Page 25 - APAP - Inside Arts - Conference 2020

organization’s all-volunteer board. “As the only service organization
focused on agents, managers,
and self-represented artists, the organization has an important responsibility in shaping relationships and systems in
the field that are equitable and cognizant of the vital role played by artist representatives,” Patel says. “This can be done in many ways such as continued advocacy work; supporting and nurturing diverse voices and perspectives; helping improve communication systems; and providing training and resources so those working in these roles understand and adhere to ethical guidelines and respectful modes of operation, fostering greater respect.”
While evergreen issues such as taxation and visa restrictions require continued advocacy and outreach, the evolution of the field presents emerging opportunities for growth including efforts to address issues
of diversity, equity and inclusion. Green’s immediate priority is to focus on the “NA” part of NAPAMA by increasing its reach in Canada. The organization will have a presence at CAPACOA’s annual conference, and moving forward, Green sees similar opportunities in Mexico’s burgeoning performing arts sector.
“We tend to be an ambitious bunch of people, so we tend to take on more projects than we have time for,” Green says.
With a volunteer board of busy professionals, the challenge is finding the time to do it all. Looking forward, Green hopes NAPAMA can hire a full-time staffer to increase the organization’s capacity for leadership and influence in the future.
According to Spencer, the foundation has already been laid for the next 40 years.
“When I first became involved with NAPAMA, the organization was focused on solidifying our place and purpose in the performing arts industry,” Spencer says. “Today, we’ve become thought-leaders and influencers, advocating for our community of performing arts mangers, agents and self- represented artists.”
Clockwise from left: NAPAMA members on retreat; members with APAP President and CEO Mario Garcia Durham at APAP|NYC; Kevin Spencer in the EXPO Hall; a NAPAMA event in Mexico.
CONFERENCE 2020 INSIDE ARTS 23