News

Statewide Recap of the NASAA Webinar: Engaging Millennials

By Anne B. Pope, Execute Director —

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) presented Engaging Millennials: Creating Young Arts Advocates on August 19 as a webinar. Free satellite locations were held nationally, and Tennessee offered 5 group viewings in key cities across the state — Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Kingsport.

In Tennessee

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Preparing to begin the Webinar at the TN Arts Commission

Although access to the live webinar was limited, Tennessee was able to provide opportunities to those interested in the webinar because of arts organizations in each region who partnered with the TN Arts Commission. A sincere thank you to each of these organizations who took the time to organize and host this timely professional development opportunity: ArtsMemphis, ArtsBuild, the Arts & Culture Alliance of Knoxville and the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts. Each location hosted 15-25 participants.

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Participants in Knoxville, TN

At a couple of the above host locations, attendees were able to stay after the webinar and discuss the presentation and how they could apply what was learned in specific arts organizations in TN. One conclusion being the great value of mentorship in the industry, in terms of both business and culture.

The Presentation

Following a welcome by NASAA CEO Pam Breaux, listeners were provided a brief situation analysis of who makes up the millennial generation and how this population currently effects society and the workforce. The webinar featured three presenters: John Schratwieser, Executive Director of Maryland Citizens for the Arts; Tracie Konopinksi, Senior Campaign Organizer of MASSCreative; and Omari Rush, Curator of Public Programs of Ann Arbor Art Center. Each of these experts brought a different aspect of the conversation, from examples on how their individual organizations engage millennials to tips on how to bring this generation of potential arts advocates on board.

As of this year, Millennials (now ages 18-35) are 27 percent of the adult population and the largest population in the work force, according to research provided during the webinar by the Pew Research Center. Millennials are also the most racially diverse generation in American history. Beyond that demographic, there are numerous other general characteristics attributed to Millennials that makes the population incredibly unique. This includes a common theme of independence, both socially and politically, the seemingly inherent desire to lead, and the natural digital savvy, resulting from today’s technological revolution. Another factor that has greatly shaped this generation is the downturn of the nation’s economy that ushered a majority of the population into the workforce.

In the Arts

Relating these characteristics to the arts, NASAA stated that, “Understanding how to engage the millennial generation is ultimately up to practitioners.” The three presenters maintained a common thread when discussing examples and tips — the best way to encourage engagement is simply to engage.

Arts organizations have found that the best way to bring this generation into the arts culture and industry on a longterm basis has been, and will most likely continue to be, to provide solid learning experiences that are interactive and demanded responsibility and leadership. To understand the desires and tendencies of this generation, or any generation for that matter, and to then interact with those individuals accordingly is the best way to encourage involvement. Give the millennials a cause to care about and a task to carry out, and they will rise to the occasion.

 

Weren’t able to attend? Click here to view the webinar presentation.