SPPA Notable Quotable: Andrew Recinos, President & CEO, Tessitura

“It is a challenging moment to be an American arts organization. At the same time, the SPPA data shows that the vast majority of Americans make room in their lives for arts experiences. This is incredibly encouraging news. Let it be a reminder that our work remains a crucial part of the fabric of American life.” — Andrew Recinos, Tessitura 

To mark the one-year anniversary of two NEA research reports about how Americans engaged with art during the COVID-19 pandemic, the NEA Office of Research & Analysis commissioned a series of thoughtful essays about the reports’ findings and implications—from the perspective of arts practitioners. The two surveys chronicle a historic phase of transition in our nation’s cultural life. These essays further explore these trends,  discuss what they mean for the future of the arts and—most important of all—share practical insights from a cross-section of the nation’s arts and cultural leaders. The essay from Tessitura President and CEO Andrew Recinos—"Decoding the Trend Busters: How Some Arts Organizations Are Increasing Participation as National Figures Decline" —looks at the commonalities between arts organizations who "buck the SPPA trends and increase participation."