Kelly Barsdate, Chief Program and Planning Officer, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Washington, D.C.
Federal funding for the arts was slated for elimination this year. Some state arts agencies, too, have faced budget threats heading into fiscal year 2018. Where does public support for the arts stand today, and what might the future hold? Join this discussion to hear the latest news about state and federal arts funding. This session includes an overview of national trends and data about how Delaware compares to other states, as well as opportunities for Q&A and open dialogue.

Randi Korn, Founding Director, Randi Korn & Associates, Inc., Alexandria, VA
Randi Korn will present her ideas about the need for Intentional Practice among not-for-profit organizations that are interested in pursuing and achieving impact. Intentional Practice is when organizations continually clarify their purpose, evaluate their effectiveness according to that purpose, reflect on evaluation results, and realign their practices and resources so they achieve greater impact. An organization that is intentional in its practice has an inclusive, process oriented infrastructure that promotes continuous learning opportunities for all staff while also achieving impact in its community.

Chris McLeod, Principal, CLM Marketing, Washington, D.C.
Building and developing audiences is often a daunting task for arts organizations. But it doesn’t have to be hard. This workshop will not only teach attendees how to build audiences, but also how to identify them and develop relationships that will create lifetime customer value. Attendees will learn a unique approach to successfully build audiences through a fun and interactive session that relates the real-life context of dating to audience development. Get ready to laugh and learn!

Jennie Smith-Peers, Executive Director, National Center for Creative Aging, Washington, D.C.
This workshop explores the physical changes associated with aging and our perception of aging. The objective of this workshop is to help participants examine aging issues and ageist attitudes in order to gain a better understanding of the problems and opportunities in designing and delivering arts programs for older adults. Through interactive activities, participants will examine their perceptions and reactions to aging, and examine ways to address ageism in our society and in their work. Ageism, discrimination based on age, is widespread but one of the least addressed prejudices. The workshop is an immersive experience that explores issues of aging and ageism in our community with the goal of helping participants understand the realities of aging, challenge ageist attitudes, and understand how ageism can be reflected in our lives and work.

Sheri Wilensky Burke, Sheri Wilensky Burke Consulting LLC, Philadelphia, PA
Do you view volunteers mainly as unpaid staff assistants who help you stretch your budget? Don’t limit your strategic planning! The right volunteers, recruited for creative projects, can be collaborators in building your arts organization. In this session we’ll examine the power of volunteers to expand your knowledge base, reach out to new communities, experiment with new services (even before you write a grant), become effective ambassadors and more. First see the possibilities. Then plan accordingly.

Carol Barnett, Planner, DE Division of Services for the Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, New Castle, DE
When planning arts events and programming, are you inviting and embracing members of your community with a range of physical disabilities and challenges? Learn about how you and your organization can effectively communicate, offer assistance, and provide a truly welcoming experience for all individuals attending your venue or participating in your activities. Resources, tips and practical information will be shared to build awareness about working with and tapping into this large segment of potential new audience members and supporters.

Kelly Barsdate, Chief Program and Planning Officer, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Washington, D.C.
Despite robust research proving the public value of the arts, misunderstandings and debates about the arts still arise. In a time of increasing economic uncertainty and political polarization, it’s crucial for artists and arts organizations to make a fact-based case for our work. This session tackles common myths and misconceptions about the arts and offers an evidence-based case for funding. It also provides practical advocacy tips every artist and arts organization can use to encourage support for the arts at the local, state and federal levels.

Randi Korn, Founding Director, Randi Korn & Associates, Inc., Alexandria, VA
Randi Korn will present her ideas about the need for Intentional Practice among not-for-profit organizations that are interested in pursuing and achieving impact. Intentional Practice is when organizations continually clarify their purpose, evaluate their effectiveness according to that purpose, reflect on evaluation results, and realign their practices and resources so they achieve greater impact. An organization that is intentional in its practice has an inclusive, process oriented infrastructure that promotes continuous learning opportunities for all staff while also achieving impact in its community.

Chris McLeod, Principal, CLM Marketing, Washington, D.C.
Building and developing audiences is often a daunting task for arts organizations. But it doesn’t have to be hard. This workshop will not only teach attendees how to build audiences, but also how to identify them and develop relationships that will create lifetime customer value. Attendees will learn a unique approach to successfully build audiences through a fun and interactive session that relates the real-life context of dating to audience development. Get ready to laugh and learn!

Jennie Smith-Peers, Executive Director, National Center for Creative Aging, Washington, D.C.
This workshop explores the physical changes associated with aging and our perception of aging. The objective of this workshop is to help participants examine aging issues and ageist attitudes in order to gain a better understanding of the problems and opportunities in designing and delivering arts programs for older adults. Through interactive activities, participants will examine their perceptions and reactions to aging, and examine ways to address ageism in our society and in their work. Ageism, discrimination based on age, is widespread but one of the least addressed prejudices. The workshop is an immersive experience that explores issues of aging and ageism in our community with the goal of helping participants understand the realities of aging, challenge ageist attitudes, and understand how ageism can be reflected in our lives and work.

Sheri Wilensky Burke, Sheri Wilensky Burke Consulting LLC, Philadelphia, PA

You don’t need an avalanche of inquiries from just anyone responding to a “Please help us!” call for volunteers. What you want is to find the best applicants: prospective volunteers who fill the qualifications for the positions you are offering. This means carrying out specific steps, in the right sequence, to spread the word and entice participation from all parts of the community (men/women, young/old, whatever demographics you want). Come learn the secrets of volunteer recruitment.

Liz Lerman, Choreographer, Performer, Writer, Educator, Speaker
Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process (CRP) is a feedback system based on the principle that the best possible outcome of a response session is for the maker to want to go back to work. Whether you’re laboring on a painting or designing a website, drafting a lecture or composing a score, CRP helps you get fresh and useful feedback from peers, laypeople and experts alike, while giving you the tools to do the same for others’ work. Expect rigor and humor in equal measures as Lerman introduces the Process and then dives right in to concrete applications. (limited to 20 pre-registered participants)