The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is the membership organization that unites, represents and serves the nation's state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Each of the 56 states and jurisdictions has created an agency to support excellence in and access to the arts.

NASAA's mission is to strengthen state arts agencies.

We represent their individual and collective interests, empower their work through knowledge, and advance the arts as an essential public benefit. Learn more about NASAA member benefits.

We fulfill our mission in three ways...

KNOWLEDGE: NASAA facilitates the transfer of ideas, helping state arts agencies to pioneer, share and apply knowledge about serving the public effectively. NASAA's research and education services inform and inspire, empowering public-sector leadership for the arts in every state.

REPRESENTATION: NASAA provides national representation for state arts agencies, ensuring that their policy and resource interests have a persuasive voice. NASAA advances the value of state arts agencies, bringing visibility and recognition to their accomplishments. NASAA also champions the arts and state arts agencies, advocating for a robust public-sector role in American cultural life.

COMMUNITY: NASAA connects state arts agency staff and council members, making the collective experiences and wisdom of the field a resource for everyone. NASAA embraces both the differences and similarities among states, widening understanding and creating common cause. Participation in a rewarding and welcoming professional community strengthens state arts agencies in all corners of the country.

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.