2026 NAEA National Leadership Conference

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) invites state and provincial association leaders, Interest Group leaders, supervisors and administrators, and School for Art Leaders participants and alumni to gather for the 2026 National Leadership Conference (NLC), held July 23-26 in Washington, DC. This annual convening brings together art education leaders from across the country for collaborative learning, connection, and dialogue focused on strengthening effective, responsive, and innovative leadership in visual arts, design, and media arts education. The conference will center learning across three interconnected focus areas: Leading for Impact, Cultivating and Empowering Emerging Leaders, and Strategic Advocacy. These learning experiences are designed to empower art education leaders to lead with purpose; build sustainable systems; and advocate effectively for equitable access to visual arts, design, and media arts education nationwide.