About NAS
At NAS, our mission is to build and support a diverse community of arts and culture leaders who drive inspiring change for the future. Our vision is a world in which everyone working in arts and culture is empowered with equitable access to resources and connected within thriving networks that benefit all people and our planet. To make our mission and vision a reality, we offer professional development opportunities, coaching, and a powerful network to arts and culture leaders at every stage of their careers. Established in 1983, NAS has trained and supported more arts and culture leaders than any other organization in the field.
OUR MISSION
We build and support a diverse community of arts and culture leaders who drive inspiring change for the future.
OUR VISION
We envision a world in which everyone working in arts and culture is empowered with equitable access to resources and connected within thriving networks that benefit all people and our planet.
WHAT WE DO
We offer professional development opportunities, coaching, and a powerful network to arts and culture leaders at every stage of their careers. Established in 1983, NAS has trained and supported more arts and culture leaders than any other organization in the field.
Our impact
Participants in our programs report a significant impact on their professional goals.
%
Made meaningful connections with other leaders
%
Gained fresh perspective on their challenges
%
Unlocked change in their organizations
%
Built more diverse networks
OUR VALues
Integrity
To us, this means being honest, thoughtful, and transparent. It means keeping our promises and always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Collaboration
We work in teams and partnerships, build with communities, and engage in collective action, because we know that working in this way yields the most meaningful results.
Equity
We call out systems of oppression, reject structural racism and discrimination, and fight to remove all barriers to access because we believe deeply in equal opportunities for all.
Learning
We lead with curiosity, evaluate consistently, listen actively, invite dissent, and seek out others looking to grow and challenge themselves.
Creativity starts here
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Our programs provide access to academia and opportunities. They mix skillsets and mindsets, broaden perspectives and networks. They remove silos and open doors, pushing boundaries and what’s possible.
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.