Peer gatherings designed to spark new connections, mutual support, and shared problem-solving. These groups bring together residency practitioners connected by region, programmatic focus, or organizational role. Interested in starting an affinity group? Reach out to members@artistcommunities.org.
Peer networking sessions organized around timely themes and shared challenges. Each gathering begins with a strategy share from field leaders, followed by facilitated, active discussion with colleagues from across the network.
Focused, practical breakouts led by field experts, centered on on sustaining healthy residency programs. Bring your specific questions, exchange tools with fellow practitioners, and expand your professional circle.
Virtual Event
Explore topics that are central to sustaining our organizations and realizing our missions in support of artists. Join interactive breakouts to tap into shared wisdom, swap insights, and gather practical tools to bring into your work.
Virtual Event
From crisis response to long-term planning, how do we prepare for the unexpected? Hear from residency leaders who have recently navigated complex emergency situations and developed adaptive approaches, and consider how to establish effective policies and build responsive safety plans that support staff and artists.
Virtual Event
This long-running affinity group returns to ACA this spring. Gather with fellow residency leaders to explore the unique needs of dance and performance artists and the programs that support them.
Virtual Event
This affinity group offers a space for leaders who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and leaders with disabilities working in residencies and across the arts. Join colleagues to exchange resources, reflect on shared challenges, and strengthen collective and individual efforts.
Virtual Event
This new affinity group brings together staff of rural + small town residencies. What started as a conversation at ACA's 2025 Conference is now an ongoing dialogue.
Visit our Affinity Group page for more information.
Virtual Event
Now in their eighth year, the Upstate New York Regional Affinity Group meets annually at different residency centers to share strategies and explore each other’s unique facilities and sites.
Visit our Affinity Group page for more information.
Virtual Event
As thoughtful intermediaries, artist residencies bridge relationships between visiting artists and local communities. This conversation brings together residency leaders from rural and urban contexts to reflect on what it means to be grounded in place. Speakers will share how they’ve built partnerships with neighbors and regional organizations, and where those efforts have had the greatest impact for their artists and programs. Together, we’ll explore resource sharing and coalition building, leaving with new inspiration and perspectives.
Virtual Event
Direct and open conversations on the challenges, questions, and opportunities residency leaders are navigating. Open to the Executive Leadership of our member programs—including artistic, residency, program, or executive directors.
Executive Leadership will be contacted directly—email members@artistcommunities.org with any questions.