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Programs
Creativity starts here
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
01
Equitable Access
If we don’t work to dismantle inequity, we become complicit in it. That’s why we design our programs to be accessible to all, actively engage partners and participants in marginalized communities, and bring equity work into all of our programs.
02
Courageous Conversations
Tough dialogue is an essential part of meaningful change, and the force that drives action. We offer visionary leaders of today and tomorrow the tools and support to have the important and sometimes challenging discussions that enable more potent strategic decisions.
03
Critical Thinking
With new strategies and skills, leaders can more effectively challenge existing processes and methods. We develop and deliver programming in partnership with leading thinkers and academics, chosen for their relevance, rigor and reputation.
04
Building Bridges
Bringing together unlike leaders from a diverse range of disciplines, geographies and roles yields powerful results: wide-ranging networks and unexpected partnerships that spark transformative change.
05
Strategic Transformation
In times of social, political, and economic uncertainty, there is greater opportunity for change. We give leaders the tools, support, and space to critically reimagine their business models, impact, and roles in their communities.
06
Sustainability
We provide space for reflection, self-care, joy, and fun and incorporate environmentally sustainable practices to ensure arts and culture leaders have the long-term support they need to achieve their vision.
OUR STORIES
Stories from Our Community
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The Union For Contemporary Art
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Brian Eule
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Arab American National Museum’s Al-Hadiqa Heritage Garden
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Celine Elliott
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Samuel Cortez
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Kelli Strickland
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Jim Leija
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Michelle Ramos
read full storyResources & insights
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5% to Utopia: 10 Years of Creative Community Fellows
In 2014, NAS invited twenty-five “leaders working at the ..
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Meet Mariana, NAS’ New Program Manager
Welcome the newest addition on the NAS team, Mariana Calvo Valdez! ..
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Liberating Evaluation: Bringing Systems Change to Impact Measurement & Reporting
We’ve been thinking a lot these days about evaluation. As ..
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40 Years of NAS: Sharing Lessons Learned Along the Way
Last year, NAS celebrated its 40th anniversary of serving the arts ..
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One Year of ChatGPT: An Interview with AI on its Role in Arts & Culture
Last November, an early demo of ChatGPT was launched and the world ..
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Adopting a 4-Day Workweek: Unlocking Productivity and Well-being
“A four day workweek? That would be amazing! But it could never ..
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The Project: Undoing, Redoing, and Shifting Unjust Systems
NAS and our community are launching a pilot program to support ..
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