This week, three stories on ARTSblog showcase where the field has been over the past year—challenges and successes alike—and reflects on what can and needs to be prioritized as we move forward and begin to recover as a nation. Read about one organization's shift in programming and priorities during the pandemic, take a deep dive into research that shows the disproportionate impact of COVID on intentionally marginalized communities, and get inspired by Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and her generation of artists leading the charge into the future.

Speaking of the future, it will soon be time for arts advocates to take on Capitol Hill (virtually) and seek support for the arts from elected officials at the National Arts Action Summit, happening online April 5-9. Learn more about the Summit and register today to be part of the change tomorrow!

Finally, a timely reminder: today (Feb. 12) is the deadline to nominate a business with outstanding support for the arts for the 2021 Arts + Business Partnership Awards. Show a little love to the businesses that have continued to prioritize the arts in your community during the pandemic! The nomination process only takes a few minutes—learn more and make a nomination here.

ARTSblog

Member Spotlight: Maria Van Laanen by Linda Lombardi
As president of Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, Maria Van Laanen leads a dynamic team dedicated to delivering the Center’s mission of serving as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities and enhance understanding and enjoyment of life through the creation and presentation of the arts.

The Financial Impact of COVID-19 on Intentionally Marginalized Artists and Creative Workers by Isaac Fitzsimons
It’s been almost a year since the coronavirus put the U.S. arts and culture sector in lockdown. At Americans for the Arts, we spent the last year surveying artists and arts organizations across the country. The results are clear: artists in the United States are hurting, and those who are intentionally marginalized have been hit harder, likely because of inequities that have long existed prior to the pandemic.

Answering the Call to Be the New Dawn by Donna Walker-Kuhne
One thing I know for sure is that it is imperative for all of us to listen to our youth; to give them the platforms to be heard, and allow them the opportunities to lead the way. Let’s support and encourage our young artists. Let’s make sure we make available the resources to mentor and foster their development. Let’s be bold enough to run side-by-side with them, and humble enough to stand behind them.

ArtsU

National Arts Action Summit, April 5-9, 2021 — Registration Now Open!
In the past year, we’ve seen more pro-arts policy advanced in the legislative process than ever before. As we work together to see the arts and culture sector recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns, local and national advocacy efforts will be a critical tool. The National Arts Action Summit will equip advocates to share data and authentic stories about the impact of the arts in their communities to educate federal decisionmakers about why supporting the arts and culture sector is essential. Join Americans for the Arts, organizational partners, and hundreds of advocates from April 5-9, 2021 to gain a depth of knowledge from policy experts and learn compelling up-to-the-minute data, the latest in arts policy, and how to effectively engage decisionmakers to support the arts, arts education, and much more! Registration is now open, and a number of scholarship opportunities are available by request before Friday, Feb. 26.

Pictured: A promotional graphic for the National Arts Action Summit. Share this post from our Instagram account here.