In response to the release of the proposed 2026 Erie County budget, ASI’s Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick — joined by guest speakers from the Erie County Legislature — will share next steps for successful advocacy with Erie County arts organizations recommended for funding by the County Executive.

  • Date: Monday, October 20th 2025
  • Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Location: Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, Buffalo, NY 14214 (Entrance is on Halbert Street, not Main Street)

As the leader of arts advocacy in Erie County, Arts Services Inc. offers this advocacy workshop annually to all arts and cultural organizations within the county in response to the release of the proposed county budget. The workshop will be a walkthrough of the important events and dates that will occur before the final version of the budget is adopted. ASI will also provide advocacy tips for organizations seeking new or additional funding as well as tips for speaking at the public budget hearing. This workshop is considered essential for all new or first-time applicants who have applied for Erie County funding.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has yet to released the 2026 Proposed County Budget. Check back here for updates.

Meet the Presenter:

Jen Swan-Kilpatrick is the Executive Director of Arts Services Inc. (ASI). She represents ASI in state and national advocacy efforts, leading the organization’s strategic, financial, and programmatic work with vision and integrity. Under her leadership, ASI has continued to grow as a dynamic hub where the arts meet business.

Previously ASI’s Associate Director for seven years, Jen oversaw grant programs distributing over $500,000 to hundreds of artists and cultural organizations across Western New York. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit arts management, she blends grassroots creativity with organizational leadership to support a thriving, equitable arts sector.

Jen actively serves in leadership roles with ArtsNYS (Co-President), Cultural Alliance of Niagara (Secretary), and Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance. She is also an adjunct professor at Daemen University. A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jen has presented at events hosted by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), Chautauqua Institution, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and others across the state. This includes extensive panel work with the New York State Council on the Arts and regional organizations such as the Mid-Atlantic Foundation.

She was named Best Arts Administrator by Buffalo Spree in 2018 and holds an MA in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo and a BA in Communications from Buffalo State College. Outside of work, Jen supports community causes close to her heart, including animal rescue and environmental support.

Guest Speakers from the Erie County Legislature TBD