National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: NASAA

The VI Council on the Arts is taking a fresh and futuristic approach to sharing timeless cultural traditions. The agency hosted a multisensory exhibit that blended digital media, sound design, storytelling and the visual arts to showcase Caribbean culture. Learn more: https://nasaa-arts.org/newsletter/2026-nasaa-notes-issues/may-2026-nasaa-notes/virgin-islands-multisensory-exhibition-experience/

State arts agencies are specialists in strengthening communities. The Louisiana Music Program—now under the Louisiana Division of the Arts—is better able to support music creators, celebrate Louisiana's musical legacy and boost the state's economy. https://nasaa-arts.org/newsletter/2026-nasaa-notes-issues/may-2026-nasaa-notes/louisiana-music-program/

This month at NASAA: Our CEO shares her congressional testimony in support of the National Endowment for the Arts and public funding, we offer a roundup of 2025 state legislation affecting the arts, you can view hand-picked resources pertinent to state arts agencies ... and more! https://nasaa-arts.org/newsletter/2026-nasaa-notes-issues/may-2026-nasaa-notes/

The NASAA board of directors gathered at a daylong hybrid meeting in Washington, D.C. last week. Those in person exchanged feedback at dinner after the meeting. Our board is awesome! https://nasaa-arts.org/about-nasaa/board-of-directors/

State arts agencies help strengthen the economy and develop the workforce in their states by supporting apprenticeships—such as the Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship offered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Learn more: https://nasaa-arts.org/newsletter/2026-nasaa-notes-issues/april-2026-nasaa-notes/pennsylvania-multimedia-producer-apprenticeship/

What if the key to healthy aging wasn’t another prescription but rather a painting class? A choir? A storytelling workshop? Creative aging programs are proving that the arts can transform later life—reducing isolation, sharpening minds and helping older adults feel more connected and alive.

New from NASAA, the Vital & Vibrant Creative Aging Toolkit gives state arts agencies the tools to make it happen. Share this with someone in your network who works in aging, health care or the arts. https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/vital-vibrant-creative-aging-toolkit/

To celebrate America’s 250th, Wyoming has adopted the slogan "Declaration of Imagination" and put the arts at the heart of many events. Wyoming Arts Council is interviewing veterans, sponsoring a song competition, putting artists in state parks… and more! https://shorturl.at/ZFxzy

Happy 60th anniversary to the Alaska State Council on the Arts! The agency convened creative sector leaders, arts educators and Alaska Native culture bearers at an Art of Adaptation convening this week. NASAA’s Kelly Barsdate was thrilled to be part of the program (in her home state!) and enjoyed cofacilitating sessions with David Holland from Scansion.

Did you know that older adults who participate in arts programs have 30% fewer doctor visits, 27% fewer hospital admissions, and are 20% less likely to experience depression? NASAA's Vital & Vibrant Creative Aging Toolkit helps state arts agencies bring creative aging programs to their communities. https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/vital-vibrant-creative-aging-toolkit/