Background Report - Arizona Town Hall

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: http://www.nasaa-arts.org/
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is the membership
organization that unites, represents, and serves the nation’s state and jurisdictional arts
agencies. Each of the 56 states and jurisdictions has created an agency to support
excellence in and access to the arts. NASAA’s mission is to strengthen state arts
agencies. We represent their individual and collective interests, empower their work
through knowledge, and advance the arts as an essential public benefit. We fulfill our
mission in three ways. Knowledge: NASAA facilitates the transfer of ideas, helping
state arts agencies to pioneer, share, and apply knowledge about serving the public
effectively. NASAA’s research and education services inform and inspire, empowering
public sector leadership for the arts in every state. Representation: NASAA provides
national representation for state arts agencies, ensuring that their policy and resource
interests have a persuasive voice. NASAA advances the value of state arts agencies,
bringing visibility and recognition to their accomplishments. NASAA also champions
the arts and state arts agencies, advocating for a robust public sector role in
American cultural life. Community: NASAA connects state arts agency staff and
council members, making the collective experiences and wisdom of the field a
resource for everyone. NASAA embraces both the differences and similarities among
states, widening understanding, and creating common cause. Participation in a
rewarding and welcoming professional community strengthens state arts agencies in
all corners of the country. NASAA publishes a Public Funding Sourcebook
(1970-present).
See also, Critical Evidence; How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement (2006):
http://www.azarts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Critical-Evidence.pdf
National Endowment for the Arts: http://www.nea.gov/
The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal
government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic
excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.
The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders,
other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector.
Art Works: The Official Blog of the NEA: http://www.arts.gov/artworks/
National Endowment for the Humanities: http://www.neh.gov/
The NEH is an independent federal agency created in 1965. One of the largest funders
of humanities programs in the United States, it is dedicated to supporting research,
education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. Because democracy
demands wisdom, the NEH serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting
excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans.
The Endowment accomplishes this mission by providing grants for high-quality
humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural
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