More than 40 states and jurisdictions have appointed a poet laureate. These prestigious writers fulfill a variety of roles, such as increasing public engagement with poetry, encouraging creative expression by youth and elevating the visibility of the state’s contributions to the genre of poetry. Selection policies, stipends and official duties vary from state to state,…
In a move to foster and celebrate the creativity of youth, the Arkansas Arts Council has launched the Arts Across Arkansas initiative. This annual program nurtures artistic expression and creativity, develops local talent through mentoring with teaching artists, and fosters community engagement in arts learning. The project aims to encourage and expand high school students’ creativity by…
Capitol art exhibits are a strategy state arts agencies adopt to showcase and celebrate the arts as an important part of state policy and public pride. Exhibiting artworks or cultural events in state capitol buildings helps to raise public awareness about the arts, create visibility for local artists and educate elected officials about the role…
Many state arts agencies run state galleries, artist showcases and juried exhibitions to support and highlight the work of artists in their states. These services often are used to facilitate public access to the arts and highlight communities, artists or issues that may face barriers to receiving creative recognition. The DC Commission on the Arts…
Montana, also known as Big Sky Country, is home to unique artistic traditions. To celebrate the state’s heritage and the deep relationship between place, landscape and culture, the Montana Arts Council (MAC) developed the Montana Circle of American Masters in the Folk and Traditional Arts. Through this program, MAC shines a spotlight on the contribution…
As part of a unique push to celebrate shared cultural identity in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) has supported the development and licensing of an official Virgin Islands (V.I.) madras pattern. Madras textiles, which originated in Madras, India—now known as Chennai—became an important part of the African diaspora…
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) consulted with tribal leaders and the administrator of the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs for the MSAC Land Acknowledgement Project, which was administered by Maryland Traditions, MSAC’s traditional arts program. The project provides resources for learning about the precolonial history of lands claimed by the State of Maryland. At…
The arts constitute a vital part of youth development. They prepare students for academic success, equip young adults with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace, and foster meaningful relationships and community (learn more). State arts agencies support this growth through a variety of programs that promote artistic development and engage aspiring artists and…
Nebraska has a long history of circulating posters encouraging social action. During times of crisis, conflict and change, posters have been an inexpensive and accessible medium for public messaging around topics like rationing, volunteerism and solidarity. Recognizing that 2020 has been a year of challenge and change, the Nebraska Arts Council, in collaboration with History…
Young Artists of Hawaiʻi is an annual student art competition and exhibition that recognizes creative excellence among Hawaiʻi’s students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This exhibit is presented by the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. The program provides opportunities for students to celebrate the cultures of…
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