This week: Like much of the country, we're keeping an eye on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), monitoring responses and preparations, and have gathered information to assist the field. We also announced applications for this year's Arts & Culture Leaders of Color Fellowship, and released a new resource examining cultural equity in the public art field.
In 2020, the convergence of Americans for the Arts’ Annual Convention with the refreshed and expanded Public Art & Civic Design Conference will spark a new level of conversation and thinking. The new shifts in format and structure that we’re setting up this year will make for an even more interactive and energizing conference, with over 50 sessions, more than 1,000 professionals from across a variety of sectors, and more opportunities to learn and network with colleagues from all 50 states and around the world. These two annual events—happening June 26-28 in Washington, D.C.—are the best place to come together with the full spectrum of people who are working to center the arts in equitable community development and creative placemaking. We are excited about holding these meetings in Washington, D.C. because the city and surrounding communities are about much more than national politics. It is a great place to engage in really deep and meaningful conversations about how we all work to make our communities the best they can be.
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This week, we look ahead at education policy trends for 2020—and how the arts intersect with them all! Plus, explore with us the role of State Arts Agencies and our State Arts Action Network in increased cultural funding at the state level. Catch up on all the week's news and analysis in the Weekly Web Roundup.
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) recently published their FY 2020 State Arts Agency Revenues Report. By any measure, the report paints a very positive picture for state funding of the arts, with year-to-year appropriations increasing by more than 37% to a grand total of almost $495 million in total legislative appropriations. Because the economy is doing well, it stands to reason that SAA appropriations would be higher. While it is true that a strong economy makes increases more likely, a strong economy alone cannot explain this year’s massive increase. There in an interesting equation at work: If your state has a State Arts Agency that is engaged in thoughtful programming, a strong statewide arts advocacy organization, and advocates who are proactively engaged with your state’s existing political leadership, more funding/pro-arts policy are possible!
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Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch released a statement following the release of the Trump administration’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2021 budget, which would eliminate funding for the arts.
Americans for the Arts is pleased to offer a number of full ride and partial reimbursement scholarships to members interested in attending the 2020 Annual Convention and Public Art & Civic Design Conference in Washington, D.C. Deadline to apply is February 24, 2020.
The Americans for the Arts Annual Convention is getting BIGGER in 2020—and so is our Public Art programming! The popular Public Art & Civic Design Preconference is transforming into a 2.5-day conference alongside this year’s Annual Convention June 26-28 in Washington, D.C.
The Arts and Business Partnership Awards recognize businesses of all sizes and individual leaders for exceptional involvement with the arts that enriches the workplace, enhances education, and transform communities. Nominations for this year's awards close January 31, 2020.
High school art students are invited to participate in the eleventh year of Vans Custom Culture, a program that provides high school artists and students a platform to embrace and showcase their creative abilities and the chance to win a grand prize of $75,000 for their school’s art program.
Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch released a statement in response to Tuesday’s vote of the U.S. House of Representatives on the FY 2020 spending bills, including five pro-arts appropriation items.
Americans for the Arts is pleased to announce that violin prodigy and social justice advocate Vijay Gupta will deliver the Americans for the Arts 33rd Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts & Public Policy on March 30, 2020, at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lecture is presented as part of the annual National Arts Action Summit in Washington, D.C., March 30 and 31.
Americans for the Arts today announced its October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. During the month-long celebration, Americans for the Arts encourages people to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives.
Don’t miss ARTECHOUSE Live, a series of audiovisual performances at the intersection of music and digital arts.
SEPTEMBER 19 - 6pm & 9pm - CLAUDE [Kor], the glitch audio-visual artist from Korea, turns his feelings into a complex art form as he brings wild and dynamic visuals to live. With a focus on nature and human psychology he creates real time audio-visual works with glitch, noise sounds while reacting to 3D generative visuals. Synapse expresses the complex nerves and movements of organisms in the parts of human memory, emotions.
In today’s fast-paced world of technology, social media, and a volatile political climate, American society’s opinions regarding body image are constantly evolving and oftentimes treacherous to navigate. Through platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, a younger generation (that’s YOU!) is now dictating and interrogating their own ideals of beauty and body positivity. In this group exhibition, this new generation of artists and thinkers explore concepts of the body as a catalyst for healing and acceptance.
Opening Reception: Friday, October 4, 7:00-9:00pm
Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for people living with or affected by illness. Tap into the healing benefits of writing using prompts and other exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind.
All materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring any journals or notebooks that you would like to use.
with Susi Wyss
Suggested Donation: $20
Join local artist and cancer survivor, Denise Feldman, for a creative day of cutting, pasting, painting, ripping and writing. In this healing arts workshop we will 'repurpose' old, gently loved hardback books using a variety of art supplies to create a place that holds our personal health and trauma journeys.
with Denise Feldman
Suggested Donation: $25
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms. It is relatively easy to learn, requires no artistic talent or prior experience, is portable, and results in a useful product. Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.
