Last week, our team attended AFTACON in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was my second year attending this gathering of arts leaders, advocates, and practitioners from across the country who come together to learn, network, grow, and imagine the future of our ever-expanding field.

What stood out to me was that every experience reflected a deep connection to place. From the mystical landscapes of New Mexico, where the enduring presence and cultures of Indigenous peoples remain woven into the fabric of the land, to the city's vibrant arts scene, creativity was everywhere. I experienced the power of flamenco through the National Institute of Flamenco, the immersive storytelling of Duke City Repertory Theatre, and the contemporary vision of High Desert Showcase: A Glimpse of the Future in Motion. Throughout the conference, artists of every discipline and from diverse backgrounds shared their voices in ways that could only happen in a space intentionally built for arts and culture.

AFTACON has become a place where arts and culture leaders from across the country gather not only to connect but to remind one another why this work matters. I had the opportunity to learn from speakers leading incredible community-centered initiatives, and as an arts advocate, every conversation challenged me to push even harder for the arts. These are the people ensuring that local theaters, community events, arts education opportunities, and cultural experiences are not simply surviving but thriving. Many of these organizations and coalitions exist because individuals and communities refused to let their love for art and culture disappear.

What I appreciated most was the opportunity to think beyond the day-to-day "to-do" list and into the heart of the work. We stepped into conversations about carrying forward the legacies of those who came before us, who paved the way and fought for the longevity and sustainability of arts and culture. Together, we affirmed a shared belief that art should be protected and accessible to everyone.

That spirit felt deeply connected to this year's CA for the Arts theme of Boundless Creativity & Culture. Art gives us the power to heal from harm, imagine more just futures, and tell truths that move communities toward action.

I left AFTACON with a renewed sense of pride in the work we do and hope for the impact our collective efforts will continue to have across the country. One of humanity's greatest contributions is our boundless art and culture, so often born from struggle yet created for the liberation, joy, and belonging of people everywhere.