In June, I had the opportunity to attend AFTACON 2026, the annual conference hosted by Americans for the Arts, alongside hundreds of artists, arts administrators, advocates, educators, and cultural leaders from across the country. The experience was both energizing and affirming, offering a powerful reminder that while our work may happen locally, we are part of a nationwide movement dedicated to strengthening communities through the arts.
One of the conference's themes was the arts as civic infrastructure. Session after session explored how artists and arts organizations help build trust, connection, belonging, and social cohesion at a time when many communities are experiencing increased polarization and isolation. The conversations challenged participants to think beyond traditional arts programming and consider how the arts can serve as a catalyst for civic engagement, public health, economic development, education, and community resilience.
A recurring message throughout the conference was the importance of coalition-building and cross-sector partnerships. Whether partnering with libraries, parks, schools, health systems, housing organizations, municipal governments, or civic engagement groups, arts organizations have unique opportunities to contribute to broader community goals while strengthening support for the arts. Speakers encouraged arts leaders to move beyond project-based partnerships and invest in long-term relationships grounded in shared values and community impact.
I was particularly inspired by discussions about civic engagement and advocacy. Presenters emphasized that effective arts advocacy is most successful when connected to broader community needs and when artists and arts organizations see themselves not only as beneficiaries of policy but as active participants in shaping it. These conversations reinforced many of the principles that guide our work at ArtPride New Jersey: building relationships, creating coalitions, and ensuring that the arts are represented in conversations about the future of our communities.
One of the highlights of the conference was reconnecting with New Jersey colleagues who are doing incredible work in arts education and advocacy. It was wonderful to spend time with Sanaz Hojreh and Lauren Meehan from Arts Ed Newark and exchange ideas on how we can continue to strengthen arts education, civic engagement, and advocacy efforts here in New Jersey. Opportunities like AFTACON remind us that while each organization has its own mission and priorities, we are ultimately working toward many of the same goals.
Beyond the conference sessions themselves, one of the most memorable aspects of AFTACON was experiencing Albuquerque through the conference's ARTventures—immersive opportunities designed to connect attendees with the arts, culture, history, and creative communities that make New Mexico unique. Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to experience the region's extraordinary cultural richness, from Indigenous art and traditions to contemporary creative expression and the vibrant influence of music, storytelling, and community-based arts practices. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing an unforgettable live flamenco performance for the first time. The artistry, musicianship, and emotional power of the performance were breathtaking, offering a vivid glimpse into a cultural tradition that remains deeply woven into the fabric of New Mexico.
What struck me most was how Albuquerque's diverse cultural influences — Indigenous, Hispanic, Mexican, and others — are not simply preserved as history but actively shape contemporary civic and cultural life. Everywhere we went, the city's unique sense of place was evident. Experiencing these traditions firsthand reinforced many of the conference's core themes: that arts and culture are essential to community identity, that creative expression helps people connect across differences, and that strong cultural ecosystems are built by honoring both heritage and innovation. Albuquerque wasn't just the host city for AFTACON—it was an inspiring example of the very ideas we spent the week discussing.
I returned home with new ideas, new connections, and renewed energy for the work ahead. From coalition-building strategies and civic engagement initiatives to innovative partnership models and advocacy approaches, AFTACON provided valuable tools to strengthen our work in New Jersey and beyond.
Most importantly, the conference served as a reminder that there is a vast and passionate community of people across the country who believe in the power of the arts to create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. Being part of that community is both inspiring and motivating, and I am excited to continue bringing these ideas into our work at ArtPride New Jersey.
Key Takeaways for Arts Organizations
As I reflected on my experience at AFTACON, several themes stood out as particularly relevant for arts organizations navigating today's challenges and opportunities:
- Invest in relationships, not just projects. The strongest partnerships are built around shared goals and sustained over time, rather than formed solely to accomplish a single initiative.
- Think beyond the arts sector. Opportunities for impact, funding, and advocacy increasingly exist at the intersection of the arts and fields such as education, health, housing, economic development, civic engagement, and community planning.
- Advocacy is most effective when connected to broader community priorities. The arts play a powerful role in conversations about belonging, economic vitality, public health, education, and civic life.
- Coalition building creates lasting power. No organization can advance policy goals alone. Building authentic relationships across sectors strengthens both advocacy efforts and community impact.
- Artists and arts organizations are essential civic infrastructure. Beyond producing cultural experiences, the arts help foster trust, connection, dialogue, and resilience—qualities that communities need now more than ever.
- Community-centered work requires shared leadership. The most impactful initiatives engage community members as partners in shaping solutions, not simply as audiences or participants.
As we continue our work in New Jersey, these lessons offer valuable opportunities to strengthen our advocacy, deepen our partnerships, and build a more connected and resilient arts ecosystem.
Continue the Conversation: Take Action for the Arts
AFTACON reinforced something many of us already know: advocacy is not a one-time event—it's an ongoing practice of relationship-building, coalition-building, storytelling, and civic engagement. The future of the arts depends on all of us showing up, sharing our stories, and helping decision-makers understand the essential role that arts and culture play in our communities.
If you're ready to put these ideas into action, here are a few ways to get involved:
- Take action on current advocacy priorities. Visit ArtPride New Jersey's Action Alerts page to respond to urgent issues affecting the arts, including federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, and legislation impacting civic participation. Current Action Alerts
- Explore advocacy tools and resources. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned arts leader, ArtPride offers policy resources, advocacy training materials, research, and practical tools to help you engage effectively with elected officials and community partners. Government Relations & Advocacy Resources
- Learn more about ArtPride New Jersey's advocacy work. From protecting arts funding and advancing arts education to strengthening public policies that support artists and cultural organizations, ArtPride works year-round to ensure the arts have a strong voice in New Jersey. ArtPride New Jersey Advocacy Work
- Watch the AFTACON recap. If you weren't able to attend—or if you'd like to revisit some of the conference's key themes and conversations—watch the official conference recap video here: AFTACON 2026 Recap Video
The nationwide community of artists, advocates, educators, and cultural leaders gathered at AFTACON demonstrated what is possible when we work together. Let's continue building that momentum here in New Jersey.
