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…
The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) and the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) have entered into a partnership to help the state honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The VA250 Commission was established by the Virginia General Assembly to commemorate Virginia’s role in the story of American independence and to lead…
To make art more accessible and showcase the creative talents of state artists, state arts agencies may seek new ways of sharing their state art collections, including conducting state art collection tours. These initiatives provide educational opportunities and enhance public engagement with the state arts collection, especially in rural and underserved communities. The Georgia Council…
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,…
State arts agencies are increasingly cultivating partnerships with their state departments of natural resources. These cross-sector collaborations can promote public access to the arts and employment opportunities for artists while also boosting public enjoyment of park lands. Arts in the parks programs strengthen the connections between natural and cultural resources, encouraging both healthier living and…
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…
State arts agencies (SAAs) nationwide recognize the importance of fair and transparent allocation of funds to support diverse communities and cultural organizations. In a noteworthy development, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) recently introduced several new grant making policy changes aimed at streamlining and transforming its funding process to make funds more accessible. With…
Many people with disabilities confront barriers in their ability to create, access and fully participate in artistic experiences. Such hurdles not only limit their artistic expression but also perpetuate exclusion—highlighting the need for accessible and inclusive initiatives so that everyone can experience the transformative power of the arts. Recognizing the significant challenges faced by individuals…
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…
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…
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