It's that time again: Americans for the Arts is seeking at least 200 partners to make this Arts and Economic Prosperity Study larger and more comprehensive than ever before--and we invite YOU to be a part of it!
On Monday, August 11, the world lost one of its most loved comedians and most talented artists - Robin Williams. With over four decades in Hollywood under his belt, it's undeniable that he left his mark on pop culture forever.
Today, the Independent Sector announced the 2014 American Express NGen Fellows - 12 individuals who will contribute to Independent Sector's work on nonprofit impact and leadership over the next year. These fellows are already innovators and leaders in the nonprofit sector, and through the Fellowship will interact with established mentors and collaborate with other leaders under 40 years of age.
School of Doodle, a new project sponsored by the arts service nonprofit Fractured Atlas and funded by Kickstarter, was formed with the mission to change the way girls value themselves and teach them to be loud. Founders, staff, A-list supporters, and advisory board - of which our own Nora Halpern is a member - believe in a world where girls don't have to ask for permission, and that female creativity and confidence is the foundation of the future.
Americans for the Arts president and CEO Robert Lynch was named on The NonProfit Times' 2014 Power and Influence Top 50. This is the third consecutive year Lynch has been recognized by the publication for his leadership for Americans for the Arts.
The 2013 National Medals of Arts and Humanities were presented by President Obama in a ceremony on Monday, July 28th. This year's recipients consisted of a diverse selection of individuals and groups who have done groundbreaking work in the arts and humanities, including architecture, choreography, literature, and documentary filmmaking.
This year's Opening Keynote Address will feature Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of Translation, former record label executive, and one of the most influential marketing minds of our time. Stoute delivers a wealth of knowledge in the areas of diversity, cultural marketing, and embracing today's generation of globally aware and media-saturated consumers.
Yesterday, July 24, Americans for the Arts and the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) presented Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership, which honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. Lt. Gov. Ellspermann will receive her award at the NLGA’s Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, on July 24.
WASHINGTON – July 24, 2014 – Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, and the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) will present Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership, which honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. Lt. Gov. Ellspermann will receive her award at the NLGA’s Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, on July 24.
It's been a great week on Capitol Hill for the arts!
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill 277-130 to make permanent a key tax incentive for charitable giving, the IRA Charitable Rollover. Making this provision permanent has been a key legislative goal of Americans for the Arts for the last decade, as the current cycle of expiration and reinstatement has left many donors unable to maximize their support for charitable work.
On July 9th, Senate confirmed Dr. William "Bro" Adams to lead the National Endowment for the Humanities, the independent federal agency that supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. He was nominated by President Obama on April 10th.
Longtime arts advocate Anthony Turney passed away July 4, 2014. Turney had a varied career, spanning several cities, starting in New York as an event producer. He would eventually become Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC; Executive Director of the Dance Theater of Harlem; Administrative Director of the San Francisco Opera; and CEO of the NAMES Project Foundation. In 1996, he was ordained to the Episcopal diaconate and continued to work as a member of the clergy until his retirement.
Americans for the Arts held a leadership roundtable in Sun Valley, ID on June 26th - 28th. The Arts Leadership Roundtable brought together 30 artists, philanthropists, and corporate leaders in a proactive dialogue to explore how the arts can be utilized as a positive force for change. The focus of the roundtable was to explore the growing connection between the arts and technology.
Americans for the Arts mourns the loss of Rebecca Blunk, who passed away on June 22, 2014, along with New England Foundation for the Arts and the greater arts community.
Bonita Coleman Stewart discusses the merits of ballet as a business metaphor, and credits her one-a-week ballet lessons with teaching her skills that helped her advance in the ranks at Google from a national industry director of automotive to her role today as Vice President of Partner Business Solutions. Ballet's training, choreography, the ensemble, and "preparing to jump" all offer their respective lessons and preperation for career challenges that Stewart has been able to face head-on. Read the full Fast Company article at the link below!
On Wednesday, June 18, Bob Lynch and other members of Americans for the Arts' staff joined The Art Institutes for their Congressional Arts Reception honoring this year's Annual Poster Design Competition winners. This year's winners are Ameila Kohr who will be attending the Art Institue of Las Vegas, Madeleine Brackett who will be attending The New England Institue of Art, and first-place winner Ashley Devaney, who will be attending The Art Insititue of Charleston.
