peer groups

Peer groups are centered on interest and/or profession. Depending on the group's needs and the available resources, Americans for the Arts helps plan meetings, develop training opportunities, provide communication mechanisms, publish research findings, and more. Groups meet face to face during the annual convention and will be part of the new Local Arts Network.

The Local Arts Network provides a forum for members to discuss the successes and challenges that local arts agencies face around the nation. This network will include a listserv that will provide a platform for questions to and from the field about tools, resources, and professional development that will help local arts agencies be more successful in the field. Included in the listserv, members will receive a monthly e-blast with the latest news and trends in local arts development.

Current professional groups in the Local Arts Network include:

• Community Development
• Cultural Diversity
• Grantmaking
• Local Arts Policy
• Rural and Small Communities
• State Arts Agencies Community Development Coordinators

To join the Local Arts Network listserv, you must be a member of Americans for the Arts. Memberships are available for both individuals and organizations. Professional membership in Americans for the Arts means access to services, programs, and resources designed especially for you—the arts professional.

For more information on the Local Arts Network, please contact services@artsusa.org and for information on membership, please visit our Membership section or contact membership@artsusa.org.