From time to time, it is valuable to look outside one’s field to examine how other sectors have shaped public perceptions, altered public policy or countered resistance to their agendas. With that in mind, I’d like to share some observations about the success of movements for causes outside of the arts that might offer insights…
NASAA has just compiled preliminary information on state arts agency (SAA) budgets for fiscal year 2012. By now we all know the sobering news those numbers convey: state appropriations to our field have declined by 42% during the last decade, with some serious losses incurred this year. What are we learning from these declines? And…
Arts supporters in South Carolina achieved a big victory on June 29, when Governor Nikki Haley’s veto of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s fiscal year 2012 budget was defeated by a resounding legislative override. NASAA interviewed South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) Executive Director Ken May to learn how advocates and legislators attained this success and…
Governor Sam Brownback’s May 28 veto of the Kansas Arts Commission’s fiscal year 2012 budget proves that he does not recognize what every other state and U.S. territory has recognized: that the expressive life of the people of a state is a public good. The arts—not just the objects—but the sharpening of our sensory skills;…
NASAA staff have conversations year round with state arts agency leaders and their colleague advocates who are preparing for meetings with elected and appointed officials. I’ll share with you some of the most common questions we’re asked and I’ll offer responses. Question: I have a meeting scheduled with a legislator. What should I say? Response:…
NASAA staff are working with several members whose circumstances involve a serious threat to the survival, core values and/or resources of their agencies with little time to respond. The purpose of strategic planning is to minimize the likelihood that management of such crises will be necessary. But sometimes the environment is such that a crisis…
NASAA’s ambition is to be the primary source of the most valuable information available to state arts agency leaders. Toward that end, we consider the relevance, accuracy, frequency and ease of access of news that we send to members, post on our website or share in other ways. We also pay careful attention to ensure…
This month Tim Jones, Nevada Arts Council chair and arts advocate, shares his perspectives on effective advocacy strategies state arts agencies need to undertake as state legislatures get to work on their fiscal year 2012 budgets. Tim’s column demonstrates the importance of state arts agency council members taking a leadership role in advocacy and offers concrete advice and…
In my annual report to the NASAA membership, I noted that three of the primary forces shaping the future of public support for the arts at the state level are the recessive economy, changing expectations of government and the continuing impact of the digital revolution on how people participate in the arts. In this complex…
NASAA Assembly 2010, which took place in October in Austin, Texas, was by all accounts and measures a smash hit. More than 300 participants came to connect, learn from each other, address current challenges, discuss solutions, and enjoy this dynamic city and its music and arts scene. NASAA extends special thanks to members of our…
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