500+ Arts Advocates from 48 States Convene for National Arts Action Summit March 28–30

Consolidating Pro-Arts Legislative Gains for Artists, Virtual Summit Will Focus on Annual Appropriations Process, Creative Workforce Bills Currently Under Consideration by Congress

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Outline of U.S. Capitol dome with dark blue letters underneath that read, National Arts Action Summit
Category: 

Americans for the Arts will convene more than 500 grassroots advocates from across the country for the annual National Arts Action Summit, held March 28–30. In 2022, the arts sector faces new advocacy and legislative challenges. Over the last 12 months, more pro-arts bills have been introduced in Congress than ever before in U.S. history. Through shared leadership and by presenting a thoughtful, unified message, advocates can ensure their voice is heard by decisionmakers when Congress considers issues like the budget, creative economy, and job creation throughout the year.

Nominations Open for the 2022 Annual Leadership Awards

Monday, March 14, 2022

Close up photo of the leadership award, a clear glass square with half of the blue Americans for the Arts star, being held by a person in a yellow cardigan.

Americans for the Arts is now accepting nominations of arts leaders from your community for the 2022 Annual Leadership Awards. The deadline to nominate an arts leader for the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award, the American Express Emerging Leader Award, and the Selina Roberts Ottum Award is Friday, April 8.

Registration Now Open for Annual Convention 2022 in Washington, D.C. and Online

Emerge, Converge, and Progress Through Arts, Culture, and Creativity

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Illustrated graphic with bold colorful patterns, floral accents, and the Americans for the Arts logo. Text reads "2022 Annual Convention, Washington, D.C., May 18-20."

Registration is now open for the 2022 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention! A live, in-person event will be held May 18-20 in Washington, D.C., and recorded content from the live event will be made available for a fee in a limited time digital on-demand format in June 2022. To maintain health and safety protocols, there is a firm registration deadline of May 2, 2022, to attend the in-person event. 


David Andersson

Painting By Numbers: How Cities Can Use Data to Support the Arts

Posted by David Andersson, Feb 25, 2022


David Andersson

Although cities increasingly rely on data to help shape policy and identify service gaps, there is often skepticism from both the creative sector and government about whether metrics can meaningfully capture the impact of the arts. In a field where variety of creative expression is fundamental, how do you count what really counts? For cities that recognize their artists and cultural institutions as a critical part of the economy and essential to quality of life for residents, arts data can be a powerful tool to advocate for culture alongside other city services. Data can also help city leaders understand who is and isn’t being served by government arts dollars and expand access to arts experiences in every community. Through best practices and case studies, Arts Data in the Public Sector: Strategies for Local Arts Agencies aims to help arts agencies and city leaders show measurable impact, identify priority policy areas, and establish more equitable and inclusive practices to promote access to the arts across communities.

Read More

American Rescue Plan Funding Trackers Identify Arts and Culture Spending

Thursday, February 17, 2022

The American Rescue Plan logo
Category: 

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.

Registration Open for the 2022 National Arts Action Summit

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

National Arts Action Summit logo

Arts advocates from across the United States will gather virtually March 28-30, 2022, for the National Arts Action Summit, now in its 35th consecutive year. This year, for the first time, there will be no registration fee to attend the National Arts Action Summit for both individuals and partner organizations.

Americans for the Arts Now Accepting Nominations for Public Leadership in the Arts Awards

Nominating Your Elected Official Advances and Supports the Arts in Your Community

Monday, February 14, 2022

A dark red, fluted glass bowl with black and beige streaks going horizontally through the exterior center, sitting atop a black marble base

Americans for the Arts is now accepting nominations for the Public Leadership in the Arts Awards. These annual awards honor elected officials for their consistent and outstanding support and promotion of the arts as key to advancing equity, uniting communities, preserving culture, and boosting the economy.

Congressional Arts Champions Boost Creative Economy Policy with Seven New Bills

Friday, February 4, 2022

Image of seven colorful puzzle pieces fitted together under the header "Federal Creative Economy Legislation"
Category: 

There is now more pro-creative economy legislation being considered by Congress than at any other point in U.S. history. In the last several months arts advocates have been working with members of Congress to introduce an historic lineup of pro-arts legislation that map a new, more equitable and impactful policy landscape for creative businesses and workers.

Increasing Access and Opening the Submission Process for Annual Convention

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Americans for the Arts logo

Americans for the Arts’ 2022 Annual Convention will take place May 18-20, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The event will be simplified, shorter, and more accessible, and the public may participate in a more open and equitable session submission process through Feb. 15, 2022.

Americans for the Arts Welcomes Consultants to Strategic Realignment Process

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Americans for the Arts logo

After six months of hearing candid feedback from the field and internal planning, Americans for the Arts is set to begin the next phase of the Strategic Realignment Process toward redefining its unique role as a service organization to the arts and culture field and the public good. The organization has engaged the services of three consulting organizations to support the process: Arts Consulting Group, The Hewlin Group, and Hope Nation.

New Guide Shares Arts Data Best Practices for Cities

Thursday, December 9, 2021

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

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.

Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Applications Now Open!

Friday, December 3, 2021

A photo of former Diversity in Arts Leadership interns and the text "Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program, a paid summer internship for undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in arts leadership."

Americans for the Arts and its national partners are excited to announce that applications for the Diversity in Arts Leadership (DIAL) internship program are now open! Summer 2022 will mark the 30th year of the DIAL program, and host sites have expanded once again to six national locations: New York City, New Jersey, Nashville, Boston, Sarasota (FL), and Raleigh/Wake County (NC). The deadline for applications is January 14, 2022.

NEA Announces American Rescue Plan Grants to Local Arts Agencies

Thursday, November 18, 2021

A graphic of a city block with several arts-based buidlings. Below the graphic reads 'The National Endowment for the Arts', and next to that reads 'American Rescue Plan'
Category: 

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) today announced American Rescue Plan (ARP) grants totaling $20,200,000 to 66 local arts agencies for subgranting to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic.

Arts Education for All Act Introduced

A first-ever arts education bill introduced in Congress

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Smiling person with short brown hair wearing a red blazer, posed in front of an American flag.
Category: 

The Arts Education for All Act, the broadest arts education policy bill ever introduced in Congress, includes key provisions that will support and encourage the offering of arts education and programming experiences to Americans including our youngest learners, K-12 students, and youth impacted by the juvenile justice system; and would allow for rigorous arts and arts education research to be carried out to further inform how elementary and secondary education in our country can be improved.

White House Releases Proclamation on National Arts & Humanities Month

Monday, October 4, 2021

The White House logo
Category: 

For the first time since 2016, the White House has released a proclamation declaring October as National Arts & Humanities Month. In the proclamation, President Joe Biden cites the economic, health, educational, and community benefits of the arts and humanities.

Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month with Americans for the Arts in October

Americans Are Encouraged to Explore the Arts in Their Communities

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

A grid of images showing artworks and cultural experiences plus the National Arts & Humanities Month logo
Category: 

Americans for the Arts today announced its October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. The arts and humanities have played a critically important role during the COVID-19 pandemic and in amplifying the need for racial equity across the country. National Arts and Humanities Month is the time for communities to come together in unified celebration of the power of the arts to make a difference and change our lives for the better.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - North Carolina