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    • Thursday, September 22
        1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
        Roll Call of the States
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        Roll Call of the States

        The opening ceremonies begin with a rousing Roll Call of the States.

        2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
      • Briefing Sessions
          Helping Small and Midsize Organizations Thrive
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          Helping Small and Midsize Organizations Thrive

          This session focuses on the distinct needs of small/midsize organizations and identify how state arts agencies can tailor support—learning, networking or grants—to be useful to them. It draws on insights from 10 years of collaboration between Mid-America Arts Alliance and 80 cultural organizations in Houston, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

          Partnering for Pandemic Recovery
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          Partnering for Pandemic Recovery

          The scale of losses and the impact of permanent changes triggered by COVID-19 are more than any one agency or organization can address on its own. This session features examples of state arts agencies entering into innovative partnerships to leverage resources and help people and communities heal as we move into a postpandemic era.

          Steps toward Greater Accessibility at Your State Arts Agency
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          Steps toward Greater Accessibility at Your State Arts Agency

          Approximately 25% of all Americans live with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, some are not; some are temporary and some permanent. State arts agencies have an important leadership role to play in helping their communities to create more inclusive spaces and programs for people with disabilities.

          Helping Nonprofit Arts Organizations Adopt Stronger DEI Practices
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          Helping Nonprofit Arts Organizations Adopt Stronger DEI Practices

          What technical assistance, training or consulting services can state arts agencies provide to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work at the grantee/community level? What strategies tend to be effective, and what could be counterproductive? Hear about various approaches that different states are pursuing.

          Advocates Abound!
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          Advocates Abound!

          There are many new state and national advocacy cohorts emerging, all working to grow support for the arts. This session offers a primer on who’s who in the arts advocacy landscape and how state arts agencies can stay apprised of their efforts.

          Evaluating the Arts Ecosystem with a Racial Equity Focus
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          Evaluating the Arts Ecosystem with a Racial Equity Focus

          In 2020 the California Arts Council embarked on an ambitious learning journey to evaluate its systems of support through a racial equity lens. This session shares some of the evaluation methods, lessons learned and project results that can ultimately support greater funding equity. WolfBrown, Scansion and NASAA were key consulting collaborators.

        4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
        Artist Showcase
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        Artist Showcase

        The Mid-America region is home to many talented creators and performers. This showcase offers conference participants a chance to enjoy an amazing performance by a regional artist.

        7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
        Opening Reception

        Rhode Island School of Design Museum, 20 North Main Street

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        Opening Reception

        Rhode Island School of Design Museum
        20 North Main Street
        Providence, RI 02903

        The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum curates works of art representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. Exhibits celebrate makers of all kinds, from fashion designed by Alexander McQueen to etchings by Whistler to Gorham silver. The evening is a grand kickoff to the Leadership Institute in the centerpiece gallery of the RISD collection. Participants have access to most of the museum’s galleries. Dominican singer-songwriter Czesare Santana entertains with music inspired by Latin, blues and Brazilian rhythms.

        Shuttles depart the Graduate Providence hotel’s Dorrance Street entrance beginning at 5:40 p.m. Shuttles depart the museum’s Chace Center entrance, at 20 North Main Street, beginning at 8:00 p.m.

    • Friday, September 23
        9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        Peer Sessions
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        Peer Sessions

        State arts agency board members and staff gather in job-alike groups to discuss current issues and challenges.

        1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
        National Endowment for the Arts Plenary

        Biltmore Ballroom, 17th Floor

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        National Endowment for the Arts Plenary

        Biltmore Ballroom, 17th Floor

        Join National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter for her keynote address on the work of the endowment and her goal to make the agency more accessible to all Americans.

        2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
        Extended Sessions
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        Extended Sessions

        Most of these afternoon sessions occur offsite at locations around Kansas City. Longer sessions allow time for artistic excursions and a deeper dive into more complex topics. Check back for more information soon!

        TBD
        Donor Reception

        Parkview Terrace, 3rd Floor (If rain: Capital Ballroom, 2nd Floor)

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        Donor Reception

        Parkview Terrace, 3rd Floor
        (In the event of rain: Capital Ballroom, 2nd Floor)

        Mingle with your fellow NASAA supporters to celebrate and enjoy the Irish-inspired music of The Exiles. Indulge in some delicious hors d’oeuvres before heading out into Providence for the night. All individual donors and conference supporters are invited.

    • Saturday, September 24
        8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
        Awards Breakfast
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        Awards Breakfast

        Join NASAA in recognizing exemplary leadership in the state arts agency field. Awards for diversity, equity and inclusion achievements (individual and agency), executive leadership and distinguished public service are celebrated.

        10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
      • Briefing Sessions
          Artist Workforce Strategies
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          Artist Workforce Strategies

          The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant income losses for independent artists and creative workers. This trend is concerning not only because of the hardship it caused for artists and their families, but also because the creative economy relies on the robust production and engagement of artists. Attend this session to learn how a number of states and localities have launched new artist workforce programs to employ artists and lift up how they help communities address timely issues.

          Successful State Level Advocacy Collaborations
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          Successful State Level Advocacy Collaborations

          State arts advocacy organizations and state arts agencies each have distinct roles to play when it comes to cultivating support for the arts. This session showcases ways that state arts agencies and citizen advocacy groups have joined forces to attain policy wins in challenging circumstances.

          The Promise and Problems of the Arts in Rural Communities
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          The Promise and Problems of the Arts in Rural Communities

          Rural arts organizations face challenges that are unique to their geographic and cultural settings. These often include impacts from increasing ecological changes, population shifts, resource limitations and complex cultural contexts.

          Climate Change, Migration and Sustaining Culture
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          Climate Change, Migration and Sustaining Culture

          Most of the focus around climate change has centered on the environmental impact, but cultures and communities will also experience displacement—predicted to be twice as large as the Great Migration from the U.S. South or during the Dust Bowl. State arts agencies, and the communities they serve, can be a valuable allies in supporting cultural preservation for communities at risk and also in preparing other communities to receive newcomers.

          The Equity GAP Project
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          The Equity GAP Project

          The Equitable Grantmaking Assessment Pilot (GAP) project examined the Ohio Arts Council’s general operating support grant-making systems to learn how that funding could better serve all Ohio communities, with a special focus on assisting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or people of color), rural, low-income and disabled populations. This session shares insights and lessons learned that may be relevant to other states.

        11:15am – 12:30 p.m.
        Closing Ceremonies

        Closing Ceremonies

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