As state legislative sessions move forward, policymakers will need to know how state arts funds are spent and what the return on their investment is. A number of state arts agencies have recently published impact reports that answer such questions. Browse the below to glean ideas for communicating about the importance of state arts agency…
Access to the arts is essential for creating vibrant and engaged communities in our nation’s rural areas and small towns. In addition to providing cultural enrichment, arts activities can also offer economic benefits for the communities hosting them. By drawing visitors, these events can help boost local businesses and support the local economy. However, access…
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…
COVID-19 continues to have an adverse impact on students, families, educators, and school communities across the nation. Recent studies suggest that suspension of face-to-face instruction in schools during the pandemic led to learning loss, with the effects on students of color and kids from low income families being especially pronounced. Educators and health experts also…
Washing hands. Social distancing. Wearing masks. Self-care. Loving and thanking community. Getting vaccinated. These are all parts of public health messaging that evolved over the past 12 months. The Art of Community: Rural SC, a creative community development initiative of the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC), prioritized its efforts in creativity + public health as…
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included $75 million in COVID-19 relief funds to be distributed through the National Endowment for the Arts. To achieve broad and inclusive access to federal funds, Congress requires 40% of the Arts Endowment’s grant budget to be allocated to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations—a…
One way state arts agencies can foster the capacity of arts leaders and arts organizations is by harnessing the power of cohort learning. This approach—based on the active and interactive dynamics of group learning—fosters community, creativity and leadership skills as a pedagogical strategy. In this way, cohort learning facilitates ongoing supportive relationships that both reinforce…
Recognizing the scarcity of investment capital available for motivated artists and creative ventures, the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) and CommunityWorks, a local community development group that strengthens the financial infrastructure of underserved areas, have launched a program to capitalize cultural entrepreneurship. Through the $1.5 million ArtsGrowSC program, SCAC and CommunityWorks are offering a savings incentive program, Artist Ventures…
The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) has a new pilot program advancing rural development through the arts, culture and creative place making. With financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency, The Art of Community: Rural S.C. will facilitate community-led planning and projects in six rural, underserved counties designated as a Promise…
South Arts has kicked off a pilot program to help expand opportunities for performing arts presenters and grow the performing arts field in its nine member states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Through its Launchpad initiative, the regional arts organization is providing mentorships and other professional development services to…
1 / 2