As I know you’re aware, NASAA offers a growing portfolio of programs and services* that support state arts agencies’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Our goal is to equip state arts agency (SAA) staffs and councils with resources, training and support systems to advance DEI at their agencies and effect meaningful change. One of our…
As summer sizzles here in Washington, D.C., and across much of the country, your NASAA team is beating the heat by diving into activities designed to advance state arts agencies and NASAA. Here’s a sample of what we’re up to this summer. Boot Camp Coming Soon We’re gearing up for NASAA’s August boot camp for…
On the heels of NASAA’s Arts and Rural Prosperity Capitol Hill Briefing in May, I had the opportunity to participate in the Rural Generation Summit, hosted in Jackson, Mississippi, and organized by Art of the Rural. It was an ideal space for sharing our recent work on Rural Prosperity through the Arts and Creative Sector:…
NASAA’s strategic plan calls on us to collaborate beyond the state arts agency (SAA) world in thoughtful ways. Our ability to foster cross-sector support and strategic partnerships on behalf of SAAs broadens our field’s impact. In this work we also heighten NASAA’s profile and the profile of SAAs. This in turn helps us build new…
60 million people make their homes—and make their livings—in rural America. All too often, the mainstream media tells stories that stereotype what these regions lack: infrastructure, economic opportunities and access to high-quality health care or education. While it’s true that many rural communities face daunting challenges, it’s time for a more complete story to be…
In February, I testified 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 requested funding for the agency for fiscal year 2020 of $167.5 million—the level that our federal arts coalition advocates requested—and stated that we are grateful for…
The season for state legislative sessions is upon us! State arts agencies are either ensconced in current legislative activities or looking forward to sessions soon to convene. After a fall election cycle that brought us thousands of races at the state and federal levels, we can’t underestimate the importance of building relationships with newly elected…
As I write, change is afoot in our nation’s capital. A new Congress was sworn in and the gavel was just handed to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Policymakers must now begin the work of governing with a divided Congress and addressing the partial federal government shutdown, now in its 18th day. As always,…
At NASAA Assembly 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland, I disclosed two important ingredients that keep NASAA working hard for you, and shared plans for 2019 that respond to member needs. As we conclude our 50th anniversary celebration this year, I hope you’ll find in my annual President and CEO Report to Members that NASAA is listening…
As you know, NASAA offers a growing portfolio of programs and services that support state arts agencies’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work. Our goal is to equip state arts agency (SAA) staffs and councils with resources, training and support systems to advance DEI in their work and effect meaningful change. The latest among these services…
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