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PROFILES:Southern Arts
Federation
Gerri Combs, Executive Director Member States The Southern Arts Federation (SAF) is a not-for-profit regional arts organization that has been making a positive difference in the arts throughout the South since 1975. SAF creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the professional development of artists, arts organizations and arts professionals; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and art education. The organization works in partnership with the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. SAF is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), foundations, corporations, individuals and member states. The mission of the Southern Arts Federation, in partnership with nine state arts agencies, is to promote and support arts regionally, nationally and internationally; to enhance the artistic excellence and professionalism of Southern arts organizations and artists; and to serve the diverse population of the South. Each year, SAF reaches constituents through its programs in the performing, traditional, literary, media and visual arts. In addition, SAF provides grants to support performances and educational activities in over 100 communities annually. SAF also provides technical assistance and professional development opportunities for artists and other arts professionals and pursues and promotes international cultural exchanges. A few of the hallmark programs of SAF are Southern Visions: The Folk Arts and Southern Culture Traveling Exhibits Program, JazzSouth Radio, ArtsOpportunities?, the Performing Arts Exchange (PAE) Booking Conference? and The National Arts Leadership Institute? at PAE. SAF is proactive and a leader in the areas of advocacy for the arts and arts education, traditional arts, capacity building and marketing Southern artists. |
