Mission and Goals

Agency Overview

The Southern Arts Federation, a non-profit regional arts organization founded in 1975, creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the development of artists, arts professionals and arts organizations; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and arts education. The organization works in partnership with the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, member states, foundations, businesses and individuals.

Mission

The Southern Arts Federation, in partnership with nine state arts agencies, builds on the South’s unique heritage, and enhances the public value of the arts in our communities, by:

• Promoting and supporting the arts in the South
• Enhancing the artistic excellence and professionalism of Southern arts organizations and artists
• Serving the diverse population of the South

Guiding Principles

In carrying out its mission, the Southern Arts Federation will:

• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with our state arts agencies and other regional, national and international organizations
• Enhance and promote diversity in audiences, artists and art forms
• Preserve and promote the indigenous arts of the South

Our Goals

• Serve as the leadership voice for the arts in the South
• Sustain and expand markets for Southern arts, artists and arts organizations
• Create and strengthen networks of Southern artists, arts professionals and arts organizations' capacity through technical assistance and other developmental resources
• Strengthen the arts in the South by creating a national profile for Southern Arts Federation