I was recently asked what it looks like when an organization commits to a diversity, equity and inclusion agenda. Unlike many programmatic commitments, which may be short-term or long-term, a commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion is definitely long-term, with intentions toward permanent change. In this work, ongoing reflection meets policy, planning, management and…
The arts have a long history of fortifying communities during times of need. Providing ample inspiration, the arts connect people to each other and to ideas that underpin our shared humanity, and during times of crisis, our paths forward. I have also experienced firsthand the power of the arts to help fuel economic comebacks from the…
I recently submitted testimony for NASAA to the U.S. House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts. I urged the subcommittee to increase funding for the agency in fiscal year 2022, and focused on the value of the federal-state partnership to communities across the…
As we spring into a new season, it’s exciting to think about what comes next: time with friends and family, herd immunity, ending COVID-19 deaths, time in community—especially time together experiencing the arts—and so much more. We’re all ready for some normalcy, and even a new normal. As I think about what’s next, I’m also…
As you may know by now, NASAA just had the honor of announcing creative aging grant awards for state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs). Through the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging (LSICA) program, an initiative fueled by our joint venture with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy , we are excited to award 36 grants valued at $1,457,000…
I am pleased to share two exciting updates with you that will help to amplify the benefits and value of the arts and state arts agencies. We have launched a new messaging guide that is custom-made for our field: Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation. This guide is the result of NASAA’s journey to advocate…
Happy new year, everyone! As we roll into 2021, I am pleased to share a new partnership project with you. You may recall that collaboration is an enduring NASAA value. This is the case because collaborations and partnerships broaden understanding of the impact of state arts agencies and NASAA, and they build communities of support…
As NASAA continues to prioritize advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) internally and at state arts agencies, I wish to call to your attention our updated list of programmatic and operational DEI activities. As a field, state arts agencies are advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; this year members more acutely focused on racial equity, and…
During NASAA’s virtual 2020 Business Bash, I delivered this message to NASAA members—who are stars in the arts and creativity galaxy—followed by a heartfelt toast. Have you ever heard the expression: It’s only during the night that you can see the stars? Across the country and across the globe, we have endured more than a…
Famous poet, essayist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, “The greatest art is to shape the quality of the day.” As our country continues to battle the trials and tribulations of COVID-19, societal unrest, economic uncertainty and natural disasters, feeling overwhelmed has become fairly typical. I was in a conversation with a NASAA team…
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