Building on two previous letters of support for relief and recovery efforts to help the arts, culture, and the creative sector, a coalition of 113 chambers of commerce in 46 states delivered a letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership asking that $18 billion be allocated within the forthcoming infrastructure recovery bills specifically to support creative economic recovery. Signatories come from chambers in communities of all sizes and geographies and collectively serve over 33 million Americans.

Just as local arts agencies act as voices and conveners for their arts and culture communities, so do local chambers of commerce for their business communities. Partnerships between the two are essential to community and economic development. But where to start? Register for our new 101-level, on-demand webinar series that aims to flip the conversation away from “business support for the arts” to “how and why the arts are an essential part of business and community development strategies.”  

Americans for the Arts is pleased to introduce our new online glossary of terms and definitions related to the inclusive creative economy, and a full website of resources, information, and action related to developing an inclusive creative economy. 

As higher education institutions and elected officials have pushed for STEM programs, the resulting technology and innovations have only revealed the need for the arts and humanities within these spheres.

Americans for the Arts annually honors the best businesses partnering with the arts in America at the Arts and Business Partnership Awards based on nominations by individuals and organizations. Nominations for this year's awards must be made by February 12, 2021. 

Join Americans for the Arts on January 11, 2021 at 3 p.m. ET for “Starring Role: Arts & Entertainment in the Pandemic Era,” a free virtual event to discuss the economic and societal contributions made by the arts and entertainment sectors, the challenges and opportunities they face in the pandemic era, and how a culture of creativity, innovation, and ingenuity is helping us through these unprecedented times.

From July 23-25, Cincinnati Music Festival held a Virtual Weekend to bring people together through music. With the support of presenting sponsor P&G, this iconic Cincinnati event engaged audiences both online and in person to highlight the community across the nation and build brand affinity and goodwill for its sponsors along the way. 

A second letter of support for arts and culture in the new COVID-19 relief package has been completed by 204 local Chambers of Commerce in 50 states! This is a substantial increase from a similar May letter, which garnered 140 signatories from 39 states. If your chamber is listed in the final letter, please take a moment to reach out and thank them.

Matthew Cooper is one of the artists commissioned by the Arts Council of Indianapolis to create murals in response to the Black Lives Matter protests. Previously, Cooper worked with and studied under the artist ISH during the creation of his 2019 mural “Three Kings,” which was commissioned by Jiffy Lube of Indiana (a 2019 Arts and Business Partnership Awardee) as part of their mural project. 

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.

The Business Committee for the Arts of Americans for the Arts is comprised of leaders who are passionate about the role the arts play in advancing business goals and transforming communities. Please join us in welcoming four business leaders as new members of the BCA. 

We want to provide the best data we can to help businesses and arts organizations make informed decisions, which is why high participation in this year's Business Contributions to the Arts Survey is important. Here are the top 3 reasons for businesses to take the survey—and on the flip side, the top 3 reasons for arts organizations to encourage their business partners to participate!

Americans for the Arts is pleased to announce George Barrett, Paul Kinley, David Minnigan, and Toni Sikes will be joining the Business Committee for the Arts.

The BCA is comprised of business leaders who provide expertise and guidance on key initiatives including messaging, advocacy, and strategic alliances within the private-sector committee.

George Barrett, Former CEO and Chairman, Cardinal Health

Business leaders convene to discuss how the arts can align diversity, equity, and inclusion activities to core business strategies and how businesses can creatively develop and retain diverse talent.