Report by Paula Antolini
December 17, 2016 12:01PM EDT
Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western CT, Elected to Americans for the Arts’ Advisory Council
“It is time for corporate America to become ‘the third pillar’ of social change in our society, complementing the first two pillars of government and philanthropy. We need the entire private sector to begin committing itself to fulfilling higher and larger purposes by contributing to building a better world”. – Simon Mainwaring, founder & CEO of We First
Members of Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, have elected Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, as a member of their advisory council for the Private Sector. Lisa will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership.
Serving on the Private Sector Council, Lisa will work with fellow arts leaders to develop and implement private-sector advocacy programs and to serve as leaders to other local arts agencies seeking to connect with the private sector. The Private Sector Council and the network it serves, including Arts & Business Councils, Business Committees for the Arts, United Arts Funds, and Local Arts Agencies, promotes the message that business support for the arts is integral to the success and longevity of the arts, and essential in building communities in which the business sector can thrive.
“Lisa has always been about community with an acute awareness of what needs to be done to connect business with the arts,” notes Cultural Alliance Board member, Andrea Gartner. “Her leadership brought us Accessible Art – in our 9th year, it’s a project to bridge public and private venues with artists. We have the Business Supports the Arts Awards breakfast that puts a spotlight on business leaders for their support of creative and cultural resources. The arts sector is also represented well with the important work of Comprehensive Economic Development planning in Western Connecticut and through Lisa’s leadership, WCEDS identifies that ‘the region is home to many strong cultural institutions and includes the arts among the top ten strategies for economic development.'” Gartner adds,” I wholly credit Lisa with helping to bring this perspective and creative resources to the conversation.”
“Americans for the Arts strives to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America, and I am pleased to welcome Lisa Scails to our advisory council,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “These leaders are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across the country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations. I applaud Ms. Scails for her valued contribution and commitment that will undoubtedly improve the state of arts in America.”
Potential council members were nominated in mid-September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 14, 2016. Lisa will serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Kristina Newman-Scott, Director of Culture for the Connecticut Office of Arts and Tourism, has also been elected to serve on the Private Sector Council.
Lisa responded to the appointment by saying, “This is a thrilling opportunity to listen, learn and share with a dedicated team of artists, businesses, and community members from across the country. I hope to find new ways and means to grow our collective, rich culture and history of Art, and to expand what has been achieved for our community.”
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
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