The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is proud to announce that Sarah Busman, Director of Community Engagement, has been selected to join the North Carolina Arts Council’s Accessibility Learning Cohort. As part of this appointment, Sarah has also been awarded a Technical Assistance grant to attend the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disabilities (LEAD) Conference, taking place Aug. 20–22, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The North Carolina Arts Council’s Accessibility Learning Cohort is a statewide initiative that brings together arts leaders committed to advancing inclusive and accessible practices within their organizations. The program includes monthly virtual sessions and specialized training designed to deepen cohort members’ understanding of physical, programmatic and communication accessibility in the arts.

“Sarah’s selection for this cohort is a reflection of her leadership and of the Arts Council’s broader commitment to equity, access, and community-centered engagement,” said Robert C. Pinson, President and CEO of the Arts Council, in a press release. “We are thrilled to see her represent our organization in this important statewide effort.”

In addition to participating in the LEAD Conference—an annual convening of more than 900 professionals from across the country—Sarah will join monthly cohort meetings through December 2025, with a final report due in early 2026. The program is delivered in partnership with Arts Access, North Carolina’s leading service organization for arts accessibility.

This appointment aligns with the Arts Council’s ongoing mission to ensure that all residents and visitors—regardless of ability—can meaningfully engage with the region’s creative offerings. It also reinforces Fayetteville’s standing as a leader in inclusive arts programming and public service.