At United States Artists, a team of creative, caring, and dedicated professionals in the arts sector has propelled our commitment to supporting and celebrating America's accomplished creative practitioners and artists. Our team is the cornerstone of our success and today it fills me with tremendous joy to announce three new additions to our outstanding team.

We are pleased to welcome Anne Ishii as Program Director, Adia Sykes as Program Manager, and Sara Slawnik as Chief of Staff. At USA, the transformative power of unrestricted support for artists is the bedrock of our work. I am confident that these new members of our team will ensure our ability to continue delivering on mission and grow our impact. Their arrival marks an expansion of our collective expertise and a broadening of our perspectives. Together we will build on our current work to expand the ways that we are supporting artists in the United States.

Anne Ishii brings a wealth of experience in literature and performance arts to her role as Program Director. Her innovative approach to cultural programming dovetails beautifully with our existing initiatives, opening up new avenues for interdisciplinary support. From founding a creative agency for queer Japanese artists to leading the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia, Anne's journey has been defined by a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. “I believe artists are the most profound agents of philosophical and cultural bravery necessary to make this world a more humane and habitable place for all,” Anne shared when discussing her motivations.

Our new Program Manager, Adia Sykes, arrives with experience as a Chicago-based arts organizer, administrator, and curator. Her passion for creating programs that provide direct support to artists is palpable in every conversation. During our conversation, Adia expressed how “Black feminism is a core part of [her] practice, [she] sees the importance of artists and creatives as integral to our collective liberation.” Her commitment to “tending to artists and their wellbeing, operationalizing anti-racism and equity, and practicing radical care” promises to infuse our programs with new energy and purpose.

Sara Slawnik steps into the role of Chief of Staff, bringing over a decade of strategic experience in supporting individual artists. Her background in development operations within arts nonprofits has given her a unique perspective on the impact of unrestricted funding. “I understand that those of us engaged in this work are most effective when our focus is both on the artists and in telling the story of what this kind of support can mean for our community and society at large,” Sara noted. Her strategic thinking and artist-centric approach will be crucial as we continue to refine and expand our programs.

The synergy between our new team members and our existing staff is perhaps the most rewarding part of this whole process. It's a blend of established wisdom and fresh insights, creating a dynamic environment where our work can grow. But, perhaps greatest of all, is being able to witness a collective of individuals who remain focused on improving conditions for artists. This collaborative spirit is not just enhancing our current programs; it's inspiring us to dream bigger and reach further, all while staying true to our core mission. As we embark on this new chapter, I'm filled with gratitude for our dedicated staff and excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead.