Supporting Access, Equity & Arts Participation

My work as a researcher and advocate centers on expanding access to the arts, improving arts education, and creating more equitable cultural systems. I believe that thoughtful, community-informed storytelling—and the data that supports it—can shape better policies, stronger institutions, and deeper connections between people and the arts.

Past Research & Policy Work

As a Government Affairs and Arts Education Fellow at Americans for the Arts, I contributed to national advocacy efforts supporting federal arts education funding. My research focused on the Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination (AEMDD) and Professional Development for Arts Educators (PDAE) programs. I created legislative toolkits and briefings to support congressional engagement with arts policy.

At the University of Bologna and Carnegie Mellon University, my graduate work explored cultural policy, organizational behavior, and innovation in arts management. I have also contributed research and strategy for small arts organizations and cultural festivals.

Areas of Focus

• Arts accessibility and equity
  
• Cultural policy and funding
  
• Education and workforce development in the arts
  
• Community engagement and participation
  
• International models for arts education
  
  

Research

CULTURE: What it means to us

Ben Wheeler Foundation, the University of Bologna, and Americans for the Arts

An advocacy tool created as a collaborative independent research project for illuminating culture’s relative value in our lives. 

The Role of Social Networks in Innovations of K-12 Education through the Arts

University of Bologna Department of Economics/Americans for the Arts 2011 – Dr. Cristina Boari (UNIBO) and Narric Rome (Americans for the Arts)

The Arts in Education federal grant program strives to innovate and improve the American secondary and post-secondary education system through the arts, but is falling short of its goal due to the shortcomings of the network supporting these projects, and has subsequently limited the exchange, growth and sustainability of these innovations to rise to a scale that can significantly impact the American education system.
 

What role can arts education play in enhancing the effectiveness of the American education system

Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon 2010 Independent Study – Professor David Deming

Policy one-sheet with legislative recommendations focusing on improving national data collection and research in arts education as a measurable and low-cost first step toward increased accountability for arts as a core subject.
 

Good comes from Good – Arts Bridging California Communities

Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon 2010 Independent Study – Professor David Dombrosky

Policy one-sheet with legislative recommendations regarding inequitable access to cultural resources in rural communities in California compared to metropolitan areas. 

On Broadway: Art and Commerce on the Great White Way

UC San Diego 2001/2003, Steven Adler, Director of Theatre

Provided research assistance on the history and changing demographics of Broadway audiences to Steven Adler, author of On Broadway: Art and Commerce on the Great White Way.