The Commission's Executive Director: News from Bigfork, Montana

I write this looking out over beautiful Flathead Lake in Bigfork, Montana following a very informative and stimulating NASAA (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies) Executive Director Retreat.  As I think about everything discussed and debated over the past two days--from advocacy, administration and governance to diversity, inclusion and the future--I am thoughtful about how all of this applies to Maine.  In some cases, Maine is so different from other states; in other cases, not so much.  We have a much friendlier environment when it comes to our legislature and state government.  Some of the stories I’ve heard over the past two days about the struggles the arts face in other states make me cringe...and be thankful for what we have and what we have been able to accomplish over the past 3.5 years!  It was eye-opening and well worth my time.                              

-- Julie Richard