Q: What led Americans for the Arts to go through this process now as opposed to earlier or at another time?
A: It became clear in 2020/2021 that Americans for the Arts was at a major turning point in its six-decade history, and that in order to become the organization it wished to be, a large-scale re-evaluation of its mission, vision, values, and services was required. 
In 2021, the Americans for the Arts Board of Directors mandated ‘actionable change’ for the organization in order to recognize and adjust to a post-COVID world; to fully and authentically embrace the societal shift on issues of racial and cultural equity; and be responsive to the ways that creating, consuming, and making a living in the arts and creative sector have evolved.  

Leadership changes often signal opportunities for directional change, and this was and is the case for us. Given the changes in the world due to the pandemic and societal shifts, Americans for the Arts also recognized that this strategic work could not be accomplished internally and that we need outside expertise to lead the process of realigning our priorities, our culture, and our mission.

Q: What was the process by which the consultants were chosen? Who was on the decision-making panel? 
A: Our team of consultants was chosen through an extensive RFP process that began in Fall 2021 with a public call. Consulting groups of all types, sizes, and expertise submitted proposals for partnership with Americans for the Arts, and two committees composed of members of the staff and board reviewed the proposals, interviewed the teams, and ultimately selected three who we feel will bring the best expertise in arts and culture; strategic planning; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and work with underrepresented communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to the Strategic Realignment Process. Together we and our partners feel well-supported to take on this work. 

Q: Where can I learn more about the consultants who are partners on this process?
A: Our partners each have a website with a wealth of information about their work:

Q: Why do we need consultants? Can’t this be handled internally?
A: Americans for the Arts is facing a turning point and we recognize that we need to shift to an outward-facing organization centering the field, rather than our institution. To accomplish such large-scale change, we know we need help identifying the best path for our future, and engaging with these partners will facilitate conversation, accountability, and healing as we chart our framework for the future.

Q: How long do you expect this Strategic Realignment Process to take?
A: We expect it will take roughly 8-10 months, and are aiming to complete the Process in summer 2022.

Q: What are the goals of this Strategic Realignment Process?
A: Our plan is to create a framework with a newly adopted set of values, vision, mission, and goals. This framework will guide organizational decision-making and new approaches to services, programs, and administration, while enabling greater adaptability to shifting trends, policies, and industry needs. A key part of this process will be to rebuild trust with our members, staff, board, and stakeholders—work that extends beyond the short-term and continues into our future. Our consultant team will support us in developing a framework for the future as well as establishing a foundational blueprint for healing. 

Q: How can I get involved?
A: Input from the field and our constituents will be vital to this work, and we want your involvement. Starting in the new year, we will share more information in the Ways to Participate section of this webpage on how and when there will be opportunities to participate. 

Q: Where can people go to find out what is happening on an ongoing basis with the Strategic Realignment Process?   
A: Multiple resources will be available to our members and partners to learn about and participate in this process. This website/portal page will be kept up to date, the FAQs will evolve as we learn more. To receive regular email updates about the Strategic Realignment Process, sign up via this short interest form.

As always, you should feel free to ask questions, and can submit those directly to Vice President of Research Randy Cohen at [email protected] or to President and CEO [email protected].