The Value of the Federal-State Partnership
The portion of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) budget set aside by Congress to be administered by state arts agencies (SAAs) and their regional consortia provides public benefits that strengthen both legislative and popular support for the federal agency. A little history is helpful in understanding these governmental, political and financial benefits. The […]
The Next NEA Chair
The White House is in the process of vetting candidates to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This presidential appointment, which requires confirmation by the Senate, plays an important role in America’s cultural life. The individual nominated to be the NEA chair has a unique opportunity to implement and actively shape cultural policy. […]
Diversity Means …
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies CEO Jonathan Katz was invited to address the ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education on January 29, 2013, that opened the exhibit of selected student artwork produced as part of the annual National PTA–sponsored program called Reflections. “Diversity Means …” was this year’s theme. I am delighted to […]
Be Prepared
Throughout the history of state arts agencies, our field has played a key role in helping arts organizations to succeed and deliver value to the public. Through our training programs and grant requirements—and through leading by example during the past 45 years—we have: propagated inclusive strategic planning practices; set high standards for universal accessibility; encouraged […]
Lessons from the 2012 Elections
In Washington, D.C., I have begun to hear former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill’s classic observation that “all politics is local” replaced by “all politics is partisan.” NASAA has maintained, since its inception, a commitment to making the case for the arts based in experience, logic and evidence. What lessons can we draw […]
State Arts Agency Creativity and Preserving the Individual Voice
This month, I’d like to share with you my annual report to the NASAA membership, which I presented at Assembly 2012 in Washington, D.C. As we all know, over the past 10 years, two extended recessions have strangled revenues from state sales tax, income tax and property tax. Deficit budgets at all levels of government—as […]
Campaigning for Public Arts Support
As election politics intensify and voting time draws near, it is important that those who value broad and deep participation in the arts engage actively in the process of airing issues and selecting public officials. The same rights and restrictions that apply to advocacy by government employees, appointed volunteers and those affiliated with not-for-profit arts […]
Lithgow on Joy in a Fretful World
In the course of a year, I represent the NASAA membership in many different gatherings, some to shape policy; some to gain knowledge; some to share ideas, provide information and build networks; and some to celebrate. I always have two purposes: to remind various audiences that state arts agencies are an essential infrastructure in the […]
Continuing the State Arts Agency “Movement”
From time to time, it is valuable to look outside one’s field to examine how other sectors have shaped public perceptions, altered public policy or countered resistance to their agendas. With that in mind, I’d like to share some observations about the success of movements for causes outside of the arts that might offer insights […]
FY2012 Legislative Session: Headlines, What’s Working for SAAs
NASAA has just compiled preliminary information on state arts agency (SAA) budgets for fiscal year 2012. By now we all know the sobering news those numbers convey: state appropriations to our field have declined by 42% during the last decade, with some serious losses incurred this year. What are we learning from these declines? And […]