January is always a big forward-looking month at Americans for the Arts as we kick off plans for many of the year’s big programs and events, and despite the pandemic 2021 is no exception! This week we announced registration and scholarships for the National Arts Action Summit, which will be happening virtually in April with a week of training and policy updates and a week for virtual advocacy “on” Capitol Hill with your elected officials. For the first time, we’re pleased to offer scholarships to the Summit for those seeking financial assistance. We also opened nominations for the annual Arts and Business Partnership Awards, honoring companies and individuals whose exceptional involvement in the arts enriches the workplace and transforms communities. Any individual or organization can make a nomination to recognize arts-inclusive businesses in their community.

Also this week, we’re teasing a new blog series that will dive deep on data from our COVID-19 research studies and tell stories of the pandemic’s impact on intentionally marginalized artists and creative workers. Look for posts by our Research & Evaluation Manager Isaac Fitzsimons over the coming weeks and months. Finally, for those planning to apply to the National Endowment for the Arts to fund projects in 2021, check out our recent webinar featuring NEA staff breaking down guidelines and criteria to help you navigate the grant funding process.

ARTSblog

Announcing New Blog Series Highlighting the Impact of COVID-19 on Intentionally Marginalized Artists by Isaac Fitzsimons
Throughout 2020, Americans for the Arts collected data and stories from over 20,000 artists and creative workers across the country whose personal and professional lives were upended by the coronavirus pandemic. What we've found has been sobering, such as 95 percent have experienced a loss of income and over 60 percent are unemployed. Though the crisis rages on, it is important to reflect on how artists and creative workers fared in 2020, and especially emphasize the experiences of those who are and have been intentionally marginalized.

News Room

Nominations Open for 2021 Arts and Business Partnership Awards (Virtual)!
Americans for the Arts annually honors the best businesses partnering with the arts in America based on nominations by individuals and organizations. The awards recognize businesses of all sizes for their exceptional involvement with the arts that enriches the workplace, enhances education, and transform communities. Additionally, an individual arts champion is honored with the Leadership Award and an extraordinary collaboration is awarded the David Rockefeller Award. Nominations for this year's awards must be made by February 12, 2021.

Request a Scholarship to the 2021 National Arts Action Summit
Join Americans for the Arts, organizational partners, and hundreds of advocates April 5-9, 2021 for the National Arts Action Summit. Over these five days, advocates will gain a depth of knowledge from policy experts at Americans for the Arts and many organizational Partners in an all-virtual setting. For the first time, scholarship opportunities are available to those interested in attending the virtual Summit! Request your scholarship by February 26, 2021.

ArtsU

NEA Grants: The Programs, The Process, and How to Pitch
Have a great project that you’re looking for funding to support? This webinar gives a brief overview of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding programs, including the application process and review criteria. You'll gain detailed understanding of the various NEA grant opportunities, categories, and deadlines; learn specific guidance related to Arts Endowment grant programs from NEA staff; and leave ready to apply for your own grant funding.