Advocacy and Policy | Arts Employment | Grants Performing arts | Research | Services to state arts agencies | Visual arts
		Services to State Arts Agencies Executive Director Forums Full travel and meeting support is available for executive directors of WESTAF member state arts agencies to attend WESTAF-sponsored Executive Director Forums. State arts agency directors select the topics and professional development issues they would like to engage at the forums. The forums also serve as an opportunity to develop regional and sub-regional collaborations. Recent forums have included a review of successful arts agency collaborations with state humanities councils, a discussion of the components of an effective statewide arts advocacy effort, and dialogues with arts-friendly state legislators. Professional Development Meetings WESTAF offers travel support and/or subsidies for up to six professional development workshops and networking opportunities for state arts agency staff in WESTAF member states. Professional development workshops will be convened for staff focused in the areas of community arts and organizational development, literature, visual/public art, public information, and grant making. Technical Assistance Technical assistance is available to WESTAF member states for special projects and unexpected challenges. This special assistance is limited but usually is delivered in the form of special research, the underwriting of an out-of state speaker who can impact the outcome of a critical-issues discussion, or an on-site consultant who can address operations issues such as data management, grant form design, planning, or on-site staff or board training. Technology Consultation WESTAF employs several individuals who are experienced in conducting technology needs assessments. These third-party analyses of a state agency's technology effectiveness, technology staff capacity, and technology planning are available to WESTAF member states at no cost. Examples of completed projects include a technology needs assessment related to grant programs, a review of an agency's readiness to launch a new technology project, and advice on a decision to outsource certain technology services.