1. Introduction
Research approach
Report overview
2. At arms-length
SAAS governance structure and decisionmaking processes
Advocacy
Insulation or isolation?
3. Catalysts for change
Budgetary trends
Political developments
4. Making the case for the arts in Montana
Brief history of the Montana Arts Council
Montana's new strategy : marketing the arts and the agency
5. New priorities for public arts funding in Maine
Brief history of the Maine Arts Commission
Maine's strategy : strengthening communities, strengthening alliances
6. Strategic management of state arts agencies
Public-value framework
Lessons from Montana and Maine
Relevance of lessons to other states
Arm in arm with state government leaders?
7. At arms-length
but dancing
Risks of arm-in-arm approaches
Rewards of arm-in-arm approaches
Appendix A. Some facts about state arts agencies
Appendix B. Montana Arts Council's listening tour.