Why did you decide to become a AAAE member?
As an arts administration PhD student, [the Association of Arts Administration Educators] was aspirational. Receiving my first accepted conference presentation notification felt like a real arrival. Since then, membership has remained valuable as a communication and resource network. As we know, becoming specialists in an area of research interest does not necessarily make us experts at teaching that knowledge in a classroom. The distinctive AAAE emphasis on the arts administration classroom, rather than research or practice, makes this organization’s contribution to professional development uniquely relevant. Even though I am not able to attend the conference every year, I keep my membership active due to the other benefits of membership.
What specific resources or programs offered by AAAE have been most valuable to you?
The combination of limited conference funding from my institution and mandated participation at another annual conference (due to my specific academic placement) means that I am unable to attend the amazing annual in-person conference. I am so incredibly thankful for and appreciative of the regular zoom panels and sessions that allow me to remain connected to the network and the amazing work being done in the field.
What would you say to someone who is considering a membership with AAAE?
I work in a specific space of arts administration, with a focus on rural places. AAAE has facilitated incredible conversations and connections for me with others working in and with similar populations. AAAE was a very nurturing and supportive place for me as a student and junior faculty and continues to be a source of ongoing collaboration and inspiration for me as an arts administration educator. The value of AAAE grows with you as you grow in your own professional journey. I have colleagues in AAAE that I also see at other conferences and also those that I see only through AAAE and I am happy to keep all of those relationships. I am thankful for the unique blend of membership perspectives within this network.
