Where Connection Becomes Community
From peer learning to hallway conversations, Assembly reminds us that no state arts agency leader works alone. Have you registered for NASAA Assembly 2026 yet? As you know, we’ll convene this year’s Assembly in person in Washington, D.C., from October 7–9, and we are honored to be hosted by our colleagues and friends at the […]
Why Partnerships and Data Matter to the Future of the Arts
Strong advocacy begins with a clear understanding of the impact of the arts and the partnerships that make that impact possible. From measuring the creative economy to ensuring communities nationwide have access to resources, reliable data and productive partnerships remain at the heart of effective arts policy. Two important efforts demonstrate why continued investment in […]
Local Roots and State Pride: The Arts and America 250
In July 1776, the signing of the Declaration of Independence signaled the birth of a new nation. 250 years later, many American communities are honoring that anniversary. This summer, America 250 will be a prominent theme of many festivals, family excursions, cultural events and civic celebrations. State and jurisdictional arts agencies have designed numerous special […]
NASAA Testimony to Congress in Support of the NEA
On April 23, I submitted testimony to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies. This subcommittee is responsible for the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts. I’d like to share my testimony with you. Prepared Testimony to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, U.S. House of Representatives […]
NCAPER Marks 20 Years of Service: 2006 – 2026
The National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER) has transformed the safety net for America’s creative sector since its founding in 2006. I remember clearly its origin story as a voluntary task force in the wake of devastating Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This group of volunteers gathered to address a critical gap in our sector…
Hearts of Practice: Cultivating a Healthier Nation through the Arts
Across the country, we are witnessing a profound shift in how we understand the relationship between creativity and clinical outcomes. We are seeing evidence that arts engagement is not merely enriching; it is inherently healing. In February, NASAA had the privilege of hosting Hearts of Practice: Promoting Statewide Strategies in the Arts and Health, a summit […]
Strategic Arts Messaging for Today
As state arts agencies and advocates gear up for this year’s legislative sessions, we are pleased to present a new publication within NASAA’s The Practical Advocate series. Strategic Arts Messaging (2026 Edition) provides advocates with strategic messaging guidance that has been rigorously tested, so it’s customized to the current policy environment. It offers carefully researched […]
2026 Initiatives to Empower State Arts Agencies
Happy new year! As we step together into 2026, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the resilience and vision of our state and jurisdictional arts agency (SAA) community. This year marks more than just a turn of the calendar; it represents a pivotal moment for our field to demonstrate how the […]
With Heart, With Purpose, With Art
Here is our CEO’s annual message to members, delivered at NASAA’s annual business meeting on Wednesday, October 8. Good afternoon, everyone, and good morning if you are in Hawaiʻi, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa. As I have learned from our Pacific island members, America’s day begins in Guam, and our colleagues in Guam […]
Join National Call to Action: Support Arts and Culture
The Cultural Advocacy Group (CAG) is a collaborative working group of national, regional, and state arts and cultural organizations. You may already be familiar with CAG. Established in the early 1990s, this group works to advance pro-arts policies at the federal level. NASAA has participated in CAG since its inception. CAG recently organized a national, […]