For more than 30 years, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) have supported professional development programming for state arts agency arts education managers. The annual Professional Development Institute (PDI) provides meaningful leadership development and technical assistance for this diverse field. As a result, arts education managers are knowledgeable leaders in their field through a peer network that new and seasoned managers alike find invaluable.
The 2024 PDI takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Monday, October 21 – Wednesday, October 23.
The purpose of the Professional Development Institute is to equip participants with skills necessary to succeed in their roles as state arts agency arts education managers. PDI attendees will gain job-specific tools and knowledge that are relevant across a wide array of state needs and circumstances. PDI programming focuses on strategies to ensure all learners, especially those in underserved communities, have access to high-quality arts education. Discussion will encompass impactful approaches to grant funding, services, research and partnerships.
Drawing inspiration from the powerful capacity building strategies and relationships cultivated in Puerto Rico, the 2024 Professional Development Institute explores topics and questions relevant to all 56 states and jurisdictions.
How can state arts agency arts education managers collaborate with local arts organizations to promote thriving communities through learning rooted in local heritage and traditions?
Learning Outcome 1: Participants will identify innovative approaches used by Puerto Rican arts organizations to recover and thrive amidst unpredictable circumstances, drawing lessons applicable to their own states and jurisdictions.
Learning Outcome 2: Participants will explore how traditional art forms are integrated into daily life in Puerto Rico, applying these insights to support programming that leverages cultural heritage through community engagement in their own states and jurisdictions.
Learning Outcome 3: Participants will examine holistic arts education models implemented in Puerto Rico and consider the role out-of-school programming plays in reaching all members of communities in all states and jurisdictions.
Registration is $75 per attendee and includes the following: New Managers Dinner (as applicable), Opening Reception, breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, October 22, SAA Regional Groups Lunch on Wednesday, October 23, PDI Programming, and Transportation between local hotel and off-site conference venues.
Registration is limited to state and jurisdictional arts agency arts education managers only.
If you have any questions about the 2024 Professional Development Institute, please contact Meghan McFerrin.
Photo courtesy Institute of Puerto Rican Culture
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