Based on six forums held in various parts of the country and organized by the NEA, this book presents an analysis and distillation of the major issues facing the nonprofit arts including the role of the arts in the social, economic and civic life of their communities, arts education, and equity, access, and how the arts provide opportunities for all citizens.

The American Canvas initiative attempted to focus on the challenges that must be overcome if the cultural climate is to improve. Over the course of a year-long series of meetings in communities as diverse as Los Angeles, Columbus, Salt Lake City, Miami, San Antonio, and Charlotte/Rock Hill, more than 150 panelists convened, representing a broad spectrum of interests, from business and education to social services and civic affairs (see Appendices A & B for a list of participants). They informed this report and helped frame the course of action for improving the climate for culture in the 21st century. By its very nature, a dialogue with hundreds of participants is fragmentary and disjointed, but certain ideas and concerns rose to the top in city after city. Together with our own research and additional dialogue in town meetings these past four years with arts and civic leaders from around the country, this report is the next step in the dialogue and outlines our central concerns and recommendations for moving forward.
(p. 9-10)

CONTENTS
Introduction by the chairman.

1. Improving the climate for culture.
2. Training our cultural legacy.
3. The evolving cultural landscape.
4. Americans and the arts.
5. Culture and community.
6. Arts and education.
7. The arts and telecommunications.
8. Seeking new solutions.
9. The challenge to act.

Calls to action.
Appendix A. American canvas forums.
Appendix B. American Canvas National Committee & Steering Committee.
Acknowledgements.