As you know, the 2017 and 2018 political climate in Washington, D.C., compelled NASAA to amplify our advocacy efforts. In response to the need, we stepped right up, alongside many of you, and deepened our policy, strategic communications and political strategies. We employed our time-tested approaches and we engaged in new activities, all focused on…
I recently had the opportunity to visit our NASAA family colleagues in the Pacific island territories. It was a beautiful adventure, and I’d like to share a little of what I learned with you. American Samoa I landed in American Samoa on an early July morning, and what a welcome I received! Even before daybreak,…
In May, NASAA submitted testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the budget for the National Endowment for the Arts. We stated that we are grateful for the committee’s recommendation to fund the agency in fiscal year 2019 at $155 million—the level that our federal arts coalition advocates…
NASAA’s Creative Industries Briefing last month drew congressional staffers and arts advocates to Capitol Hill to hear firsthand accounts from prominent corporate leaders about the power of the arts to create business success. One of our speakers was Laura Kohler, senior vice president of human resources, stewardship and sustainability at Kohler Company. Her remarks described…
As we anxiously and impatiently await spring in our nation’s capital (we can’t believe there’s more snow in the forecast!), NASAA is making sure policymakers recognize the economic importance of the creative industries in every state. On April 17, we are convening a Creative Industries Briefing on Capitol Hill. In addition to sharing new data…
This month, I participated in an extensive interview with Barry Hessenius for Barry’s Blog, which offers “News, Advice and Opinion for the Arts Administrator.” Barry asked me about issues facing state arts agencies today, state arts advocacy, preparing for crisis and controversy and much more! Read my responses in the full interview.
I delivered these remarks at a media briefing at the National Press Club on January 23. The event was webcast live on NASAA’s Facebook page. Good morning to those of you assembled here today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and to those of you joining us on-line. On behalf of the National…
2018 marks NASAA’s 50th anniversary. In 1968, state arts agencies united by creating the North American Assembly of State and Provincial Arts Agencies. Members included the provincial arts councils of Canada and the state arts councils of the United States and Mexico. Our first official board of directors meeting took place on Friday, June 7,…
At NASAA’s 2017 Leadership Institute in Portland, Oregon, I wanted to acknowledge the perceptive observations members have made about the ways the landscape is changing for arts and culture. I also wanted you to know that your input inspired the far-reaching process for and the focus of our new strategic plan. I hope you’ll find…
I’m sure you recall that NASAA’s board of directors approved a new policy statement designed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at NASAA and at state arts agencies (SAAs). Fueled by thoughtful research and conversations from our Governance Committee, as well as input from members, the policy informs our work. I’m proud of what we’ve…
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