We’re thrilled to share that we've reimagined membership to better serve our community! We've introduced new member benefits, resources, and aligned partnerships to help you and/or your organization thrive!

What’s the Change?

Through our 2022-2023 strategic planning, we created A Beautiful Evolution as a visionary blueprint for the field of Community Arts education. As part of that vision, we have updated our membership model as a “Select as You Wish” tiered membership with expanded benefits for Individuals AND Organizations in April (with benefits beginning July 1). This carefully designed tiered structure allows us to better serve teaching artists, educators, leaders and organizations at every level while honoring our commitment to accessibility and sustainability.

This evolution represents an important step forward for our community. By creating a more intentional membership framework, we can deepen our support for your work while ensuring the Guild remains a vibrant resource for years to come.

 

About Membership

 

 

Missed our “Intro to Membership” Webinar? Wind it back and watch here!

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Access Slides

 

New Membership Features: 

Self-Select Dues Tiers

To live in our equity principles, we are moving away from our Pay-As-You-Can membership annual dues model to a Select-As-You-Wish tiered model. While you may choose whichever tier you'd like, please consider selecting a tier based on our Self Selection Guide. The membership annual dues are as follows:

 

*“True cost” is the price of membership that fully covers operational costs to run membership programming and benefits. “Redistribution cost” supports reduced cost membership for those who cannot afford the lowest tiers.

If you cannot afford the lowest tier, reduced cost membership is available by request and funding availability. Email membership@nationalguild.org for more information.

 

Member Benefits

Individuals and Organizations receive access to community resources, collaborative networks, professional learning, and discounts to our member benefit partners.

Learn more about Individual and Organizational Membership benefits here. 

 

New Member Benefit Partners

Through partnerships with leading consultants and organizations, members will also have access to several membership partners who are providing discounted or free services and workshops on a variety of topics:

• Creative wellness consultations and coaching
• Nonprofit management and budgeting support
• Communications, branding, and marketing support
• Employee assistance programs (including free mental health counseling, financial education, and legal support)
• Tax and legal prep services

And more! 

See a breakdown of all our membership partners here.

Get a chance to meet all of our amazing membership partners by signing up for a webinar! May and June webinars are open for registration!

 

Register for our Member Benefits Partners Webinars

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY — February 6, 2025 — The National Guild for Community Arts Education is honored to announce it has been awarded a two-year $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation in recognition and support of the visionary leadership of its Executive Director, Dr. Quanice G. Floyd. This transformative funding will advance the Guild’s strategic plan, A Beautiful Evolution, which centers on creating a sustainable and equitable future for community arts education.

This investment reflects the Mellon Foundation’s acknowledgment of Dr. Floyd’s leadership in reimagining the field of community arts education. At the core of her vision is the commitment to "healing the healers," ensuring that community arts educators, who are often on the front lines of societal change, have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.

“Receiving this support from the Mellon Foundation is both humbling and empowering,” said Dr. Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. “This grant is a testament to the transformative potential of A Beautiful Evolution and our shared goal of fostering equity and sustainability in the arts. It underscores the importance of investing in the people who dedicate their lives to serving and healing their communities.”

“Quanice is not new to catalytic leadership or imagining toward a more just future; it's thrilling to watch her bring her considerable experience to bear at the National Guild,” says Stephanie Ybarra, Program Officer of Arts and Culture at the Mellon Foundation.” We are proud to support this chapter of Quanice's ongoing leadership within the national arts community.”

The funding will enable the Guild to continue building on Dr. Floyd’s vision by focusing on:

• Expanding Wellness and Leadership Resources: Providing tools, training, and programs to help community arts leaders integrate sustainable practices into their work.

• Ensuring Equitable Access to Care: Offering targeted support for community arts administrators and teaching artists disproportionately affected by systemic inequities.

• Strengthening Community Networks: Building stronger peer support systems for collective healing and shared growth across the field.

Dr. Floyd’s leadership has redefined what it means to lead with equity, compassion, and sustainability at the forefront. This grant solidifies her position as a transformative voice in the field, driving the Guild’s mission to create a thriving community arts education ecosystem.

About the National Guild for Community Arts Education

The National Guild for Community Arts Education envisions a world where all individuals have access to community arts education that enriches their lives and contributes to the well-being of their communities. We are committed to achieving our vision through our core values of liberatory leadership, equity, creativity, and community. We champion the transformative power of community arts education to build an equitable and just world through advocacy, leadership development, and peer learning. We co-create a future where learning and creativity are at the center of our collective liberation. Learn more at www.nationalguild.org

 

About the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.

 

For more information about A Beautiful Evolution and Dr. Quanice G. Floyd’s work, visit www.nationalguild.org.

 

Media Contact:
Lissette Martinez

Director of Programs and Communications
National Guild for Community Arts Education
communications@nationalguild.org
www.nationalguild.org

Dear Guild Family,

As I think about the journey we’re on in the field of community arts education, one thing is clear: we rise together. Our work is rooted in connection, in shared struggles and triumphs, and in the collective power we hold as a community. We are not just practitioners and leaders—we are part of a larger movement. And together, we are shaping the future of arts education, one that reflects our shared values of equity, creativity, and justice.

In every conversation I have with members, I hear the same desire for deeper connections and meaningful collaboration. We know that the challenges ahead are too big for any one of us to tackle alone, but together, our impact can be transformative. It’s not about what we lack—it’s about what we collectively have. The resources, knowledge, and passion we hold as a community are our greatest strengths.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our upcoming programs at the National Guild for Community Arts Education—programs that are designed to build our collective power and push us forward together:

• Guild Unity Networks are our way of bringing people together around shared passions and topics. These are spaces for us to collaborate, share wisdom, and create solutions that reflect the diversity and strength of our field. Whether you're focused on creative youth development, creative aging, or community arts schools, this is where we build solidarity.

• GuildCollectives offer a unique opportunity to connect with others in your region, fostering place-based collaboration that responds directly to the needs of your local community. This is where local action meets collective power—where we lift up our communities, together.

• Our Rootwork Rising Program is a continuation of our commitment to liberatory leadership and equity-driven practices. This program is about centering community and justice in all we do, and creating pathways to a future where arts education is a tool for liberation.

• We are also launching year-round Webinars and Workshops, which are more than just professional development. They are spaces to grow, to reflect, and to strengthen your ability to support your communities with new ideas and strategies that foster resistance and sustainability.

• And of course, CAELII (Community Arts Education Leadership and Intercultural Institute) continues to be one of our most transformative offerings. This program equips leaders with the tools to create lasting impact, and to envision a future where arts education is central to collective liberation.

But these programs are more than initiatives—they’re a call to action. They are spaces where we come together to dream bigger, act bolder, and stand in solidarity with one another. We are the architects of what comes next, and I believe that, together, we are capable of building something truly revolutionary.

In this critical time for our field, I invite you to step into the work ahead with us. All of us have something to offer—whether it’s experience, creativity, or the passion that drives our work—and now is the time to share those assets and harness our collective strength. This is how we build a future that centers equity, justice, and the transformational power of the arts.
 

I look forward to building, connecting, and thriving with you.
 

In solidarity and hope,

Quanice

For over a decade, ASAP has been a trusted partner of many Guild members in enhancing and streamlining operations for their community arts organizations. This comprehensive platform helps manage private lessons, classes, registrations, scheduling, attendance, events, payroll, student tracking, and much more—tailored to meet the dynamic needs of a diverse range of arts programs—all in one program.

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with ASAP. This collaboration builds on our long-standing relationship and their deep expertise in the sector. Guild members know them to be an experienced team with deep understanding of the arts education landscape. Together, we share a commitment to supporting the vital work of Guild members and fostering vibrant arts communities across the nation.

This partnership will bring enhanced resources, pricing discounts, tailored solutions, and dedicated support to Guild members adopting ASAP, empowering them to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality arts education to their communities.

Exclusive Offer for Guild Members

ASAP is offering exclusive benefits to current Guild members:

• 100% discount on implementation fees (valued up to $3,200) for members who sign up for a demo before December 31, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your operations and save on implementation costs!

• Webinar with Erika Atkins, Executive Director of Bloomingdale School of Music, on the pros and cons of adopting an online registration system, offering guidance for Guild members from assessment to launch and maintenance.

• Access to experts for consultation on SaaS enrollment systems, resourcing and process development.

Learn More and Get Started

Discover how ASAP can transform your arts organization's operations:

• Contact Susanna Kemp directly at skemp@asapconnected.com
• Sign up for a personalized demo: https://meetings.salesloft.com/edusales/susannakemp

Join us in this exciting new chapter of innovation and support for community arts education!

Photographed from left to right: Erika Hawthorne, Sarah Lyding, Tarik Ward, Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, Michelle Hoffmann. Photo credit: Dr. Ceylon Mitchell II, M3 | Mitchell Media & Marketing, LLC 

 

As artists and arts administrators, we are driven by purpose and passion for the work we do on behalf of the communities we serve and belong to. Advocacy is a natural extension of our commitment to our organizations’ missions, values, and communities and it takes on various forms. Sometimes it includes contacting representatives, engaging in advocacy events, and directly collaborating with lobbyists to drive legislative change. Often, we advocate through grant applications and by building relationships with funders to support our community arts initiatives. Other times, it involves working within our organizations to establish fair policies, compensation, and authentic community engagement practices. 

When we perceive advocacy and policy change as daunting, inaccessible concepts, it's important to remember that advocacy is inherent to our roles, and policies are simply the formal language that guide how organizations or government entities operate, and policies can be changed. Understanding political landscapes and navigating specific systems enhances our ability to advocate effectively. This includes strategizing for financial resources, partnerships, or formal policies in alignment with the dynamics of the spaces we engage with.

At the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Lyding, Executive Director of the The Music Man Foundation, Tarik Ward, Director of U.S. Programs & Global Strategic Operations for The ELMA Philanthropies Services, Representative Lavon Bracy Davis, Florida State Representative, and Michelle Hoffmann, Director of Arts Education at the National Endowment for the Arts. 

We explored successes, challenges, and opportunities at the nexus of funding, advocacy, and community arts. The conversation underscored the significance of collaboration, equity, and strategic investment in propelling advocacy and community arts initiatives forward. Our dialogue served as a reminder of the intricacies involved in advocating for funding across different spheres—private philanthropy, local government, and federal government—each requiring a tailored approach. 

 

Below are a few offerings from the panelists and highlights of wisdom gathered from the audience via an interactive activity.  

Advocacy Tips:

• Build Relationships: Build relationships with funders and advocate for the funding opportunities you require to advance your organization’s mission. 

• Educate Yourself: Understand decision makers' priorities and find common ground. Also, learn about their decision-making processes and timelines to align your efforts. 

• Nonprofit Advocacy: Nonprofits can engage in advocacy efforts around issues but should avoid political candidate endorsements.

• Funder Support: Private philanthropy can support advocacy efforts such as educational and community engagement initiatives, and advocacy training.  Private philanthropy cannot support any lobbying activities.

• Engage with Your Service Organizations: Collaborate with national arts service organizations to amplify and address your needs and access resources available through your regional and local arts agencies.  

• Serve on Grant Review Panels: Gain insight into the grant review process and advocate for improvements.

• Seek Aligned Funding Opportunities: Seek funding opportunities that align with your goals rather than altering your projects to fit available grants.

 

Resources: 

• National Guild for Community Arts Education Advocacy and Policy Resources 

• Subscribe to the Arts Administrators of Color Network to receive updates and #MakeYourVoiceHeard in a groundbreaking national study aimed at identifying the advocacy priorities of artists and arts administrators of the Global Majority. 

• Arts Education Partnership Resource Library: 

  • Arts Scan: a non-partisan summary of state policies related to K-12 arts education identified in statute or code for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • ArtsEdSearch: a national hub for research on the impact of arts education. 

• Database of Regional arts organizations

• Database of State Arts Agencies

• Philanthropic-serving organizations that offer resources to advance equitable grantmaking practices: 

• CHANGE Philanthropy 
• Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy 
• ABFE
• Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
• PEAK Grantmaking
• United Philanthropy Forum
• Grantmakers in the Arts

 

In an interactive activity, audience members highlighted the following funding needs as crucial for advancing their arts advocacy efforts:

 

Funding Needs to Advance Advocacy Efforts:  

• General Operating Support: Vital for sustaining day-to-day operations.

• Funding for Full-Time Salaries: Including investment in full-time teaching artists.

• Investment in Benefits: Funding for health insurance for teaching artists and other freelance performing arts educators. 

• Multi-Year Funding: Providing stability and continuity.

• Advocacy Funding: Compensating staff engaged in direct lobbying efforts and supporting coalition building.

• Professional Development Funding: Enabling staff (including teaching artists, even if they are contractors) to travel for workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programs to enhance organizational effectiveness and foster collaboration.

• Continuing Education Funding: Tuition assistance programs to encourage staff to further their education and training, benefiting the organization and the sector at large. 

• Operational and Technology Assistance: Covering software licensing, website development, resource hubs, customer relationship management systems, and sales platforms. 

• Communications Support: Resources for Authentic Storytelling and Effective Communication Strategies.

• Evaluation and Research Funding: Essential for measuring outcomes and informing decisions.

• Infrastructure Support: For technology and physical spaces.

• Support for Network and Coalition Building: Facilitating connections and building cohorts for peer learning and resource sharing. 

• Program Development Support: Including curriculum development and program equipment upgrades.

• Networking Support: Enabling staff to engage with peers, funders, and national conferences.

• Funding to Create Local and Regional Advocacy Toolkits: Fostering collaboration and networking within the community arts sector. 

• Support for Board Training: Build board skills and capacity, especially related to  diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Youth Engagement: More resources for paid youth boards or youth councils in order to support more opportunities for youth leadership. 

• Art Materials: enable investment in quality art materials for all programming. 

• BIPOC Restoration & Recovery Funds: Enable Black, Indigenous, and People of Color staff, artist, teaching artist, and educators to rest and work towards healing from the impacts of institutional and systemic inequity. 

• Space to Dream, Strategize, and Combat Burnout: As one audience member stated, “so much of the time we operate in a space of scarcity/urgency that doesn’t allow organizations time to take time to sit back, truly reflect, digest our successes and failures and adjust accordingly. I've been so so grateful to work in programs where a research/feedback process centering community stakeholders is funded (with stipends for participants, budget for food/gatherings, etc) and it’s transformative! more of that!” 

 

Check out this padlet to view the full audience feedback directly and additional resources from the panelists!  

 

Cutting across these specific and immediate needs is an overall need for funders to more effectively center the needs of the communities they serve and adopt more equitable practices. As our panelists highlighted, many funders are embracing practices like: 

• streamlined grant applications
• reduced reporting requirements
• greater flexibility in cost categorization allowing staff time to fall under direct costs rather than overhead
• more investment in capacity building and general operating support 
• community-driven grant programs and review panels 

 

To truly create the change we hope to see, collaborative efforts between community arts organizations and funders are essential to advance equity in the arts sector and dismantle structural barriers. Funders – working to prioritize authentic, reciprocal relationships is vital to ensure funding decision-making processes are collaborative, transparent, and rooted in shared values of equity. Additionally, invest in and build partnerships with BIPOC-led organizations and community stakeholders to advance racial equity in the arts. Community arts leaders – continue to advocate for what you need and build coalitions with one another to expand your reach and amplify your voice. Lean on your national service organizations, like the National Guild for Community Arts Education, to amplify your needs and support your advocacy goals. 

At the Arts Administrators of Color Network, we are leading a groundbreaking national study aimed at identifying the advocacy priorities of artists and arts administrators of the Global Majority. To receive updates and #MakeYourVoiceHeard when our survey launches this summer, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

 

In community, 

Erika Hawthorne

Director of Advancement 

Arts Administrators of Color Network

 

Photographed from left to right: Quanice FLoyd, Erika Hawthorne, Sarah Lyding, Tarik Ward, Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, Michelle Hoffmann. Photo credit: Dr. Ceylon Mitchell II, M3 | Mitchell Media & Marketing, LLC 

 

Stay in touch with the panelists: 

• Erika Hawthorne, Director of Advancement, Arts Administrators of Color Network, (ehawthorne@aacdmv.org) *Moderator
• Sarah Lyding, Executive Director, The Music Man Foundation, (sarah@musicmanfoundation.org) 
• Tarik Ward, Director of U.S. Programs & Global Strategic Operations, The ELMA Philanthropies Services, (tward@elmaphilanthropies.org) 
• Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, Florida State Representative, (Contact Form) 
• Michelle Hoffmann, Director of Arts Education, National Endowment for the Arts, (hoffmannm@arts.gov)

Washington, DC — March 27, 2024 — The National Guild for Community Arts Education is thrilled to announce the recipients of its esteemed awards, to be presented during the upcoming Conference for Community Arts Education from April 9-12, 2024, in Washington, DC. This year's conference theme, "Seeding Fractals: Cultivating Connections, Multiplying Impact," underscores the importance of fostering connections and amplifying the transformative power of community arts education.

The awards and their distinguished honorees are as follows: 

The Duffie Adelson Award for Lifelong Achievement in Community Arts Education 

Honorees: Madaha Kinsey-Lamb and Paul Babcock

Madaha Kinsey-Lamb: A tireless advocate for arts education and community development, Madaha Kinsey-Lamb has dedicated over five decades to empowering individuals of all ages through creative expression. From her pioneering work as the Executive Director and Founder of Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center in the Northeast Bronx to her commitment to amplifying the voices of Black youth and communities of color, Madaha's impact is immeasurable.

Paul Babcock: As President/Chief Operating Officer of the MacPhail Center for Music, Paul Babcock has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of community arts education. His visionary leadership has led to significant advancements in music education, expanding access and enriching the lives of thousands of students across the nation.

The Sandra Bowie Award for Social Change

Honoree: Mariah Rankine-Landers

Mariah Rankine-Landers: An interdisciplinary artist and educator, Mariah Rankine-Landers uses her art as a catalyst for social change. Through her innovative curriculum design and dedication to equity in education, Mariah has empowered students and educators alike to challenge master narratives and build a more just and compassionate society.

The Congresswoman Alma Adams Advocacy Award

Honoree: Florida State Rep LaVon Bracy Davis

LaVon Bracy Davis: A trailblazer in the intersection of arts, education, and public service, LaVon Bracy Davis has championed legislative initiatives to support the arts and advance social justice. Her unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform, education advocacy, and community empowerment exemplifies the transformative potential of arts advocacy in the public sphere.

The Next Generation Award

Honorees: Qiaira Riley and Kerry Warren

Qiaira Riley: An interdisciplinary artist and cultural worker, Qiaira Riley is dedicated to uplifting Black women and femmes through her creative endeavors. Her innovative approach to arts education and community engagement has inspired new generations of leaders and fostered social change.

Kerry Warren: With a passion for holistic healing through the arts, Kerry Warren brings mindfulness and creativity to her work as a Teaching Artist and movement instructor. Her commitment to trauma-informed practices and inclusive education is reshaping the landscape of arts education for future generations.

These remarkable individuals embody the spirit of creativity, innovation, and community engagement that lies at the heart of the National Guild for Community Arts Education's mission. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of community arts education, inspiring us all to cultivate connections and multiply impact.

The awards ceremony will take place during the 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education, where honorees will be celebrated for their achievements and dedication to advancing the field. For more information about the conference and the National Guild for Community Arts Education, please visit www.nationalguild.org/conference

Contact: 
Quanice Floyd
Executive Director
quanicefloyd@nationalguild.org

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, New York — The National Guild for Community Arts Education is proud to announce the launch of its prestigious awards program for the upcoming 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education. These awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the field of community arts education. The awards aim to celebrate excellence, inspire innovation, and promote equity and justice in the arts.

 

Duffie Adelson Award for Lifelong Achievement in Community Arts Education

Named after Trustee Duffie Adelson, the namesake Award honors individuals who have dedicated a minimum of 20 years to the field of community arts education. Recipients are esteemed for their unwavering commitment and significant impact on the sector. Learn more

 

Sandra Bowie Award for Social Change

Named after Trustee Sandra Bowie, the namesake Award recognizes champions of equity and justice in arts education. It acknowledges individuals who have made a substantial impact fighting for BIPOC communities through their work in the arts. Learn more

 

Congresswoman Alma Adams Advocacy Award

The Congresswoman Alma Adams Advocacy Award is dedicated to honoring a legislator or policymaker who has demonstrated exceptional support for the arts and arts education. Their legislative actions and advocacy efforts have made a profound difference in promoting the arts. The recipient will be announced soon. Learn more

 

Next Generation Award

The Next Generation Award celebrates emerging leaders in community arts education, including students and professionals in entry-level to mid-level positions. Individuals will be recognized for their innovative contributions and potential to shape the future of community arts education.

Learn more

 

These awards showcase the National Guild's commitment to recognizing leaders, promoting equity, and advancing the field of community arts education. The recipients will be celebrated during the 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education, taking place from April 9-12, 2024 in Washington, DC.

 

"The National Guild is proud to honor these exceptional individuals through their namesake awards for their dedication to community arts education," said Quanice G. Floyd, Executive Director. "These awards reflect our organization's core values and commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts education community."

 

Nominations for the awards are now open, and the National Guild encourages individuals to submit nominations for deserving candidates. Detailed eligibility criteria and nomination forms are available on the National Guild's website here.

 

For more information about the 2024 Conference for Community Arts Education Conference, please visit this link.

 

About the National Guild for Community Arts Education

The National Guild for Community Arts Education is a national network of arts education organizations and practitioners. With a mission to ensure all people have opportunities to maximize their creative potential, the National Guild promotes excellence in and access to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts.

 

The National Guild for Community Arts Education is committed to facilitating conversations that drive the evolution of arts learning. This Fall, we had the pleasure of deepening our connection with community arts educators and leaders through a series of Town Halls held in Washington DC, Richmond, and Baltimore. Guided by the Guild's Executive Director, Quanice Floyd, these meetings were a true embodiment of our commitment to listening and engaging with the voices of those at the forefront of arts education.

These Town Halls were not only meetings but vibrant hubs of discussion, with participants contributing their insights and experiences. It was through these robust exchanges that we were able to grasp the intricacies of needs from both current and potential Guild members. Now, let's delve into the substance of those conversations and reflect on the emerging themes that are steering the Guild’s path forward.

Town Hall Insights: A Tapestry of Community Voices

Participants at each location brought a myriad of topics to the table, emphasizing the diversity of our community’s interests and concerns. The conversations spanned a range of subjects crucial to the fabric of arts education:

• Arts and Community Engagement: We discussed the transformative role of the arts in community building and the power of arts educators to guide students in becoming active participants in their local and global communities through their art.
• Funding and Grants: Conversations often circled back to the challenge of securing funding, with many seeking guidance on the grant writing process and sharing innovative models for supporting arts education.
• Advocacy for Arts Education: The group exchanged strategies for advocating arts education at various levels, recognizing the need to communicate its value more widely.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Ensuring that arts programs are inclusive and representative remains a recurring concern, with discussions on addressing systemic barriers in the arts education sector.

In-Depth Exploration of Community Needs

Our discussions were not just about sharing ideas but also about shedding light on the hurdles faced by the community arts education sector:

• Funding and Resources: A commonly voiced challenge was the scarcity and inaccessibility of funding, as well as the restrictive nature of funding cycles.
• Program Constraints: Many noted the need to navigate constraints in program delivery, often having to reframe arts education to align with funding opportunities.
• Staffing and Compensation: Conversations revealed that issues of compensation, recruitment, and understaffing are widespread and need urgent attention.
• Accessibility & Collaboration: There was a strong call for improved access to resources and advocacy tools, and the desire for collaboration across all demographics.

As we process the wealth of feedback from these Town Halls, we are reminded of the power that collective insights hold in shaping our mission. The energy, challenges, and aspirations shared by participants will directly inform our future initiatives and support structures.

Your engagement is crucial. Here's how you can make a tangible difference:

Become a Member: Join us today and be part of a growing voice that advocates for the essential role of the arts in education. Join Now

Save the Date: Mark your calendar for the 2024 National Conference, which will be held April 9-12 2024 in Washington, DC. Anticipate a gathering filled with opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community building. Save the Date

We graciously and humbly thank all who took the time to be in community with us and their community arts education community! Let's not just continue the conversation but deepen it, inspire change, and prepare for a conference that will be our most interactive and impactful yet. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you into our Guild community. Together, we will shape a vibrant future for community arts education.

Huge thanks to all of our partners and vendors who supported our Town Halls:

DC – DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Nourrir Cuisine

Richmond – Lily Black, RVA Cheese Girl

Baltimore – The Cube, Xquisite Catering

Photographer – Ceylon Mitchell

Love and Roses to Ariel Davis who organized these Town Halls and helped our small team do big things!