Services to State Arts Agencies

WESTAF engages a network of state arts agencies in 13 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Executive Director Forums
WESTAF annually convenes the executive directors of the state arts agencies in the West to discuss issues in the field, share knowledge and practice, and consider ways to increase support for these agencies. WESTAF provides full travel support to member state arts agencies to attend these Forums. State arts agency directors select the topics and professional development issues they would like to engage in at the forums. Recent forums have focused on adaptive change, leadership, and innovation in the arts and culture field and offered directors an opportunity to identify shared policy priorities.

 

State Arts Agency Professional Development Program
WESTAF delivers regular professional development programs that provide valuable learning and networking opportunities for state arts agency staff in WESTAF member states. These sessions are designed to provide insights into emerging trends in the field for the spectrum of state arts agency staff. Recent sessions have covered a range of topics, including rural arts, diversity, inclusion and equity, and emerging recreational industries. 

 

Technical Assistance and Consulting Services
WESTAF has long offered technical assistance to member states for special projects and unexpected challenges in the form of research and consulting. WESTAF has conducted more than 80 technical assistance and research projects for state arts agencies in the West since 1997. As defined in WESTAF’s 10-year vision and strategic plan, the organization is also exploring new directions in our work with state arts agencies in our region, including, in some cases, engaging with state arts agency strategic planning processes and leadership onboarding.