Details
NAEA invites proposals for presentations at the 2026 National Leadership Conference (NLC) taking place July 23–26, in Washington, DC (registration opens March 2026). This annual gathering brings together art education leaders from across the country—including state/provincial association leaders, Interest Group leaders, supervisors and administrators, and School for Art Leaders alumni—to engage in collaborative learning focused on advancing effective and innovative leadership in visual arts, design, and media arts education.
We welcome proposals sharing research, models, practices, and strategies to strengthen leadership capacity, support organizational excellence, and elevate the impact of arts education in schools and communities. We encourage YOU to share the good work of your state/provincial association or Interest Group with other leaders in attendance by submitting one or more presentation proposals for consideration.
2026 Conference Details:
July 23–July 26, 2026
Grand Hyatt 1000 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Registration opens March 2026
Conference Theme:
Art for All: Leadership and Advocacy
Presentation and Submission Details:
- Presentations are a total of 50 minutes each.
- 35-minute presentation and 15-minute collective Q and A
- Projection and audio will be provided; however, presenters must bring their own computers and adapters.
- Up to three presentations can be submitted per state or Interest Group.
- Up to two presentations can be submitted per member.
Presentation Topics:
Please submit a presentation proposal for one of the following three presentation topic areas while incorporating one or more of the NAEA Core Values.
1. Leading for Impact: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Art Education Programs
Sessions in this strand focus on actionable practices that strengthen organizational systems and advance inclusive art education. Presentations should address ways to cultivate courageous, equity-centered leadership; design programs that welcome and support all learners; and build long-term sustainability. Topics may include inclusive strategic planning, equitable resource development, curriculum leadership that reflects diverse voices and needs, community partnerships expanding support for marginalized learners, and models that meaningfully increase access to high-quality art education for every student.
2. Cultivating and Empowering Emerging Leaders in Art Education
This topic area supports the development of future leaders by highlighting innovative mentorship structures, leadership pipeline models, peer-led initiatives, and strategies to uplift teacher voice. Presentations may explore fostering inclusive leadership cultures, succession planning, or state association leadership development.
3. Strategic Advocacy: Leveraging Data, Storytelling, and Partnerships to Elevate the Visual Arts
Sessions focus on equipping leaders with research, tools, and strategies to communicate the value of visual arts education. Topics may include policy navigation, using data for decision making, building cross-sector partnerships, community engagement, and effective public storytelling.
- Creativity – A driving energy for our work
- Interconnectivity – Together, we can
- Inclusivity – Fostering a welcoming community
- Ingenuity – We are all growing as leaders
- Responsibility – Taking care of our communities and ourselves
Presentation Submission Requirements:
- Title (15-word limit)
- Statement of Purpose (100-word limit): Please provide the purpose of your proposed presentation as relates to the chosen topic area and core values. Please provide two or more clearly defined learning outcomes participants will gain.
- Organization of Content (100-word limit): Please provide an outline of the organization and format of the proposed presentation.
- Program Description (100-word limit): Please provide a program description of the proposed presentation written with participants as the reading audience.
Submission deadline: February 20, 2026, at 11:59pm ET
Acceptance notifications will be shared on or before April 20.
Questions? Contact Laura Grundler at lgrundler@arteducators.org.