Members of Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, have elected Kristina Newman-Scott, Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Director of Culture, to their Private Sector Council. Newman-Scott will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership.

As a member of the Private Sector Council , Newman-Scott will work with fellow arts leaders to develop and implement private-sector advocacy programs and serve as leaders to other local arts agencies seeking to connect with the private sector.

Newman-Scott joined DECD as the Director of Culture in May 2015. Overseeing the DECD’s Office of the Arts and State Historic Preservation Office, Newman-Scott has guided the creation a five-year statewide Strategic Plan for the arts and culture sector, revived Connecticut Arts Day and served as a 2016 mentor for National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellows Program. Newman-Scott was also invited by Columbia University’s Teachers College to deliver a keynote address at their Fall 2016 Symposium, “The Socially Responsive Museum.” Newman-Scott serves on the Board of the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Connecticut Forum.

“Americans for the Arts strives to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America, and I am pleased to welcome Kristina Newman-Scott to our advisory council,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “These leaders are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across the country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations. I applaud Ms. Newman-Scott for her valued contribution and commitment that will undoubtedly improve the state of arts in America.”

Potential council members were nominated in mid-September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 14, 2016. Newman-Scott will serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

“I am honored to have been elected to the Private Sector Council and eager to begin collaborating with some of the most innovative minds in the creative sector,” said Newman-Scott. “Data already tells us that private industry and the arts are complementary to each other and to building a more robust economy. I am excited to help foster this partnership and to carry Americans for the Art’s message at the national, state, and local levels.”

“Since joining the team, Kristina has supported and engaged with the arts communities across the state,” said DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith. “She has acted as a voice for the arts and culture sector and has been a tireless advocate of creating partnerships between the business and arts communities. I know she will be an excellent addition to fostering these partnerships on a national level.”

Newman-Scott will not be the only representative from Connecticut sitting on Private Sector Council. Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance
of Western Connecticut and a Connecticut Arts Council member, has also been selected to aid in the creation and development of private-sector programs that build support for the arts in local communities.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.