The year is winding down, but the work of artists and arts organizations keeps going! We’ve got a robust slate of online learning happening in December on ArtsU—we hope you’ll join us at one (or more!) of our upcoming webinars to help you close the year strong and get ready to take on 2022. And take a look back at recent blogs and news you might have missed, including a few new Member Spotlights, news about local elected officials elevating the arts in their communities, a new study on using data to promote the arts in cities, and much more. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a creative new year!

ARTSblog

Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Reitz Mullenix
Elizabeth Reitz Mullenix is the Dean of the College of Creative Arts and a professor of theater at Miami University in Ohio, where she teaches courses in world stages and American theater. “I think theater has always been a great way to promote social change because it has the power to educate, raise consciousness, and emotionally impact audiences.”

Member Spotlight: Ariani Huguenin
As Program Manager, Ariani Huguenin provides support for Cathedral Arts Project’s direct service programs by ensuring Northeast Florida’s teaching artists and students receive the resources and support they need. “Arts education starts with technical skills and leads to life skills that empower students to know their worth and think creatively to problem-solve.”

News Room

Nevada’s First Lady Elevates Diverse Local Artists
“First Lady Presents” is a collaboration between The Nevada State Museum and Nevada First Lady Katherine Sisolak that elevates contemporary Nevada artists through a curatorial lens of equity and a dedication towards cultural awareness. November’s featured artist is Indigenous comic book artist Theo Tso from the Las Vegas Paiute Indian Colony.

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Applications Now Open!
Summer 2022 will mark the 30th year of the DIAL program, and host sites have expanded once again to six national locations: New York City, New Jersey, Nashville, Boston, Sarasota (FL), and Raleigh/Wake County (NC). Applications are now open for undergraduate students, with a deadline of January 14, 2022.

Americans for the Arts Presents 2021 Public Leadership in the Arts Award to Representative Leslie Herod of Colorado
In partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Americans for the Arts presented Representative Leslie Herod (D-CO) with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership. The award recognizes a state legislator who has consistently advocated for the advancement of pro-arts legislation, funding, and promotion in their region.

New Guide Shares Arts Data Best Practices for Cities
Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies summarizes findings from extensive sector research and an in-depth analysis of data practices of 15 local arts agencies across the country, and aims to help city arts leaders use data to show measurable impact, identify priority policy areas, and promote access to the arts across communities.

Renowned Artist Shepard Fairey’s Scarves to Benefit Americans for the Arts
Shepard Fairey has designed two natural fiber scarves, ‘Floral Takeover’ (red) and ‘Lotus Diamond’ (blue), on sale now with proceeds benefitting Americans for the Arts. Shepard and his wife Amanda collaborated with their friend Julie Gardner of Obscura Designs to produce these natural fiber scarves that can be either hung as art or worn.

ArtsU

Arts & Cultural Equity Studio | Emerging Leaders Collection – December 3, 13, and 16
ACES is a three-part professional development collection designed for emerging arts administrators to learn from field experts on a variety of topics related to cultural equity in arts administration and career advancement. Register for one or all three sessions in December and learn more about equity and arts marketing, equitable philanthropy, and equity in arts programming.

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program: Informational Session for Intern Applicants – Friday, Dec. 10
This free information session is for undergraduate students interested in applying for the Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) National Internship Program, a 10-week summer program for students from underrepresented backgrounds within the arts. Get an overview of the requirements for applicants, program components and expectations, and a chance to ask live questions.

December 2021 Member Briefing: Getting to know our new CEO Nolen Bivens – Tuesday, Dec. 14
Member Briefings are our quarterly opportunity to talk to you about what’s happening now! Our final Member Briefing of 2021 is a conversation with Americans for the Arts’ new President and CEO, Nolen Bivens. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear from Nolen about the past year, the year ahead, and answer questions from members like you.

2022 State Legislative Arts Trends – Wednesday, Dec. 15
2022 is right around the corner, which means state legislatures will be going into session. Hear from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on what state legislative trends to expect, and get insight from two statewide arts advocacy experts on how you can prepare for the 2022 state sessions and what opportunities—and challenges—exist.

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program: Informational Session for New York City Arts Host Applicants – Friday, Dec. 17
The Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) National Internship Program is a 10-week summer program that matches interns from underrepresented backgrounds within the arts with arts organizations in various communities across the country. This session is for prospective host organizations in New York City and other DIAL National locations.

Pictured: Cast of “The Wild Party,” photo courtesy Miami University Theatre Department.