This issue of the National Arts Stabilization Journal presents a number of working definitions of stabilization, or capacity building, for arts organizations.

In the first article, arts managers, local stabilization committee members, and investors talk about the impact and meaning of stabilization specific to their experience. A second article looks at the stabilization practice undertaken in Charlotte, North Carolinas Arts and Science Council.  Another article asks the question, "What is stabilization?" It provides responses from Canada, England, and the U.S. The final article is a conversation with Marcia Thompson, founder of the National Arts Stabilization (NAS), who discusses the evolution of stabilization as a management concept for nonprofit arts organizations.

A recurring feature of the Journal is a section titled Strategic Issues for the Arts, in which the faculty and staff of the NAS executive education program discuss a particular strategic issue of importance to the arts. In this issue, they examine stakeholder influence on strategic focus.

CONTENTS
Stabilization Veterans Weigh In on Its Impact and Meaning.
Stabilization Practice in Charlotte, NC: The Experience of The Arts and Science Council of Charlotte.
What is Arts Stabilization? Arts Stablization: Really Working Definitions from Vancouver.
Strategic Issues for the Arts: Stakeholder Influence on Strategic Focus.
The Seeds of Stabilization: A Conversation with Marcia Thompson.