NSU alumna Leea Russell discusses how arts education supports communities after natural disasters at national conference

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University alumna Leea Russell was among arts leaders and advocates who recently gathered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) Assembly, an event that underscored the power of the arts to connect and uplift communities across the nation. The Assembly brought together a dynamic mix of policy makers, state arts leaders and artists to share ideas, explore innovative programming and build strategies for advancing equity and accessibility in the arts.

Russell, the Louisiana Division of the Arts' Director of Arts Education and Accessibility, was part of a panel with representatives from Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The panelists shared insights into their unique experiences using arts education to support communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, highlighting the resilience and creativity that arts programs can inspire in times of recovery.

Russell, a 2006 graduate in theatre with a concentration in dance performance, discussed the response to the 2016 flood that affected southeast Louisiana and the response of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Ruge where she worked at the time.

"The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge launched "Creative Relief," a program I helped lead to support artists, distribute resources and provide arts programming in shelters." said Russell. "This initiative required extensive coordination, training and flexibility to address the diverse needs of shelter residents. Key lessons emerged, including the importance of adapting to unique community needs, supporting the mental health of staff and providing tailored programming. These insights later strengthened our response to Hurricane Ida, underscoring how crucial preparedness, community-centered approaches, and arts education are to the recovery process."

According to Russell, arts education played a role in helping communities recover after a natural disaster.

"Arts education provided emotional relief, supported learning and fostered social connections," said Russell.

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Northwestern State University alumna Leea Russell, the Louisiana Division of the Arts' Director of Arts Education and Accessibility, left, was part of a panel with representatives from Hawaii, and Puerto Rico at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) Assembly in San Juan Puerto Rico. Russell is with panelists, from left, Danica "Nikki" Rosengren, arts coordinator at theHawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Artsand Adelisa Gonzales-Lugo, executive director and lead educator of Fundación Cortésin Puerto Rico.