The Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) recently accepted 28 new artists into its prestigious Kentucky Crafted program, an initiative that helps visual and craft artists to grow their creative enterprises. Among the goals of the program are: encouraging the production of superb art and craft products handmade in Kentucky; helping Kentucky visual and craft artists sell…
Collaborations between state arts agencies and state tourism bodies can help states promote their distinctive cultural assets and create synergies between the creative industries and the travel and hospitality sectors. These partnerships can help to enhance both economic and social vitality while also boosting visibility, audiences and revenues for local artists and cultural institutions. The Wisconsin…
As state governments seek to leverage the economic power of the arts, multiple state arts agencies (SAAs) have been selected to assist in leading strategic plans for their states’ creative economies. State policymakers are seeking to capitalize on the outsize role the creative economy plays in both economic value added and jobs created, with arts…
In 2022, New Jersey’s arts service organizations came together through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Communities of Practice initiative. Through these convenings, the group strategized ways to address important issues affecting the arts field—issues like fair pay, salary transparency, workforce retention and sector sustainability. An outgrowth of this collaborative work was ArtsPay…
State arts agencies seek to showcase the rich tapestry of culture that exists within each state. Highlighting cultural traditions not only educates the public about the depth and diversity of cultures present in the state but encourages cultural tourism and positive economic impact. For Florida, music resonates through much of the state’s history and cultural…
Arts and culture are essential drivers of community and economic development initiatives. They contribute to the creation of vibrant, sustainable communities that attract residents, visitors and businesses alike. The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) has long been invested in both the creative sector throughout the state and the success and sustainability of Indiana’s communities through arts…
State arts agencies (SAAs) and regional arts organizations (RAOs) have a strong desire to support the creative lives and occupations of their constituents as well as the health of any given creative industry. Programming and grants across Kansas and Wyoming, and a national jazz initiative led by South Arts, showcase the variety of strategies used…
The State of Oklahoma has enacted a landmark $10 million investment in the arts and cultural sector. H.B. 2941 appropriates American Rescue Plan Act funds to create a new Statewide Recovery Special Account that will be used by the Oklahoma Arts Council to fortify local economies through the arts and rebuild a stronger and more…
Capital grant programs provide large-dollar funding to support the physical infrastructure of arts and cultural institutions. As a uniquely impactful type of funding, capital improvement grants empower organizations to acquire capital equipment, renovate and restore existing buildings, expand accessibility offerings and construct new spaces to serve as community anchors. With a historic investment by Gov.…
Arts and cultural strategies have the potential to strengthen the social fabric of communities. In an effort to address community challenges as well as to encourage economic growth, the Georgia Council for the Arts launched the More than Murals Workshop. The pilot project was developed after noting the overwhelming response to a virtual workshop previously…