National Audioconference: Thursday, May 12, 2:00–3:30 p.m. (EDT)

For the third and final year, Americans for the Arts has asked Bill Keens of Wolf, Keens & Company to conduct research on the state of the local arts agency field during what have been challenging economic times for many. In each of the past three years, Bill has interviewed leaders from the same 28 local arts agencies to determine the economic and philanthropic conditions in their communities and the strategies they have employed or would like to employ to address the challenges they face. In working with these leaders from all regions of the country once again, he will complete a multiyear investigation that will reveal trends on how local arts agencies respond to such challenges and the new or ongoing strategies they have put in place as entrepreneurial change agents. This information enables Americans for the Arts to better respond to the needs of the field, to track and analyze actual economic conditions and strategies for success, and to share what was learned in a timely manner. It also provides an opportunity for local arts agency leaders to learn about the successes and challenges facing their peers and their process for designing strategies to advance their work.

Bill’s research will be shared during a national audioconference on Thursday, May 12, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT), when you are invited to join him to discuss his findings and share your own experiences. This moderated, interactive, and LIVE audioconference is FREE to all participants. We ask you to share this unique 90-minute experience with your board, staff, colleagues, and community partners by inviting them to participate along with you. Understanding the work that is taking place in communities across the country enables you to be the best arts leader possible. We encourage you to share in the final year of this successful series by taking advantage of this special opportunity to join with your peers.

Registration is now full. For additional information, please plan to attend “Local Arts Agencies: Creating Opportunity in Challenging Economic Times—The Final Year” on Sunday, June 12, as part of Leading the Charge, the Americans for the Arts 2005 Annual Convention in Austin, TX.