Who We Are
Learn about the history of AEP and our work, plus meet the AEP team.
Who We Are
The Arts Education Partnership is a national network of more than 200 organizations dedicated to advancing arts education. AEP has been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of Education since 1995 and is administered by Education Commission of the States.
AEP is the nation’s hub for arts and education leaders, building their leadership capacity to support students, educators and learning environments. Through research, reports, convenings and counsel, leaders gain knowledge and insights to ensure that all learners receive an excellent arts education.
History
The Arts Education Partnership (AEP) was established in 1995 through a unique interagency agreement between the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of Education, an agreement that has continued unabated since that year. The founding organizations continue to provide support and promote AEP as the nation’s hub for individuals and organizations committed to making high-quality arts education accessible to all U.S. students.
In 2015, the National Endowment for the Arts and the U.S. Department of Education selected Education Commission of the States to serve as the new host organization for AEP.
Click here to see a history of AEP milestones.
AEP Staff
Jamie Kasper
Director
As director of the Arts Education Partnership, Jamie works with over 100 partner organizations to support arts learning across the United States. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, Jamie worked for Arts Education Collaborative in Pittsburgh and was previously the state arts curriculum advisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Jamie is also an active musician who spends time on the weekends rehearsing or performing with various groups. Jamie can be reached at jkasper@ecs.org.
Mary Dell’Erba
Assistant Director
As assistant director for the Arts Education Partnership, Mary oversees the development of AEP research, reports and convenings. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, she worked in state arts education advocacy, leadership development and state government. Mary graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a Master’s in Public Policy and she participated in the 2021-2022 cohort of the D.C. Education Policy Fellowship Program. Her work at the intersection of the arts and education policy is grounded in her lifelong love of dance, music and theatre. Mary can be reached at mdellerba@ecs.org.
Krystal Johnson
Engagement Strategist
As the engagement strategist for the Arts Education Partnership, Krystal builds and maintains relationships with AEP’s partners and affiliates, contributes to AEP’s publications and provides support for AEP convenings. Krystal comes to Education Commission of the States with experience in education, legislative tracking and management. Krystal is dedicated to helping kids gain access to learning opportunities that match their learning styles; and she hopes to advance equity through her work in arts education policy. Krystal can be reached at kjohnson@ecs.org.
Daizha Brown
Policy Analyst
In her role as a policy analyst, Daizha provides relevant information on various education policy topics for state-level education leaders. Prior to joining the Arts Education Partnership, Daizha completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at Colorado State University where she gained experience in policy research and the nonprofit sector. In her own education journey, Daizha believes in creating equitable education policies to ensure all students in this country have a fair opportunity to pursue a comprehensive education. Daizha can be reached at dbrown@ecs.org.
Mitra Chamanbahar
Project Manager
As project manager for the Arts Education Partnership, Mitra collaborates and communicates with the AEP team and partners to promote high-quality arts education. Prior to joining AEP, Mitra worked as a Colorado licensed visual arts educator in elementary education settings. She is dedicated to critically developing students’ learning opportunities and equitable arts experiences. You can reach Mitra at mchamanbahar@ecs.org.
Brady Smith
Communications Strategist
As a communications strategist for Arts Education Partnership, Brady strives to share AEP’s passion and mission with its partners and affiliates. Brady comes to Education Commission of the States with marketing and communications experience in arts organizations. Brady is also a practicing visual artist who makes artwork exploring a myriad of mental health challenges. Brady can be reached at bsmith@ecs.org.
Caitlin Dennis
Senior Meeting and Events Specialist
As the senior meeting and events specialist, Caitlin supports the Convene Team in the planning and execution of all events. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, she worked at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association for over five years supporting their events and grant work. When Caitlin is not working, she can be found reading, baking or rooting for her beloved Colorado Rockies. Caitlin can be reached at cdennis@ecs.org.
