Experience one of the most valuable parts of NASAA Assembly 2026 in Washington, D.C.: dedicated peer group gatherings designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections and support the work of state arts agencies nationwide.

This year features special extended peer group time on Thursday, October 8, from 1:00–4:30 p.m., giving participants more space for meaningful conversation, collaboration and exchange. Groups will meet at locations across the city, creating opportunities to engage with colleagues while exploring the vibrant arts, culture and civic landscape of our nation’s capital.

For each peer group:

  • Click the first + sign to view location.
  • Click the second + sign to view agenda, coordinators and NASAA staff manager.

Chairs and Council Members

The Philips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

  • TBD

 

Peer Group Manager: Katie Hughes

Executive Directors

Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Peer Group Manager: Kelly Barsdate

Deputy Directors

O Street Museum in the Mansion, 2020 O Street NW

Agenda coming soon

 

Coordinators

  • David Markey, Deputy Director, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
  • Natalie Petersen, Deputy Director, Utah Division of Arts & Museums
  • André Zhang Sonera, Deputy Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Indiana Arts Commission

 

Peer Group Managers: Sylvia PrickettDora Shick

Arts Education Managers

Location TBD

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Meghan McFerrin

Communications Managers/PIOs

Heurich House Museum, 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

  • Victoria Gonzalez, Marketing & Outreach Manager, Colorado Creative Industries
  • Yun Ku, Marketing and Communications Specialist, Nevada Arts Council
  • Alysha Suryah, Marketing & Communications Manager, Maryland State Arts Council
  • Vivienne Timchenko, Public Relations and Logistics Specialist​, Wisconsin Arts Board

 

Peer Group Manager: Jhai James

Community Development Coordinators

Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

  • Jon Berg, Creative Community Development & Infrastructure Programs Manager, Iowa Economic Development Authority
  • Jackie Viskup, PhD, Community Arts & Arts Facilities Program Manager, Alabama State Council on the Arts
  • Leigh Ann Wilder, Creative Economies Director, North Carolina Arts Council

 

Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles

 

Folk and Traditional Arts Program Managers

Location TBD

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Eric Giles

Grants and Fiscal Officers

Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

  • Eli Cabañas, Grant + Website Manager, Accessibility Coordinator, Maine Arts Commission
  • Alex Flannery, Grant Program Manager, State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC)
  • Josy Miller, Ph.D., Arts Programs Manager, California Arts Council

 

Peer Group Manager: Kelly Liu

Public Art Managers

Various locations througout D.C.

DRAFT AGENDA

 

Coordinators

 

Peer Group Manager: Shaun Harrison