NASAA Continues to Prioritize Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
As NASAA continues to prioritize advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) internally and at state arts agencies, I’m pleased to call to your attention our updated list of operational and programmatic DEI activities M. As a field, state arts agencies are advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, yet there is still much work to be done. […]
CEO Annual Report to Members: You Matter
My annual message to NASAA members counters a tired old narrative by extolling state arts agencies’ important and vital work in your communities. You are glowing examples of public service at its finest, of relevance to your citizens and of the power of resilience. I am proud to know you!
Creative Placemaking Support for State Arts Agencies
I announced to members and colleagues last month that NASAA is partnering with ArtPlace America on a new initiative, Strengthening the State Arts Agency Support System for Creative Placemaking. This initiative is designed to empower state arts agency community development staff in their varied roles as facilitators and bridge builders. My column this month offers […]
NASAA Completes First Mentorship Program for People of Color
As I know you’re aware, NASAA offers a growing portfolio of programs and services M* 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 […]
NASAA’s Sizzling Summer
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 […]
Rural Abundance and Prosperity through the Arts
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 Builds Collaborations on Your Behalf
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 […]
Rural Resurgence through the Arts
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 […]
NASAA Testimony to U.S. House Requests $167.5 Million for NEA in FY2020
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 […]
Advocacy Explained—and Made Easy!
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 […]