ARTSblog

Roger Vacovsky

Last week, I renewed my membership for my alma mater’s alumni association. I understand now, more than ever, that my participation in the program contributes to not only the future success of my university, but also to my own past experiences.

Since my graduation, I have enjoyed watching the University of Houston (UH) flourish, albeit from afar, receiving periodic email updates regarding the upgrades to the campus. This includes the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, a tremendous effort by the university to combine five arts-based departments into one collaborative arts force. Although I am just one alumnus contributing to my university’s growth, I feel as though I played a part in making these improvements possible.

I was even eager to experience the progress of the Houston Cougar football team in 2011—which I had absolutely no part in during my time in school—as it set records for a fierce offense and toppled another, much more storied (and recently infamous) football program in a bowl appearance this year in Dallas.

There are many good reasons why we become members of our graduating university’s alumni association. As I had mentioned before, we begin giving back to the institution that helped us prepare for a successful career. We want to enhance the experience of the future generation of students so that they can go on to achieve greatness.

Believe it or not, the continued success of your alma mater retroactively increases the worth of your degree. By becoming a member of your alumni association, your membership dues help your university realize the success it consistently fights to achieve. Read the rest of this entry »

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Dear Readers,

Look over to the right side of this page and check out the tag cloud. (You might have to scroll a little. It’s under the “featured video”.)  Are your favorite topics there?

We want to match the content of our publications with what you need to be successful artists, arts administrators, advocates, and educators. That means tailoring the articles, blog posts, and news stories in our print and electronic communications based on your feedback. What topics do you want to read about more (or less)?

Take our short, six question survey and let us know how we’re doing: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZZWVFBB

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You may have missed one of the most amazing speeches from the Americans for the Arts Arts Adovcacy Day memories. Wynton Marsalis gave an inspiring story and message to all of us who work at the grassroots (and grass tops) levels of arts advocacy. Just wait until you read the transcript. If you might not get the transcript of the 22nd Nancy Hanks lecture…. better up your membership level.

This was legendary.

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Career 360 sessions today gave me tools to maintain a new commitment to thinking of my career path, family, self, and health. This was a strong reminder of what I already know—but sometimes it takes a convention to snap me off the hamster wheel of day-to-day routine. I already have a career coach. My coach is amazing. She has helped me to discover the power of my own ruby slippers. Combine my coaching sessions with the “Building your Career Brand” session, and I’m good to go for a couple of scheduled Me-Time moments in the park, under a tree, with a piece of paper and a sack of self-help books. (Bruce—I’m your next client!)

Oh, I do love what I do. But I have committed to some changes by next year’s convention. 

OMG! What am I saying? I’ve still got one more exhausting day to go and so much to blog about each of the sessions…. SEATTLE—there’s my chance to get to the city, drink their coffee, walk in gentle rain, and maybe bump into a real grunge musician. But wait…I heard the theme for next year. Sustainability and Renewal. 

you will see a new me next year…..

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Get networked in. Americans for the Arts Networks, Peer Groups, and Councils connect members who have like interests. Peer groups are centered on interest and/or profession, such as Rural and Small Communities. Groups meet face to face during the annual convention and communicate year-round through members-only listservs. Formal networks have been created to respond to the needs of:

• Arts Education Network
• Emerging Leaders Network
• Public Art Network
• State Arts Action Network
• United Arts Funds
• United States Urban Arts Federation

Only members of Americans for the Arts can get tapped into these networks. They provide leadership opportunities on their respective councils, professional development through their convention tracks, and best of all, friends through their listservs. Join today to get with the movers and shakers.

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Do you have a new program to get up and running but haven’t had the time to start? Or perhaps you just need an extra hand during those busy summer months? Now is the time to begin advertising for a summer intern, because college students are looking right now for a life-changing summer internship to help build their resume before they graduate.

Why post on Americans for the Arts Job Bank? Many qualified students want to try out a new city or job role for the summer, and this is a perfect way for them to find you. Plus, our site has high visibility and offers:

• nearly 2,100 registered job seekers across all 50 states
• more than 1,400 searchable resumes
• more than 300 average views per job

This is a win-win situation for you and your future intern. Plus, all internship postings are free in our Job Bank.

If you have paid positions open at your organization, use BLOG0308* to receive 10% off a 30 day job advertisement during the month of March, just for reading our blog! Remember, you can always e-mail JobBank@artsusa.org or call 888.491.8833, x1591 with questions or for technical assistance.

*Special offer valid through March 31, 2008.

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Ever wonder where you can find the latest grant opportunties? Or legislative news affecting you? Or what your peers around the country are up to? It’s all in one place: The Monthly Wire. But you must be a member of Americans for the Arts to get it. All members, and all staff at member organizations, can receive The Monthly Wire, an e-newsletter that pops into inboxes the third Friday of each month.

If you aren’t getting The Monthly Wire, but think you can’t go another month without it, contact our membership staff to get signed up.

With its helpful information on news and events going on around the country, inspiring stories about your fellow members, and quick tips on awards, funding, and leadership opportuntities, you’ll wonder how you ever went a month without The Monthly Wire.

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Leadership happens at all levels throughout our sector – none is more amazing and courageous than by those in the beginning stages of their career.  Having met hundreds of emerging leaders through Americans for the Arts, I am convinced the arts and cultural landscape will remain vibrant and relevant for years to come. Our future is bright. There is no leadership gap.

 We know there are unsung young leaders in our midst. The radical act of leadership is claiming it for yourself or making it happen for someone else. Brilliance abounds – let’s celebrate for all our benefit.

Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award, and all Awards of Americans for the Arts, close Friday, February 15.

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No matter what level you join at, all Americans for the Arts members receive discounts of 20-30% on some of the leading publications in the field. These journals are key resources for arts administrators, arts education professionals, public art managers, and artists.

• Arts Education Policy Review, published by Heldref Publications
  Arts Education Policy Review discusses difficult, often controversial, policy issues regarding K-12 education in the arts throughout the nation and the rest of the world. Focusing on education in music, visual arts, theater, dance, and creative writing, the journal encourages varied views and emphasizes analytical exploration. Multiple perspectives make Arts Education Policy Review a key resource for arts educators, administrators, policy analysts, advocacy groups, teachers, parents, audiences, and all those concerned with arts education.

• Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society, published by Heldref Publications
  The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society offers valuable insights into the role of the arts as well as strategies for supporting the arts in a cultural landscape dominated by the global economy and mass media. The journal tackles significant practical and theoretical issues in arts policy, management, marketing, support, intellectual property, law, governance, and cultural production and dissemination. Analysts, sociologists, arts administrators, educators, trustees, artists, lawyers, and concerned citizens will enjoy the articles, commentaries, and reviews of publications.

• Public Art Review, published by FORECAST Public Artworks
  Public Art Review is the only journal focused on exploring the many dimensions of public art. Each issue provides opinion, analysis, criticism and discussion about the nature and trends in public art. Published semi-annually since 1989, our readership includes artists, architects, curators, city planners, students, educators, design professionals, program administrators, community leaders, writers, and more.

Visit the Online Store today to subscribe.

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New Year, New Goals

By now, you’ve probably made a few New Year’s resolutions: lose weight, quit smoking, or be more organized. But have you set career goals for 2008? Are you where you expected to be at this point in your career?

With the new year comes new insight and a fresh opportunity to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Peter Weddle, a leading expert in human resources, offers an idea called Career Fitness, described below.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Do you want to acknowledge an exceptional arts education leader?
Do colleagues call you an arts advocacy superhero?
Did a business executive in your community go above and beyond for the arts this year?

It’s time to recognize their hard work.

Americans for the Arts presents the Annual Awards to honor the achievements of leaders committed to enriching their communities through the arts each year. For every path an arts professional’s career might take, there is an award that is right for them:

Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award
Arts Education Award
Emerging Leader Award
Michael Newton Award for United Arts Funds Leadership
Public Art Network Award
Selina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership Read the rest of this entry »

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Americans for the Arts is pleased to announce our Council election results. Below are your peers from across the country who will be serving on the following Councils starting next year. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and who voted online. We are looking forward to working with these leaders throughout their terms.

Arts Education Council
Emerging Leader Council
Public Art Network (PAN) Council
United Arts Fund (UAF) Council

Read the rest of this entry »

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The end of the year is fast approaching! Now is the time to prepare for your 2008 recruiting needs by taking advantage of a 20 percent savings on job postings on the Americans for the Arts Job Bank. Purchase any multiple job posting package before December 31, 2007, then take up to one year to post your jobs!

From the date of purchase you’ll have:

• 365 days to post your jobs
• 365 days of resume access

Remember: Americans for the Arts Job Bank is your online resource for recruiting quality candidates in the arts administration field. Begin streamlining your hiring process today with:

Focused, qualified candidates Meet your staffing needs with our skilled and experienced arts administrators
Resume searching Access to nearly 1,000 searchable resumes in our growing database with your job posting.
Search agents Receive automatic e-mail notification whenever new candidates match your requirements.

Don’t miss this end-of-the-year opportunity to utilize any unused 2007 funds, plus receive a 20 percent discount. Simply visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/JobBank now through December 31, 2007 to purchase a multiple job package and save 20 percent!

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Americans for the Arts has several peer-elected Councils. These Councils advise and assist Americans for the Arts in developing programs and resources to promote the growth and development of arts professionals networks nationwide. Four Councils are having elections for new seats and their candidates represent considerable professional expertise, leadership potential, and advanced practice. Their terms will start in January 2008.

Make your voice heard. Vote for your peers who you feel will best lead in service to the field. Only members of Americans for the Arts can serve on these Councils and only members can vote in these elections (you will need your ID# to access online ballots). You may only vote once for each Council. The online voting booths will close at the close of business on Friday, November 30, 2007.

• Arts Education Council
• Emerging Leaders Council
• PAN Council (Public Art Network)
• UAF Council (United Arts Funds)

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And no, I am not asking if you are for the arts. I have a hunch that if you are reading this blog, I already know your answer. I could write about all of the reasons that I, and probably you, support the arts and arts education, but I would just be preaching to the choir.  Instead, I want to write about the gray line is that separates Americans who are for the arts and Americans for the Arts.

The American Society of Association Executives (a.k.a. the association for associations) recently published a study called The Decision to Join, based on years of study and more than 16,000 surveys. One main concept of the research findings is that people join an organization to affiliate, or to be a part of, a movement of individuals with the same interests or goals.

That means they don’t join for the benefits and services an organization provides. This is a big blow to many of us who work for a membership organization, myself included. The reason I have a job is to make sure our members get their benefits and services (by the way, if you aren’t, email kcopeland@artsusa.org).  And while I know many of our members place a ton of value in services we provide like the Public Art Network Listserv, Arts Link, or the discount they get on books in our Online Store, my gut tells me that The Decision to Join got it right.

We recently surveyed a small sample of our members to ask about some new benefits we were thinking about offering, like discounts on office supplies or insurance for small businesses and artists.  (Incidentally, if you need insurance for yourself or employees, check out Fractured Atlas.)  The members who responded gave us a very clear answer: they don’t want any of them.

So we’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about where that leaves us. Essentially, most people join Americans for the Arts for the same reason you might join a political party or a knitting circle. You might be the only person in your town or on your block who thinks that the arts make America better, but you know you are not alone. You know that you are part of something larger than yourself.  And we know we have a lot of work to do.

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