Hello AFTA Members!

We are so excited to share the launch of the Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Network. As many of you know, an affinity session was organized in June at Convention in Denver. The session illuminated the need for a network for professionals of color in the arts and culture field that provides a platform for sharing resources, highlighting opportunity, and elevating the great work of arts and culture leaders of color around the country.

A big thank you and shout out to the many arts and culture professionals across the career spectrum who advocated for an affinity network and especially Quanice Floyd, this year’s American Express Emerging Leaders Award recipient and founder of the Arts Administrators of Color network, for her partnership in bringing this network to life!

In the works for this network,

1. Bi-monthly roundup that will feature podcasts, blogs, and trainings;
2. Quarterly video “coffee hours” with leaders and experts in the field answering questions and sharing their expertise;
3. LinkedIn group to strengthen professional connections;
4. Dedicated member listserv;
5. Co-staff liaisons for technical assistance and support

Two actions items for you today:

1. If you identify as an arts and culture professional of color, we invite you to join the listerv. Log in to your member account and you can review and update your listserv memberships.
2. We are looking for 5-7 volunteers to serve a one-year term starting now through June 30, 2019. The steering committee will work with us to inform and guide program planning for the coming year. We meet via video conference line for one hour on a recurring monthly basis. If you are interested, please email Ruby (rharper@artsusa.org) or Emma (eosore@artsusa.org) by October 31.

Thank you for all you do and look forward to working with you in the coming months!

Ruby and Emma