Monday, October 19, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, Buffalo, NY 14214

As Erie County prepares to consider its 2027 budget, Arts Services Inc. is once again offering an advocacy workshop for arts and culture nonprofit organizations based in Erie County.

Led by ASI’s Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, the workshop will provide an overview of the Erie County budget process and the important dates, decisions, and opportunities for advocacy that organizations should be aware of as the 2027 budget moves forward.

We’ll talk through how organizations can navigate the process, identify advocacy opportunities, and assist leaders in building a case for new or increased investment in their organizations and the arts and culture sector as a whole. The goal is to provide practical information and support as organizations determine how they want to engage in the process.

Who should attend?

This workshop is recommended for arts and culture nonprofit leaders and staff at organizations based in Erie County, particularly:

  • Organizations seeking Erie County funding for the first time
  • Organizations seeking new or increased county support
  • Leaders and staff who are new to the county budget and advocacy process

Whether you’re participating in the county budget process for the first time or looking for a refresher, this workshop is an opportunity to better understand the process and prepare for the advocacy work ahead.

Workshop Details

  • Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
  • Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
  • Location: Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street, 1st Floor Conference Room, Buffalo, NY 14214

Parking and entrance are on Halbert Street, not Main Street.

Please register in advance so we can plan accordingly and make sure we’re able to accommodate the needs of your organization.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has yet to released the 2027 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 (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; New York Foundation for the Arts, NYS Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks & Recreation, Chautauqua Institute, 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 University. Outside of work, Jen supports community causes close to her heart, including animal rescue, civic engagement, and environmental support.