In this column, I have shined a light on startups, founders and the plights of Nevada’s small business, and I’ve featured businesses from around the world. This month, I want to focus on a true Nevada original that has supported our state’s creativity, heritage, economic development and community engagement since 1967—the Nevada Arts Council.
State statute dictates that the agency expand educational opportunities, economic vitality and public welfare through the arts for Nevadans. It has been key in helping artists and arts nonprofits maintain their pursuit of art with creativity, diversity and business acumen.
I had the pleasure of interviewing an old friend, Tony Manfredi, the NAC’s executive director. Nearly 25 years ago, we both worked for a major fashion-watch brand here in Reno. He was the marketing director, and I was the director of national corporate sales. I’m not a corporate guy, but a buddy recommended me to come in and turn around a flailing division of the company. It was a cool challenge. Tony and I became quick friends; we were both new to the company and charged with monumental tasks to expand it. I got a project from Pixar to build limited-edition watches for former chief creative officer John Lasseter and The Incredibles crew, and Tony helped with the creative design and details. We got a behind-the-scenes tour of Pixar while we were there to seal the contract. It was awesome.
Since 2017, Tony has been leading the NAC through many changes, not the least of which was the pandemic—which was disastrous to Nevada artists, organizations, students, galleries, kids and seniors. The agency implemented creative online teaching programs, relief grants and online engagement to metro and rural communities statewide.
The NAC oversees six programs—Artist Services, Arts Learning, Community Arts Development, Folklife, Grants and Public Initiatives. It provides grant funding and professional development opportunities to artists, educators, cultural organizations and schools.
The organization is funded through several mechanisms, including the hotel room tax, the state’s general fund, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and private funds. The Nevada Legislature has approved a $4.1 million budget for the NAC for 2026 and $3.9 million for 2027.
A staff of 13 operates on an 18% admin budget. That is a fantastic number for efficiency; many so-called nonprofits have 40 to 80% overhead admin costs. The remaining 82% of the budget is divided into grant funding (58%) and programs (24%).
The NEA has been a key partner for the NAC, providing about $937,000 annually, or 23% of the agency’s revenue. There is currently a push in Congress and by the president to defund the arts.
The largest share of the NAC budget, 35%, comes from state hotel-room tax revenues. The economic return on that public investment is significant. For example, during the 2023-2025 timeframe, NAC awarded $5 million in grant funds for projects that served more than 4.5 million people, with verified economic activity of more than $280 million. That, too, is incredible. I always say, in biz, for every dollar we accept, we should create 10 to 20 times that in ROI. The NAC blows that stat away. I may not agree with every piece of artistic output the NAC funds, but I agree that its impact is undeniable and necessary.
Tony has a background as an artist. He does not take his role as the chief steward of the state’s art initiatives lightly, and his dedication to making Nevada a better place through art is apparent and unwavering. He and his team are empowering artists and organizations, giving them a voice and helping them with business skills, while also encouraging non-artists to explore and experiment with their creativity.
Is there controversy in art? Sure, there is, and there always has been; one person’s perception of art and deep thought are perceived by others as garbage. According to Manfredi, all NAC grant applications go through incredible scrutiny. All new programs need to be explained and justified. The grant programs also need to pass through public review and an independent board whose members are selected by the governor. Current board members have been appointed by Govs. Sandoval, Sisolak and Lombardo.
Non-compliant grantees must return misused funds and face a minimum two-year ineligibility period. There is no free ride, ever.
I bring this vetting process up, because there are folks who want to label various art initiatives as lewd or worse, but the state of Nevada and NAC actually have rules and regulations prohibiting the funding of projects of a prurient nature. So, delve into the programs, and educate yourself, whether you’re an artist, critic, collector or simply an interested taxpayer. Then ask the NAC team your questions, and give them your opinions, comments and critiques. But let’s all be civil, thoughtful and respectful while engaging.
So, what’s the big takeaway? There are many. This organization has helped thousands of artists and organizations. The NAC sponsors festivals, concerts, exhibits and art in libraries, among other programs and events all over the state. They may be able to help you, too.
They’ve sponsored the statewide high school Poetry Out Loud competitions, the Folklife Community Grants and more. NAC “Rich in Art” license plates help fund K-12 grant programs. NAC has helped older adults gain confidence and hope through art via its workshops in senior-living facilities. They’ve helped kids pursue various artistic endeavors. The influence across the rural communities and in members of Nevada tribal nations is significant.
The partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts are currently up in the air, but Manfredi is hopeful, yet also preparing for much less federal support. He has learned how to guide this important state agency through past crises, and that hopefully prepared him for whatever lies ahead.
We can all do our part and support the arts, in all of their various forms, and in whatever art subject you find your happiness. Whether it’s advocating for continued public funding for NAC or buying a painting from the coffee shop, we can all do our part to keep the business of art thriving in Nevada.