ACA Network Affinity Groups

Connect, share, and learn with peers in focused communities within the ACA Network. 

Affinity Groups bring together residency practitioners connected by region, programmatic focus, or organizational role. These member-driven groups create opportunities to share ideas, navigate challenges, and strengthen practices across the residency field. The conversation also extends into our online discussion groups so ideas from each session can continue to grow and evolve. 

Affinity Groups are open to all staff of ACA network residencies and organizations. To learn more and apply as a member, read more here. 

Interested in starting an affinity group? Reach out to members@artistcommunities.org.

Sign Up for Affinity Groups Here!
A group of people sitting around a table creating using scraps of colorful fabric.

Dance + Performing Arts Residencies

Connecting practitioners to share resources, challenges, and approaches specific to time-based and performance-driven practices. 

Open to any member residency offering support for practitioners of dance and performing arts.

Upcoming Gatherings

  • Friday, April 17, 2026, 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET – Virtual

 

Diversity + Leadership

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.

Open to leaders who are BIPOC and leaders with disabilities.

Upcoming Gatherings

  • Monday, April 20, 2026, 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET – Virtual

 

Executive Leadership 

Direct and open conversations on the challenges, questions, and opportunities field leadership 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.

Upcoming Gatherings

  • Thursday, May 28, 2026, 2:00–3:15 p.m. ET – Virtual

 

Past Gatherings

  • Thursday, March 12, 2026, 2:00–3:15 p.m. ET – Virtual
    • Facilitated by Toccarra Thomas (SFAI) and Alana Hernandez (ASU Art Museum)

 

Rural + Small Town Residencies

For residency staff and leadership navigating the opportunities and constraints of hosting artists in rural and small-town settings. 

Open to any member residency operating in a rural or small-town setting.

Upcoming Gatherings

  • Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 2:00–3:15 p.m. ET – Virtual

 

Past Gatherings

  • Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET – Virtual
    • Facilitated by John Kern, Kelly Yarbrough, and Chantal Harris

 

Upstate New York Regional

This group connects residency programs across Upstate New York to exchange resources, build relationships, and strengthen the regional ecosystem.

Open to any member residency located in the Upstate New York region.

Upcoming Gatherings

  • Monday, April 27 + Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – In-Person