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2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings This report summarizes the themes that emerged from the 95 interviews of state arts agency executive directors and council chairs conducted by the NASAA Nominating Committee in June and July 2018. The Nominating Committee used a structured interview protocol to ensure consistent coverage of key topics with every member. In addition to informing nominations for the NASAA board of directors, each interview contained questions specifically designed to invite feedback about NASAA. The questions included: Have you used any NASAA services or information in the past year? If yes, how? Were you satisfied with what you received? How so or how not? In your opinion, what are the most valuable things NASAA does? Are there specific ways NASAA could be of assistance to your state level advocacy efforts? Are there specific ways NASAA could help your agency advance diversity, equity and inclusion? Do you have any other suggestions that you'd want to pass along? This report synthesizes the results of a qualitative analysis conducted on notes recorded for all 95 member interviews. As much as possible, we've let member voices speak for themselves. Except where noted in [brackets], all quotations are verbatim responses. Topline findings are presented here for use by the Planning & Budget Committee as they develop NASAA's fiscal year 2019 action plan. Data tables containing all interview comments have been cataloged and supplied to staff for their use in action plan implementation and ongoing performance improvement.

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Page 1: 2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings...2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings Page 1 . 2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings. This report summarizes the themes

2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings Page 1

2018 Nominating Committee Interview Findings

This report summarizes the themes that emerged from the 95 interviews of state arts agency executive directors and council chairs conducted by the NASAA Nominating Committee in June and July 2018. The Nominating Committee used a structured interview protocol to ensure consistent coverage of key topics with every member. In addition to informing nominations for the NASAA board of directors, each interview contained questions specifically designed to invite feedback about NASAA. The questions included: • Have you used any NASAA services or information in the past year? If yes, how? Were you

satisfied with what you received? How so or how not? • In your opinion, what are the most valuable things NASAA does? • Are there specific ways NASAA could be of assistance to your state level advocacy efforts? • Are there specific ways NASAA could help your agency advance diversity, equity and inclusion? • Do you have any other suggestions that you'd want to pass along? This report synthesizes the results of a qualitative analysis conducted on notes recorded for all 95 member interviews. As much as possible, we've let member voices speak for themselves. Except where noted in [brackets], all quotations are verbatim responses. Topline findings are presented here for use by the Planning & Budget Committee as they develop NASAA's fiscal year 2019 action plan. Data tables containing all interview comments have been cataloged and supplied to staff for their use in action plan implementation and ongoing performance improvement.

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Member Voices 95 state arts agency executive directors and council chairs from 54 state and jurisdictional agencies participated in interviews during summer 2018.

This word cloud highlights the terms that most commonly occurred in answers to interview questions about NASAA programs and planning. The larger the word, the more often it was used.

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Most Valued and Used Services

Most member states reported using NASAA in the past year. Interviewees most regularly used NASAA's research and information services; NASAA's support for federal and state advocacy efforts; the opportunity to convene and network with peers for learning and professional development; and consultation and customized support to members on specific issue areas. Many members also noted that NASAA communications (especially NASAA Notes and Report to Councils) raised their situational awareness about national and state trends. Transition support for agencies experiencing leadership turnover was another subtheme. Although not every state had need of these services, in cases where transition was occurring, NASAA's help was characterized as essential. Executive directors and chairs cited many of the same themes, especially NASAA's delivery of knowledge through various channels (conferences, web seminars and NASAA publications). Of note, however, is executive directors' emphasis on NASAA's research services for help with trend information, policy advice and data comparing their own agency to other states. Executive directors also indicated networking, staff professional development and leadership training as significantly used services, followed by customized consultation on specific issues relating to strategic planning, program design, budget and state level advocacy. Chairs were less likely than executive directors to mention specific NASAA services they had used. This suggests that chair engagement is an area of potential improvement and growth for NASAA. Among those chairs who cited specific services, most mentioned NASAA conferences and communications. Several also mentioned NASAA's on-site facilitation or consultation work with state arts agency boards.

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Research

Convene

Consultation/Customized Support

Advocacy

Situational Awareness

Responsiveness

Number of Interview Mentions

Most Valued and Used Services

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Representative comments from members about NASAA's most used services include:

Research

• NASAA data is awesome. • Love the educational materials and the

state by state analyses. • I regularly use NASAA to benchmark or

gain new knowledge. • I rely on being able to call NASAA for data

on our state. • The last time I reached out was for

targeted geographic funding mechanisms. And they had the information. NASAA's research machine has stepped up and I am grateful for that support.

• We wanted to reverse an eight year funding decline. NASAA provided data about impact of the arts that we could use in advocacy.

• Have used the information from NASAA for advocacy and state testimony.

• Used the NASAA research reports, specifically creative place-making, military and healing, and had several conversations with NASAA staff about advocacy in relation to budget reductions.

Customized Support/Consultation

• I love that NASAA has people who call you back.

• They have been helpful in our preparation for our strategic plan and our National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) application.

• [NASAA President and CEO] Pam [Breaux] is doing an excellent job and has been very helpful to us in the transition.

• Pam came down to help us figure out our match and come up with a strategy. That allowed [our state] to come up with money from Commerce. Having NASAA come gave me perspective.

• We used Kelly as a facilitator to prepare for strategic planning. Ryan was helpful in gathering staffing and budget data for us.

• We had a meeting in Washington with NASAA staff; they helped us understand how decisions are made in DC [in Congress].

• We have consulted with Kelly quite a bit and engaged their facilitation services. Currently working with them on development and deployment of a survey with Ryan. We were satisfied with what we received.

Convenings

• I have attended Leadership Institutes and Assembly conferences, and served on the development committee. All were excellent learning opportunities.

• NASAA staff and events are a wealth of info. Thank you! NASAA events are much more welcoming and inclusive to "newbies." Being able to meet fellow Chairs and continue conversations is priceless.

• I went to the Boot Camp for new EDs… I have been in service activities throughout my career and this was the very best I have ever attended.

• Leadership Institute in Portland was incredible. Tracks were well developed; good content; good networking.

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Providing reliable data and research generally is considered NASAA's most valuable service, and many members described the use of NASAA research to support state advocacy efforts. NASAA's federal advocacy in Congress on behalf of the NEA also was emphasized. There was a strong appreciation for communications from NASAA: general updates, advocacy alerts, one-pagers, Reports to Councils, conference calls with President and CEO Pam Breaux and other outreach from staff. Such communications offer a valuable national perspective. In addition to annual conferences, members benefit from other gatherings such as the New Executive Directors Boot Camp and webinars. The convenings and networking of state arts agency (SAA) practitioners nationally is viewed as a constructive platform for exchange of best practices and an important way of connecting with a professional community. There were numerous comments expressing satisfaction with NASAA's responsiveness, availability and customized service. Examples include:

Advocacy

• It is not lost on me that their [NASAA's] advocacy saved us.

• NASAA's advocacy prevented funding cuts on the Hill.

• NASAA's advocacy voice is different and very valuable as compared to other advocacy voices at the national level. [The interviewee] values this.

• The advocacy efforts (whiteboard/messaging; research; briefings; dashboards; creative industries briefing) is a major value to all states and territories.

Responsiveness

• Every week after the hurricane someone would call and ask how we were doing.

• I was outspoken about the changes I believed necessary to better include Chairs in the [NASAA] conference… I was amazed that all of my recommendations were not only adopted and followed, but were sustained and continually improving.

• NASAA is the most essential membership we invest in. We are supporting the one organization that mostly closely aligns with what we do, and understands the environment we operate in.

• Like that NASAA staff is so accessible. • I reached out to Kelly for some

confidential advice on how to handle a sensitive matter. She gave me excellent advice which helped me to work through the situation. Both Pam and Kelly offered that type service, but one never knows if when someone offers that they really mean it. [NASAA] really did mean it. I can pick up the phone and call any time.

• You can ask any question and they can point you in the right direction.

• Specifically the knowledge and helpfulness of the staff is a model for how we [SAAs] serve constituents.

A National Perspective

• [NASAA] provides a national perspective about SAAs and their health.

• They are aware of what all of the other arts agencies are doing.

• I always read the communications from NASAA and find them very helpful. It keeps me informed about what is happening on the national level.

• [NASAA is] keeping us up to date with developments in the field and politically.

• I have a sticky on my monitor saying, "Think NASAA" to remind me to use their resources.

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Improving State Level Advocacy Efforts There is a high level of awareness and appreciation for NASAA's unique advocacy role in protecting and growing federal resources for state arts agencies. Many members said they regularly distribute Legislative Alerts and other information to their councils and constituents. NASAA's bipartisan advocacy ethic is especially important to state arts agencies. As one interviewee reported, NASAA has a "very strategic and comprehensive strategy. They have their head in the game. They approach our representation very pragmatically. You have to pick the hills you want to die on. In a bipartisan environment you have to conduct bipartisan relations." When asked how NASAA could better assist state-level advocacy efforts, members requested that NASAA continue to prioritize data that helps them make a fact based case for support. Model messages that convey the public benefits of the arts are of key importance. Members want to see efforts coordinated with Americans for the Arts. Additionally, several states mentioned that they want guidance on how to strengthen grass-roots advocacy organizations and state level networks, following the decline of such groups in some states. But some members provided cautionary notes about NASAA involvement in state level efforts. Said one, "We live in a state in which a national service organization would not be welcome by our authorizing environment." Other member comments include:

Data for Case Making

• Number crunching is so valuable. Keep up that reliable solid data work which is of great value to us.

• We need to learn what are the best arguments and statistics to support our requests for increased funding.

• Updating articles like Why Government Should Support the Arts are not only necessary but very valuable to those of us in the field.

• Continue to provide annual surveys of state arts agency budgets and per capita state allocations to the arts.

• The economic driver data is of great assistance in educating our legislators.

• NASAA data has been helpful in state's cultural planning and state budget testimony.

• I think they do a good job with their fact sheets; continue to provide information.

Bipartisan Approach

• I really appreciate NASAA's politically balanced message in advocacy. I like that NASAA stays positive. I just wish its voice was louder.

• I was very impressed with the skill at which they were handling the situation, and the caution proceeding in a bipartisan manner.

• By contrast NASAA was calming, methodical and professional.

• Professionalism and the way they represent us, work across the aisle, work in a nonpartisan way.

• Bi-partisan efforts appreciated. • In this state, it is particularly important to

be politically balanced. • [NASAA's] bipartisan position is

important.

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Coordination with Americans for the Arts (AFTA)

• I'm not sure how much of NASAA info gets to AFTA that gets to SAAN, or if there is a more efficient and direct line.

• I use AFTA and NASAA materials. One suggestion is that they could coordinate better.

• Coordinate efforts with AFTA and focus your research and efforts to complement each other (I believe you are doing this).

• NASAA could gather advocacy groups to discuss their relationships with state arts agencies. Or is that the bailiwick of AFTA?

Messages and Rationale

• Continuing to personalize resources for each state and territory is very useful. A united front in messaging across states is key.

• Knowing how to combat the arguments coming from other places is key.

• Advocacy for the arts has to be linked to economic development and career force development. Also, advocacy in times of crisis can have a down side because of heated emotions; need a "continuous education strategy" in advocacy rather than just crisis management.

Strengthen State Networks

• Provide advice around building a new state advocacy organization.

• Need a stronger network of advocacy leads.

• NASAA could gather advocacy groups to discuss their relationships with state arts agencies.

• Can NASAA attend a commission meeting to discuss advocacy and the national architecture?

• Provide a way to rate how an individual state is doing in advocacy on the state level.

• We don't really have robust state level advocacy happening.

• Help [states] to strengthen relationships with lawmakers and with advocates.

• Need a lot of help and guidance in this area. What are the strategies that have been successful in other states? Are there case studies, workshops that are available to them? Who in the country have been successful in increasing funding? What are the best models/case studies to learn from?

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Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion As part of NASAA's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), interviews took the opportunity to ask every state how NASAA can strengthen DEI work at the state level. Most members report benefiting from NASAA's DEI resources and training provided through research tools, conferences and consultations. The Visualizing Grant Diversity data dashboards and customized consultations received many kudos, as did NASAA's leadership in keeping DEI issues "front and center" for state arts agencies. When asked about specific ways NASAA could help their agency in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, members voiced their need for best practices, additional training and continuing DEI discussions at NASAA convenings. Several members also noted that it's a continuing challenge to diversify their council appointments. Member comments include:

Best Practices

• Continued sharing of information, resources, and best practices will serve us all well.

• I might go to NASAA for research/best practices. Learn how other states are doing it.

• Help investigate and test new models (beyond the non-profit arts organization) that get resources to support arts activities in communities.

• Does NASAA have policy briefing summaries on this topic? What are best practices? Could webinars be offered on this topic where local arts organizations can participate?

• NASAA has been good at emphasizing DEI but don't know what is the best way it could support these efforts. NASAA could certainly be a source of information. Could NASAA look at taking a deep dive into the basic model of arts support using DEI as the lens?

• NASAA should develop strategies to impact concrete applications to achieve results at SAAs.

• NASAA should be subject matter experts in this area and keep track of national models that are working.

Lead by Example

• Believe it's important to lead by example.

• We haven't accessed any information about racial equity although we are deeply engaged in equity work in our state, and we are very impressed by the leadership Pam, and NASAA, are providing related to racial equity work at the national level.

• Continuing to make the case and by setting example.

• Every state is dealing with equity issues. They [NASAA] helped underscore the importance of dealing with this issue.

• NASAA does a good job of getting out information on diversity as a whole.

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Council Appointments

• [We need] ways to help influence composition of state arts council. Since other actors, governors, do the appointing. Best practices from other states.

• I have a 17 member council whose last African American member was replaced two years ago. One Asian American, one Hispanic member, predominantly women (16/17). I'm pushing for the Governor's office to make appointments… Diversity is an issue and it hurts us in ways [Governors] don't calculate.

• Your strong efforts during the previous Conferences have made us redouble our efforts to make our council more diverse.

Training & Convening

• Continue to educate and highlight it at all events and conferences. Spotlight seminal voices so SAAs can take advantage of them and invite them to state events.

• Having sessions at the regular NASAA meetings on an ongoing basis, as this is an ongoing effort.

• The most recent NASAA Board training on diversity provided insights about what can work and what doesn't work with professionals (board and staff with varied levels of understanding) in an effort to open dialogue, demonstrate willingness to change for the good, and recognize what we are doing right (or at least better).

• NASAA could help identify facilitators that can conduct roundtables, and other technical assistance including webinars.

• Maybe a workshop on how to put together a DEI statement.

• At annual convening there could be a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion with best practices presented to members.

Multiple Kinds of Diversity

• Getting new/younger generations of arts leaders is important and is a particularly vexing issue.

• For [our state] DEI is not about race it is about socio-economic status. [Our state] approaches DEI more by rural and urban economy issues.

• NASAA's focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is more a universal mantra... [it's easy to] lose sight of how it translates to rural state like [ours].

• [We are] working with GIA on race-based perspective, but are interested in looking at other inequities- ethnic and socio-economic inequity and rural isolation.

• NASAA could provide more guidance on how a state agency crafts an effective diversity and inclusion plan that is not singularly focused on race, but encompasses all the diverse groups we must serve.

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Additional Comments and Feedback Overall, state arts agencies feel confident in the way NASAA is moving and think the organization is doing a great job in supporting them. NASAA staff and their responsiveness is deeply valued by executive directors and chairs. Members are appreciative of NASAA's communication, customized agency consultation and transitional support and Pam's proactive outreach—visits, calls and counsel. Members also applauded NASAA's communications efforts. Some interviewees offered additional advice and observations about how NASAA can improve its services. All programmatic recommendations were examined during construction of NASAA's 2019 action plan. Although these issues were not mentioned by multiple states and thus did not emerge as themes, they are included below because they offer very important advice for action plan implementation.

Communications Advice

• Continue to keep a sharp eye on the public support for the arts that is our whole lot. Provide the information and a watchful eye on these political uncertain times. There is a constant need to safeguard public will. This should remain a priority. Have a stronger voice about legislative updates.

• Stay focused and advocate strongly. Arts are important regardless of partisan views. Also, make sure the territories (as well as the states) are mentioned in materials.

• Perhaps there could be swifter follow up with EDs who are experiencing crises. Is there a way to provide [EDs] with a set of coaches who are both NASAA staff and EDs from other agencies?

• Be bold. Get the message out. Give more vocal support to arts education and all of the arts.

• Keep current on social media. • Hates the word "arts," thinks it does a

disservice to our larger impact. • States are starving for outreach and

attention. • [I want] info that can be on one page, not

16 pages.

Partnerships/Collaborations

• NASAA could be more helpful in calling attention to the ways arts agencies can enter into collaborative partnerships with other state agencies or non-state agencies in order to get things accomplished.

• NASAA needs to connect our work with other sectors and connect leaders in other sectors with our work.

Understand Agency Challenges

• Consideration should be given to arts agencies that received significant cuts. [We] received a 35% cut.

• Recognize the territories! • Please don't raise our dues. • NASAA, being based in DC,

sometimes doesn't understand a rural state like [ours].

• Please remain cognizant of the fiscal restraints of states.

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Kudos/Keep Up the Good Work

• Working with NASAA is a highlight of my career. • NASAA does a great job. Very good work, awe-inspiring. Great knowledge base, risk-taking,

never-say-never attitude. • I've had very positive experiences with NASAA. I feel quite connected. I have enjoyed it. It has

broadened me. I have positive feelings about the leadership and the people I've met through the organization. It's all good.

• Pam Breaux was proactive in reaching out, encouraged us to reengage with NASAA. The board recognized the value of being part of the national network.

• Keep up the good work. Don't get discouraged. You are doing a great job.

Misc. Service Requests

• I recommend that NASAA travel to the state arts council meetings to talk about what NASAA does.

• As there is a weakness in field in data collection [information on grantee diversity], NASAA should support collection of data with integrity.

• Like to have the conferences in middle America.

• Would like to see a conference out west. • NASAA couldn't compile info that

compared arts support from [our state arts agency] with other arts funders. Wished [NASAA] had that.

• It would be nice to budget for ED retreats every other year.

• Invest more in collective learning. Impressed by National Press Club gatherings. They are high quality and they raise the profile of NASAA and the SAAs.

• [Want] info on which states have used what firms for strategic planning.

• [Adopt a] cultural diversity and inclusiveness committee

• Help Commissioners to be more engaged. • Can NASAA collaborate with the RAOs so

there might be some efficiencies in training new executive directors/next generation of SAA leaders?

NASAA Capacity

• Don't do anything that reduces staffing/responsiveness to the field.

• Continued alignment and prioritizing the strategic plan direction and the budget. Ensuring NASAA is competitive with salaries and benefits for staff is especially important at a time when we focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (walking the walk).

• NASAA has a goal for more diversity on its board; every organization has that in its strategic plan. It's difficult for lots of organizations to achieve because the state's population isn't terribly diverse. Plus, board members need to have the time and means to be involved. So you end up with a small group of people who are asked to do everything.

• NASAA's fundraising effort needs to be increased. It's a national organization, should be raising more money from national prospects.

• How can we help NASAA raise its profile to engage new donors? How do we message this with Council members and staff, and the general public? SAAs should be asking their Council members to be donors to NASAA more aggressively.