This week, our Board of Directors released an update from the commissioned Task Force for Racial and Cultural Equity, with five themes of potential actions that will inform our work to reimagine Americans for the Arts. We hope you will read and follow this work as we continue to keep our members and stakeholders informed and involved in this strategic realignment process.

In other news, a significant piece of bipartisan, pro-arts legislation was introduced in the U.S. House, and it’s just the latest in a year of notable successes for federal arts advocacy work—read more about this new bill and get a full legislative update below. We’re also beginning plans for National Arts & Humanities Month in October, and hope you’ll join us to celebrate and advocate! And after last week’s introduction to the NYC cohort of Diversity in Arts Leadership interns, get to know more future arts leaders working with arts organizations in New Jersey and Nashville this summer.

ARTSblog

A Message to the Field from the Board of Directors of Americans for the Arts: Report to the Field on the Task Force for Racial and Cultural Equity by Julie C. Muraco and Nolen V. Bivens
The Board of Americans for the Arts recently shared an update about the findings from the board-commissioned Task Force for Racial and Cultural Equity. We look forward to doing what’s best for our members and the entire creative community, and your help in the fulfillment of that mission.

Spotlight on America’s Future Leaders: 2021 New Jersey DIAL Interns and 2021 Nashville DIAL Interns by Cedeem Gumbs
Now in its 28th year, the Diversity in Arts Leadership program once again returns to a virtual setting with a brand-new set of interns from all over the country fueled by their passions and interest in arts administration and cultural equity. Get to know the future of arts leadership in two ARTSblog posts featuring interns from the 2021 cohorts in New Jersey and Nashville.

News Room

Advocate and Celebrate for National Arts & Humanities Month this October
Individuals and organizations can use National Arts & Humanities Month as a starting point to advocate for the arts and raise awareness about its role in our communities and lives—not just for the month, but throughout the entire year! Here are a few of the ways you can join Americans for the Arts in celebrating NAHM.

New Bipartisan Federal Bill to Put Creative Workers to Work for Community Recovery Introduced
Introduced by U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA), the Creative Economy Revitalization Act (CERA) authorizes $300 million for various measures to strengthen the creative economy, enrich communities, increase access to culture, and invest in creative workers and local economies harmed by COVID-19.

Summer 2021 Legislative Update
The 117th Congress has yielded great strides and measurable successes in federal arts advocacy work. This Summer 2021 Legislative Update summarizes the current legislative status of the bills and policies that Americans for the Arts, coalition partners, and grassroots advocates across the country have been working toward throughout the year.

ArtsU

August Member Briefing: Advocate and Celebrate During National Arts & Humanities Month
Take a deep dive with Americans for the Arts government affairs and communications staff to explore how you can advocate for NEA appropriations, ask your local government for an official pro-arts proclamation, and participate in the annual Show Your Art Instagram challenge this October.

Pictured: The daily themes for this year's National Arts & Humanities Month Instagram challenge. Learn more about how you can participate here!