The 250th anniversary of American independence occurs in 2026, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past and chart a course toward the future. State arts agencies across the nation are marking the occasion with America 250 initiatives that celebrate democracy through the arts and culture. This month we share projects from Utah…
The Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) has facilitated efforts to develop and implement curriculum modules that educate Utah students and teachers about the state’s tribes through the arts. Relying on their well-established relationship with Brigham Young University (BYU), UA&M advocated for and financially supported the BYU ARTS Partnership as they launched the Native…
NASAA, in partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, granted nearly $1.5 million to 36 state arts agencies (SAAs) to support creative aging initiatives. The wide variety of programming across all 36 SAAs acknowledged the impactful role arts and creativity can play in supporting a higher quality of life and healthier living for older adults. Two grantees,…
While a variety of national surveys are attempting to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the arts, many state arts agencies are conducting state level research to get an early read on the economic impact of the pandemic. Such surveys are being used to inform policy dialogues with state elected officials as well as to…
According to the results of a pilot social impact study that the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) is conducting, museum visitation is correlated with statistically significant increases in health and well-being, intercultural competence, strengthened relationships, and continued education and engagement. UA&M undertook this project with Thanksgiving Point—a nonprofit farm, garden and museum complex…
Inspired by how the musical Hamilton has spurred interest in American history and the promise of democracy, the New Nation Project is a multipart effort of the Utah Department of Heritage & Arts and its six divisions, including the Division of Arts & Museums, to engage students and citizens in civic and cultural life through…
Utah Arts & Museums (UAM), like many state arts agencies, supports visual artists by organizing and hosting juried art exhibitions. Art in Your Home is an adjunct program UAM created in 2014 when it faced the dilemma of deciding what to do with a collection of unclaimed artwork it had amassed over the years. UAM…
Thanks to the Utah legislature, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums has a new mechanism and source of funding to foster arts development throughout the state. Recently enacted legislation creates the Arts and Culture Business Alliance, which will support the construction or improvement of arts facilities, encourage the professional development of artists, and increase…
In a state whose population is as far-flung as Utah’s, how can a small arts agency connect with its many constituents in a meaningful way? Enter Bite-Sized Poetry, an initiative of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums (UDAM) whereby Utah poets recited short poems (one minute or less) each month that were broadcast to…
Many state arts agencies provide documentation about their grant outlays, but articulating the impact of nongrant programs, such as training and technical assistance, can be more challenging. To address this issue, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums recently released a report about its Change Leader program. Formatted as a concise brochure, the document features:…
1 / 2