capacity to meet them—with unity, courage, and creativity.

The work ahead is important. And I believe, deeply, that we are more than ready for it.

With gratitude and admiration,