Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Arts Services Initiative of WNY executive director chosen for Americans for the Arts executive leadership forum

by jmaloni

Submitted

Mon, Jul 13th 2015 03:10 pm

Arts Services Initiative of Western New York Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk is one of the 20 top-level arts executives chosen to brainstorm, reflect and strategize on the future of arts administration at the Americans for the Arts annual executive leadership forum Sept. 16-19 in Sundance, Utah.

A wide range of topics - including equity, cultural democracy, community development and long-term visioning - will be explored through discussions, presentations and screenings.

This year's executive leadership forum is part of the larger "New Community Visions Initiative," currently being conducted by Americans for the Arts, which seeks to work with groups locally and nationally to envision new ways arts and culture can be integrated into the making and maintaining of healthy, vibrant, equitable communities.

The executive leadership forum is designed to create opportunities for CEOs, executive directors and senior staff of local arts advancement organizations to focus on long-term thinking, professional growth and personal renewal. Kniazuk will benefit from seminars on improving overall strategy, handling transitions and preparing ASI to benefit locally from national trends in the arts world.

"I am thrilled that 20 strong arts leaders from communities across the country are participating in this year's executive leadership forum," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "The arts can be a tool for social and economic improvement and community transformation, and my hope is that this gathering of cultural sector executives will lay the groundwork for future action in new ideas, insights, strategies and real innovation."

Participation in the leadership forum is the latest in ASI's work with AFTA. In 2013, Kniazuk presented on the topic of local arts advocacy at the national conference, and this year ASI served as New York state captain for AFTA's National Arts Advocacy Day.

"Part of ASI's mission is to represent our region at the state and national levels, and over the past four years we've forged a meaningful partnership with Americans for the Arts," Kniazuk said. "To be chosen for this forum is an honor, and I can't wait to bring back what I learn to further ASI's work and the WNY cultural sector."

The executive leadership forum is held simultaneously with the Americans for the Arts national arts policy roundtable. The facilitated conversations, community clinics and joint sessions will be held at Sundance Resort and Preserve. More information is available on Americans for the Arts' website.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C., and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

Hometown News

View All News