Americans for the Arts is one of the strongest arts service and advocacy organizations in the country. I had attended their conferences and workshops, read their publications, gotten helpful professional information on their website and received timely information about public- and private-sector support available to the arts sector. I serve on their board and make annual contributions to this fine organization. My reflections in this "review" is based on the services and information AFTA most ably provides to the cultural sector.
Americans for the Arts has provided opportunities that have enabled the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts to take it's place at the primary "voice" of the arts in the state. The mentoring and networking afforded me through my association wth AFTA's State Arts Action Network, whether through face to face meetings, conference calls or webinar's have provided the tools necessary for the success that we have achieved in our advocacy efforts. Why reinvent the wheel when you have access to AFTA's staffers who can point me in the right direction!
AFTA has been invaluable in our local, state and regional efforts and supportive in so many ways. Austin has gladly partnered in programs and projects from Economic Prosperity research to the Arts Ask for More campaign. The staff is incredibly professional and is there to help us with any question or issue we have. Their leadership in arts advocasy at the national level has also provided benefits that are realized right down to the small groups in our community.
I attended my first Americans for the Arts Annual Convention in 2007. I had such a rewarding experience that I decided this was an organization I needed to be more involved with. I am now in my third year of serving on one of their councils. The work of Americans for the Arts is critically important to keeping decision makers, as well as the general public, informed of the importance of the arts. Specifically, they create the reports and research that are the ammo for the argument of why art is essential to our every day lives.
This is one of the best not-for-profits in the country. Outstanding service to their constituents and to the entire nation. Excellent financial condition. Outstanding reputation for integrity, quality, effectiveness and accountability. Nationally prominent board of directors.
My organization, The San Francisco Foundation, hosted a NAMP Advanced Marketing Boot Camp (in conjunction with Grants For The Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund and sponsored by The Wallace Foundation) in San Francisco last summer. The course material was relevant, fresh, unique, and presented in a fun and interesting manner by a variety of diverse speakers and Americans for the Arts employees Julie Peeler and Tiffany Bradley. The overall experience was AMAZING and I HIGHLY recommend anyone in the arts marketing field immediately sign up for a National Arts Marketing Project workshop!
As a member of Americans for the Arts, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville relies upon AFTA's myriad of services in order to serve our local community at the highest of levels. Just one example of the leadership and direct service provided is the top-notch research studies that AFTA has led in audience spending and economic impact. Our local arts agency has never been able to conduct such broad data collection as was provided through the partnership with AFTA. Another example would be the engaging, thought-provoking professional development opportunties that are provided at its national conference. The annual event is packed with opportunities to interact with experts in the field. At the local level, we have often showcased these speakers at our own events after hearing their remarks at the national conference. Finally, the professionals at Americans for the Arts truly set a very high bar when it comes to serving the individual needs of its hundreds of members. We call upon its staff of experts time and again, and always receive prompt, robust answers to our inquiries and challenges.
