2024 Board of Directors Send Off

“I am so excited to be a part of supporting arts education in DAA and accomplished in being a part of advocacy in receiving funds to DDOA to help Delaware support the arts community through many grants and art organization funds.

“Delaware’s art education is facing challenges in access, funding, and equity, but there are efforts that DAA can help improve it:

• Providing targeted funding to remove barriers to participation.
• Offering professional development opportunities
• DAA can and will collaborate with local and state leaders to advocate for greater access
• Promoting performance and exhibition opportunities for young people”

“As a member of the finance committee, I appreciate the importance of stable sources of revenue.  DAA’s advocacy for the recent increases in state funding for the arts was an important step in that direction.”

Looking ahead, what is something about the future of DAA are you most excited about? 

“The growth in DAA membership and DAA’s continuing work of building awareness of the important role that the arts play in vibrant communities.”

“During my time with the Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA), I am most proud of the work I accomplished with Jessica Ball, now Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time of great uncertainty for the arts and culture sector. Together, we navigated uncharted waters, advocating with public and private funders to provide some measure of financial stability for arts organizations across Delaware. 

“For nearly eight months, Jessica and I worked together for countless hours, surveying arts organizations and gaining a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. This work not only informed our advocacy but also helped us deliver meaningful support during a critical time. It was a privilege to be part of a team that helped secure resources to keep the arts alive when they were most vulnerable. 
 
“I am also incredibly proud of my advocacy around the Arts Equity and Innovation Incubator, a program designed to help arts organizations grow their capacity to serve diverse communities and re-examine the ways in which they conduct business. This initiative was a game-changer for many organizations, enabling them to emerge from the pandemic stronger and better prepared to address the realities of our economy while also meeting the needs of historically marginalized citizens. 
 
“These experiences were transformative—not just for the arts organizations we served, but also for me personally. They reinforced my commitment to equity, innovation, and the arts as a vital part of our communities. I am so grateful for time serving as board and committee member at DAA. Wishing all the best to Neil and the DAA team!”

“I’m so proud that DAA helped our arts sector weather the pandemic by strongly advocating for increased relief funds and I’m proud that we worked collaboratively across the state to launch the CREATE plan.

“I’m most excited to see sectors and industries outside the arts embrace how we can positively impact health, education, civic wellbeing, and the economy on behalf of Delawareans.”