In this column, we offer reflections from ACA staff members—what we are reading, what we are thinking about, how we address the balance between our work lives and our creative lives (and the points at which those intersect). We asked Jessica Hoos, who manages ACA’s special projects, to share what she was thinking about.

New data and advocacy tools emerge as the arts sector faces financial strain, policy threats, and funding uncertainty—from museum downturns and grant rule changes to FY26 funding asks, updated visa procedures, and shifting equity and education landscapes.

In honor of ACA’s 35th Anniversary, we are sharing 35 stories from field leaders. We asked Esther Grimm, who served as chair of the ACA board from […], to share a short memory, artifact, or reflection that captures what ACA has meant to her—or how she imagines the future of artist support. Esther was the Founding Executive Director of 3Arts.

As part of ACA’s ongoing reflection on our history and evolution over the past few decades, we remain guided and inspired by the leaders who have shaped this field. In this column, we speak with members and colleagues whose perspectives illuminate the past, present, and future of artist communities. For this issue, we talk with Linda Earle, longtime arts leader, educator, writer, and former ACA board member.

Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) publishes their annual appeal

In honor of ACA’s 35th Anniversary, we are sharing 35 stories from field leaders. First up is Sanjit Sethi, who has served the ACA board since 2017 and has been co-chair since 2022. We invited Sanjit to share a short memory, artifact, or reflection that captures what ACA has meant to him—or how he imagines the future of artist support. Sanjit currently serves as Head of Campus at Green Schools Bali.