Jun 06, 2022
Report cover with text that reads: The American Rescue Plan Act, Promoting Equity through ARPA Implementation. The United States Conference of Mayors, June 2022.

In collaboration with The Kresge Foundation, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released a new report, “Promoting Equity through ARPA Implementation,” which documents 20 city case studies and details how mayors are using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to invest in underserved populations and address the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on low and moderate-income people and communities of color.

May 26, 2022
Multi-colored line drawing of a person crouching and reaching out to a dog that stands on its hind legs. Below are logos for Corel and Americans for the Arts. Text reads: In a divided world, here’s one way you can Draw Us Together.

#DrawUsTogether is an innovative new global initiative created by Corel designed to flood social media with follow-worthy creations that spread joy and give people a sense of unity. For every piece of unique artwork shared using the #DrawUsTogether hashtag, Corel will donate $1 up to $50,000 to Americans for the Arts.

Apr 25, 2022
Bird's eye view of a city street with a colorfully painted striped mural on the median where people stand and walk bikes.

Can art improve roadway safety? A new report examines the impact of art in the streetscape by comparing historical crash rates and real-time behavior of motorists and pedestrians at 22 “asphalt art” sites before and after the projects were installed, with illuminating results.

Apr 14, 2022
National Endowment for the Arts logo

Today, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) joined more than 90 federal agencies in releasing an Equity Action Plan in accordance with President Biden’s Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The order outlines a whole-of-government mandate to advance equity for all Americans through a comprehensive approach to all government practices.

Apr 12, 2022
People look and point at a large colorful mural painted to resemble a neighborhood street map.

The American Planning Association recently announced the formation of a new Division focusing on the intersection of the arts and planning to provide a unique opportunity for artists and culture bearers to achieve more effective engagement between the two disciplines, as well as a stronger platform to influence the planning profession within the American Planning Association and beyond.

Mar 29, 2022
Tall ionic marble columns in the foreground of a photo of a multi-story interior courtyard space with a spouting fountain. Visible in the background are arches lining the walls and a matching set of marble columns.

The public comment period aims to better understand how the Art in Architecture program can promote the goals articulated in a January 2021 Executive Order signed by President Biden, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,” as well as promoting civic engagement and participation and democratic values, and advancing social ties and economic development at the community level. 

Mar 24, 2022
Graffiti style mural painted on a brick wall showing a nurse in traditional white uniform and a white mask with a heartbeat graph behind them and COVID-19 above them.

For the first time since the post-Great Recession period, the year-over-year value add of arts and culture production declined in 2020, from $930 billion in 2019 to an estimated $877 billion in 2020. Even with that decline, however, the economic impact of the creative sector is significant: the sector represented 4.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 and supported 4.6 million wage and salary workers.

Feb 17, 2022
The American Rescue Plan logo

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides $350 billion to mitigate economic harm from the COVID-19 pandemic. Three of Americans for the Arts’ partner organizations have created online trackers that provide concrete examples of how governments are using ARPA funds to support the arts and culture.

Dec 10, 2021
Two photos of people wearing a red floral scarf and a blue and black mandala scarf.

Renowned contemporary artist and Americans for the Arts Artists Committee member Shepard Fairey has designed two natural fiber scarves, ‘Floral Takeover’ (red) and ‘Lotus Diamond’ (blue), with proceeds benefitting Americans for the Arts. Shepard and his wife Amanda collaborated with their friend Julie Gardner of Obscura Designs to produce these natural fiber scarves that can be either hung as art or worn.

Dec 09, 2021
Cover of a report titled "Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies" by Bloomberg Associates.

Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies summarizes findings from extensive sector research and an in-depth analysis of data practices of 15 local arts agencies across the country. Through best practices and case studies, the guide aims to help city arts leaders use data to show measurable impact, identify priority policy areas, and promote access to the arts across communities.

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