Ann S. Graham Honored with Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award

Americans for the Arts Annual Leadership Awards presented as part of Annual Convention + Public Art & Civic Design Conference

Friday, June 19, 2020

Ann S. Graham brings a strong set of leadership skills to her work as the Executive Director of Texans for the Arts and she has demonstrated a deep passion for the arts and the role that they play in building and strengthening our communities. 

National Arts Action Summit Goes Digital – Register Now!

Monday, April 13, 2020

Americans for the Arts presents a brand-new experience for arts advocates to engage virtually at the first ever National Arts Action Digital Summit with three plenary and ten issue-specific webinars live April 27 to May 1, 2020. 

Americans for the Arts Hosts Webinar on the CARES Act

Friday, April 10, 2020

On April 8, 2020, Americans for the Arts hosted a webinar titled “How the CARES Act Supports the Arts Sector” to discuss the recent COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress at the end of March. Americans for the Arts Government Affairs staff and valued guest speakers discussed the various pieces of the legislation that pertained to the arts sector.


Ms. Ruby Lopez Harper

Arts and Culture Sector Can Prepare for the Coronavirus in the United States

Posted by Ms. Ruby Lopez Harper, Mar 05, 2020


Ms. Ruby Lopez Harper

Like most of you, Americans for the Arts has been watching the breaking news about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and we are seeing inquiries coming in from the field and through our national service organization colleagues. While gathering and sharing pertinent information, we are also working to understand the long-term effect on arts and culture activities from performance to festivals, touring artists, and school field trips. We are monitoring responses and preparations and will share more information as it becomes available. You can help us and the nonprofit arts field by sharing with us how you are responding in the immediate and in the long-term. There is still much to learn about the outbreak, and we hope the following information assists you in preparation for both you and your loved ones, your organization, and your community. 

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Weekly Web Roundup: Feb. 17-21, 2020

Friday, February 21, 2020

This week, we look ahead at education policy trends for 2020—and how the arts intersect with them all! Plus, explore with us the role of State Arts Agencies and our State Arts Action Network in increased cultural funding at the state level. Catch up on all the week's news and analysis in the Weekly Web Roundup.


Mr. Jay H. Dick

A Strong Equation: How State Arts Advocacy Efforts are Paying Off!

Posted by Mr. Jay H. Dick, Feb 21, 2020


Mr. Jay H. Dick

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) recently published their FY 2020 State Arts Agency Revenues Report. By any measure, the report paints a very positive picture for state funding of the arts, with year-to-year appropriations increasing by more than 37% to a grand total of almost $495 million in total legislative appropriations. Because the economy is doing well, it stands to reason that SAA appropriations would be higher. While it is true that a strong economy makes increases more likely, a strong economy alone cannot explain this year’s massive increase. There in an interesting equation at work: If your state has a State Arts Agency that is engaged in thoughtful programming, a strong statewide arts advocacy organization, and advocates who are proactively engaged with your state’s existing political leadership, more funding/pro-arts policy are possible! 

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Mr. Jay H. Dick

Record State Investment in the Arts!

Posted by Mr. Jay H. Dick, Feb 12, 2020


Mr. Jay H. Dick

I was very happy to see the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) report on the status of state support for the arts and culture, specifically the amount of funds each state’s governor and legislature is providing to their state arts agency (SAA). According to the report, the 50 states and 6 territories appropriated almost $495 million for SAAs in FY2020. Total state appropriations increased by $134 million from FY 2019 to FY2020, a 37 percent year to year increase. This achievement was not realized in a vacuum, but because of the tireless work from people like you—arts advocates who have reached out to your state elected officials to let them know the importance of the arts and culture to your state. You have taken the great research provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts, and other organizations to make your case that the arts are good for business, employ millions of people, help our veterans, and give students a well-rounded education.

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Nominations for the 2020 Annual Leadership Awards are Now Open

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Americans for the Arts is accepting nominations of arts leaders for the 2020 Annual Leadership Awards, recognizing the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching their communities through the arts. Nominations close March 11, 2020. 

2019 Council Election: Vote For Advisory Council Members

Voting Closes November 15 at 5:00 PM EST

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Voting for Americans for the Arts' new advisory council members is open through November 15, 2019 at 5:00 PM ET. Voting is restricted to members of Americans for the Arts.

Arts Teachers Ask Legislature To Require Art Classes In Kentucky Schools

Monday, October 14, 2019

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State law currently only requires high schools to provide art classes — one credit — though many local school districts have arts requirements for elementary and middle schools. A group of arts educators called the Kentucky Coalition for Arts Education is pushing for the bill, called the Arts Education Equity Act, ahead of next year’s legislative session. A similar version of the bill was proposed but never received a hearing this year.


Cristyn Johnson

Welcome to National Arts & Humanities Month!

Posted by Cristyn Johnson, Oct 01, 2019


Cristyn Johnson

It’s officially October, which means National Arts and Humanities Month has arrived! We’re excited to have you with us for the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. NAHM is coast-to-coast recognition of the importance of arts and culture in the United States. Launched by Americans for the Arts more than 30 years ago as National Arts Week, this celebration began in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Endowment for the Arts and the tremendous work that they have done in every congressional district across the country. In 1993, the week was reestablished as a month-long celebration, and we want you to get involved! We’ve worked hard to make participating in NAHM easy for you. Read on for ways that you can be involved as an individual, an organization, or a community, including joining in our special NAHM events, and for inspiration from communities across the country that are celebrating. 

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

Americans Are Encouraged to Explore the Role of Arts in Their Communities

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

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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. During the month-long celebration, Americans for the Arts encourages people to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives. 

Americans for the Arts to Present Six Awards for Arts Leadership

Honorees to Be Recognized June 15 at Americans for the Arts’ Convention in Twin Cities, Minnesota

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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Americans for the Arts announced today the six recipients of the 2019 Americans for the Arts Leadership Awards. Given annually, these awards recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations committed to enriching their communities through the arts.

I have long valued my membership with Americans for the Arts. A couple of years ago, Bob Lynch came to Alaska for the National Lieutenant Governor's Association meeting, and we at the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) hosted a variety of community meetings and receptions with him during his visit.

Michael Orlove to Head State, Regional, and Local Partnerships at National Endowment for the Arts

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

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In addition to overseeing the state and regional portfolios and maintaining his work overseeing international activities of the Endowment, Orlove will also take over grantmaking portfolios related to local arts agencies.

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