About TAAC
The Association of American Cultures, TAAC, was founded in 1985 to provide leadership in achieving equal participation in policymaking, equitable funding for all cultural institutions, an elevation in multicultural leadership and essential networks that impact cultural policies.
TAAC was created by a resolution of participants of Open Dialogue II. Open Dialogue II was the second national meeting ever held in the United States of artists and arts managers of color. Participants represented all arts disciplines and all ethnically specific/minority communities. The resolution asked for the creation of a national arts service organization whose purpose would be to continue convening the Open Dialogue and to act as an advocate for the support of artists and arts organizations who were concerned with the preservation of their culturally specific identities through the arts.
TAAC Mission
TAAC convenes artists and cultural workers that are reflective of our pluralistic society to inform and advocate for democratic cultural policy.
TAAC Vision
TAAC’s leadership is instrumental in achieving:
- Equal participation in policymaking
- Equitable funding for all cultural institutions
- Elevation in multicultural leadership
- Essential networks that impact cultural policy
Core Values
In fulfilling its mission and vision, TAAC:
- Respects the integrity of the diversity of cultural expression
- Believes in the inclusiveness of all artists and cultural workers in the arts/culture policy dialogue
- Advocates for recognition and equality of cultural worldviews within their historical context
- Embraces principles of cultural democracy that support practices reflecting diverse creative visions of excellence and open dialogue
Louis Leroy
TAAC Founder
August 18th, 1941—November 26th, 2007
"Somewhere in your history, you must have had a dream. Why else would you do this kind of work? You can't do it for the money, there's no money in it. It's a lot of headache, and a lot of suffering so you must've gotten in here because you had a very romantic vision of how you wanted the world to look. Well, my job is to tell you that I think that we can actually create that world. The work that you're doing is vital to the national interest; it's vital to the spirit of this country."
— Bill Strickland, Pittsburgh ODX 2005
TAAC Board of Directors
- Chair: Shirley K Sneve
Native American Public Telecommunications - Vice-Chair: John L "Mo" Moore, III
JOMA Arts&Consulting, LLC - Treasurer: Mayumi Tsutakawa
Washington State Arts Commission - Secretary: Jennifer Armstrong
Illinois Arts Council
- Deborah Bunting
Nebraska Arts Council - Amanda Ault
Associate Director, Southern Exposure - Mitch Menchaca
Arizona Commission on the Arts - James Early
Cultural Heritage Policy
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Smithsonian Institute
TAAC has sponsored eleven Biennial Open Dialogues to address issues of cultural diversity in the arts.
Who TAAC Serves
The originating focus of the organization was to provide services to people of color in America; specifically, African-Americans, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans. The organization has evolved to recognize the importance of including representatives of all ethnic cultures, in the Dialogue. TAAC supports the idea that America is a country of immigrants to the New World. We appreciate our Native-American brothers and sisters for allowing us entree to their America. It is important that we all remember our ancestors and the traditions and beliefs that guided their lives. One can be a good American and simultaneously be proud of their ethnic origin, its customs, music, art and spiritual beliefs.
Advocacy
TAAC monitors national legislation which may have an impact on its constituency. Its FAX alert broadcast system can inform members within hours of important activity in Washington, DC (paid by membership dues). TAAC participates annually in National Advocacy Day, visiting Congressional offices and providing information on the needs of culturally specific artists and arts organizations. Additionally, TAAC is represented at meetings called by the NEA Chair and those of other arts service organizations in the United States whose purpose it is to inform public policy issues.
National Mailing List
A national database of individuals and organizations of color, and others committed to cultural diversity in the arts has been compiled. This mailing list is constantly updated and is the country's best source for contacting culturally diverse artists and organizations.
Membership
TAAC draws its strength from its members. If you are in support of the preservation of culturally specific ethnic identity through the arts in America, please fill out the form, make out a check and join this movement toward self affirmation for all Americans.
Administration
Contact Shirley Sneve, TAAC Chair, at 1635 South 15th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502. The telephone number is (402) 472-0208, or reach us via e-mail at TAACultures@gmail.com