The most recent data indicates that the economic value (in inflation-adjusted dollars) added by arts and culture industries has more than doubled over the past 25 years. Moreover, over the past five years, all states experienced increases in the value added from the creative economy. Supporting artists and creatives, who form the bedrock of a…
Creative districts are a powerful strategy for encouraging place based economic activity and community development, and 17 state arts agencies currently run cultural district programs that oversee more than 400 individual districts. To assist cultural district and creative development managers in running their districts, the Idaho Commission on the Arts (Arts Idaho), Nebraska Arts Council…
State arts agencies employ a variety of strategies to support the work of individual artists. The most visible artist grant programs are often fellowships, which are generally awarded to accomplished artists and provide unrestricted funding. However, state arts agencies seek to support all practicing artists and do so through a combination of networking opportunities, project…
The arts and arts education play an important role in supporting both students and educators in school environments, with research showing that the arts can bolster student achievement, support effective instruction, and improve school culture and community engagement (learn more). Recognizing the power that arts education holds for all in the education ecosystem, the Indiana…
Musician Damian Rodriguez features in this mini-documentary film as part of the Mexican Music Project with Idaho Commission on the Arts. Video courtesy Idaho Commission on the Arts The Idaho Commission on the Arts (ICA) is dedicated to creating meaningful, authentic relationships with traditional arts communities across Idaho. As part of this drive, the…
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented arts organizations with unprecedented financial challenges. Their primary sources of income—program earnings and contributions—are likely strained or delayed, and their ability to fundraise has been limited. ArtsWA, the Idaho Commission on the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission recently partnered to present a webinar, Creative Borrowing for Your COVID-19 Comeback, that discussed how nonprofit organizations can…
A partnership of the Idaho Commission for the Arts (ICA) and the Idaho State Department of Education, the Arts Powered Schools Summer Institute convenes K-8 teachers, school administrators and members of ICA’s directory of teaching artists for a week-long exploration of connections between arts learning and other core curricula. Engaging a community of colleagues, participants…
The Idaho Commission on the Arts (ICA), like 28 other state arts agencies, fosters creative writing through an individual artist fellowship grant program. ICA also honors outstanding writers with the public recognition, responsibilities and financial support of its Idaho Writer in Residence program. The three-year writer in residence post, which is the state’s most prestigious…
State arts agencies are always thinking about how best to communicate with the many constituencies they serve—including artists, legislators, other state officials and taxpayers. Developing and disseminating publications, such as annual reports, strategic plans and performance evaluations, can engender particular communication challenges. Lately, NASAA has noticed interesting examples of how state arts agencies have packaged…
Methamphetamine abuse—and its related social, health and law enforcement costs—is a serious challenge in Idaho. The Idaho Commission on the Arts (ICA) collaborated with the Idaho Meth Project last year to help the state combat this problem. As part of an aggressive statewide campaign to raise youth awareness about the dangers of meth, the Idaho…
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