A collaboration of the Rhode Island Foundation and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), the Initiating Equity Work for Small and Volunteer-Led Organizations Program is a capacity building initiative tailored for organizations committed to equity. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by small and volunteer-led organizations, this opt-in program aims to create…
Recognizing the importance of creative expression by artists of all abilities as essential to community life, the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) offers the Artists with Disabilities Access Grant Program (ADAP). The program is designed to remove obstacles that may hinder artists with disabilities from fully participating in and contributing to Ohio’s diverse arts scene. The…
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…
As stewards of public funding, state arts agencies continually seek ways to measure and evaluate their grant making. This data-driven self-reflection is essential for better management of funds and improved outcomes, and fills gaps in current programming. As part of its long-term strategy to make its impact more equitable, the California Arts Council (CAC) has…
State arts agencies often collaborate with statewide partners to expand their reach, increase capacity, and grow networks of beneficiaries and advocates. The Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) partnership with the Alabama Writers’ Forum (AWF) highlights the potential that strategic, long-term partnerships have for supporting arts and culture. Started in 1993, the Alabama Writers’…
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…
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a melting pot of cultures, shaped by centuries of history, colonization and migration. The year 2023 marks a significant milestone in the islands’ history: the 175th anniversary of emancipation. This momentous occasion was celebrated with great pride and reverence at the USVI Folklife Festival, a cultural extravaganza that pays…
The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) has engaged the Virginia Department of Health to pursue a new partnership that provides free and discounted tickets to arts organizations for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program cardholders across Virginia. The new Passport Program will provide discounted or free tickets to cultural venues and events for WIC…
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…
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