Maryland: Land Acknowledgement
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) consulted with tribal leaders and the administrator of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs for the MSAC Land Acknowledgement Project, which was administered by Maryland Traditions, MSAC’s traditional arts program. The project provides resources for learning about the precolonial history of lands claimed by the State of Maryland. At […]
Vermont: Digital Capacity Initiative
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked significant growth in online arts participation. Even as audiences return to live events, cultural organizations are continuing to use digital platforms to deepen community engagement and make arts programs more accessible to the public. The Vermont Arts Council has launched a new initiative to support continued innovation and expansion in this […]
Delaware: Incubator Project
As states continue to support revitalization efforts for the arts sector and strive toward more equitable programming, the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDA) is offering a new opportunity that works toward both of these objectives: the Arts Equity and Innovation Incubator Project. This pilot program, using $1.25 million in new funding, combines technical and […]
Oklahoma and Tennessee: Advancing Rural Arts Development
State arts agencies play a vital role in promoting arts opportunities in rural communities that, while rich in cultural assets and traditions, may face geographic or economic barriers to arts development. The Oklahoma Arts Council and the Tennessee Arts Commission recently launched new grant programs designed to advance rural development through the arts, culture and […]
Massachusetts, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Tennessee: Supplemental COVID-19 Relief
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) contains nearly $200 billion in emergency funding for states and territories to support a continued public health response, build infrastructure and promote equitable recovery. This state-led funding gives states and territories the ability to use these dollars in the ways that are most effective for each state. As with the […]
New Hampshire: Arts in Health
The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) strives to support individuals and families whose lives are impacted by chronic disease, disability, behavioral health challenges, substance misuse, aging, dementia and incarceration. The Arts in Health Program by NHSCA creates opportunities for the arts to facilitate healing, promote awareness of public health and build healthy […]
Wisconsin: Arts Challenge Initiative
The Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) is dedicated to supporting to the multitude of diverse communities that make up its constituency. To fulfill WAB’s legislative directive to ensure that at least 5% of annual funding is awarded to minority group members and arts groups, WAB offers the Arts Challenge Initiative Capacity Building Program (ACI). The ACI […]
Inspiration across the Nation
NASAA takes great pride in highlighting the promising practices of our member states! NASAA Notes has been featuring innovative state and jurisdictional arts agency programs for the past 13 years. New examples are shared in the State to State column of NASAA Notes. Our collection of program summaries totals 445 articles, and it’s growing each […]
Massachusetts: New Plan
Mass Cultural Council has just published its first-ever Racial Equity Plan, which outlines the goals and actions needed to create a more racially equitable cultural sector in Massachusetts. The plan builds on Mass Cultural Council’s previous 2017 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan and aligns with the governor’s Executive Order 592, which commits state agencies to […]
California and Colorado: Artist Workforce Initiatives
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant income losses for independent artists and creative workers, especially those reliant on gigs and contractual jobs. This trend is concerning not only because of the hardship it caused for these workers and their families, but also because the creative economy relies on the robust production and engagement of artists across […]