Designing Our Destiny

Throughout 2022, Americans for the Arts went through a Strategic Realignment Process to redefine our role as a service organization to the arts and culture field. The conversations we’ve had during this process have been enlightening and inspiring, and as we enter a new stage of growth, we’re proud to share the Designing Our Destiny platform for strategic planning and a transformative approach to our work in the new year.

Light blue graphic with white text that reads: Designing our Destiny. Swooping lines in orange and purple surround the text and form a star above the words: Americans for the Arts.

2023 Events Update

During 2022’s Strategic Realignment Process, we worked with members and other stakeholders to identify the specific and unique role of Americans for the Arts within the arts and culture community. While we continue to evaluate and evolve our offerings, here’s the latest update on some of our flagship events, including the National Arts Action Summit, Annual Convention, and the National Arts Marketing Project Conference.

View from the back of a ballroom filled with people sitting at tables who are listening to a speaker at 2022 Annual Convention.
Photo: 2022 Annual Convention, photo by EPNAC.com

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6

Centering equity and inclusion, Americans for the Arts is pleased to announce the launch of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Audiences in 395 participating communities representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia will provide responses to audience-intercept surveys at arts events beginning May 1, 2022.

Illustrated graphic of a pair of hands holding the earth on pink background, and Americans for the Arts and Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study logos. Text reads: Change the Conversation.

Threats to Free Artistic Expression

Jul 17, 2023

The 2023 State Legislative Session saw over 45 pieces of legislation in 18 states being introduced to regulate drag performances with several becoming law. Check out Americans for the Arts’ Threats to Free Artistic Expression Web Page where we track, link to other resources and provide context to the various pieces of legislation as it impacts the creative sector.

Right: Veranda L’Ni reads to families at the Cleveland Chapter of Drag Story Hour’s performance at the Near West Theatre.

A person sits in a red chair on a stage holding a book. They are in a purple dress with golden hair.
Photo: Amber Patrick, Near West Theatre.
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The Latest News
August 3, 2023
FY24 Appropriations Update
Legislative News

The amazing Congressional outreach efforts by arts advocates last helped produce the following in the FY’24 Senate Appropriations bills passed in the full committee mark-up last week:

A photo of a smiling person with medium length dark brown hair sits in the middle of a tan background.
August 2, 2023
AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS NAMES CARI ROMEU MOZUR TO NEW POSITION OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Americans for the Arts News

Nolen Bivens, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, announces the appointment of Cari Romeu Mozur to the newly created staff position of Senior Vice President of Relationship Development, effective today. In this new role, Romeu Mozur will oversee both strategic planning and the operational implementation of Americans for the Arts’ philanthropic mission, leading its membership and fundraising, as well as its earned revenue, with a focus on creating innovative and diverse models of support for the organization and its members.

Two people stand smiling in front of an art display. One wears a lei around their head and is accepting an award from the other.
July 25, 2023
Hawai’i County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz Receives the Public Leadership in the Arts Award
Americans for the Arts News

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) presented Hawai’i County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz of Hawai’i with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for her outstanding County A

July 21, 2023
Americans For the Arts Remembers Iconic Performer, Civil Rights Advocate, and Arts Education Leader Tony Bennett
Americans for the Arts News

Americans for the Arts mourns the passing of legendary entertainer Tony Bennett, who died on Friday, July 21, at the age of 96.