The National Survey of Business Support for the Arts conducted annually by Americans for the Arts in partnership with The Conference Board looks at trends in support for the arts from small, midsize, and large US businesses that participate in corporate philanthropy, employee engagement, volunteer programs, or sponsorships. Local communities now have the opportunity to conduct local research about how businesses in their community engage with the arts. For more information about the survey and fees, email [email protected].

Union Market in Washington DC combines showcases the arts throughout their retail space. A project which launched in October brought together Instagram and the artist Dallas Clayton to create murals that engaged visitors by asking them to offer words of kindness and share them at the hashtag #KindComments. Beyond inspiring kindness, the campaign wanted to showcase the small businesses which are prevalent on instagram. Photo of Union Market District neighbors and friends celebrating the unveiling of Instagram’s #KindComments mural at Union Market. Read more in The Washingtonian.  

Research from The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) demonstrated that businesses decide to expand or relocate to Salt Lake City because of the vibrant arts and cultural scene. Companies like Zions Bank, a 2008 BCA 10 winner, have long recognized the value of the arts to their business and their community. Read more about the research survey here and about Zions Bank’s support for the arts here.

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