Developing Young Imaginations

Arts education programs of state arts agencies such as the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs help young people build their creativity and confidence and prepare them to enter the work force. » More

Harron Atkins was the 2011 state champion of Michigan's Poetry Out Loud contest, sponsored in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Photo by David Trumpie/Trumpie Photography, courtesy Michigan Humanities Council

Teen in purple shirt and black vest exuberantly recites poem

Crowd in building visits exhibits during Art Walk

Creating Economic Opportunities

State arts agencies, including the Maine Arts Commission, foster a wide array of creative industries that produce jobs and revenue for states. » More

Citizens and visitors tour local art venues during Portland, Maine's First Friday Art Walks, which support local artists and businesses. Photo courtesy of the Maine Arts Commission

Promoting Rural Vitality

State arts agencies like the Missouri Arts Council preserve cherished traditions, promote sustainable tourism and expand arts participation in rural communities across America » More

Musicians share their talents at the Sliced Bread Jam in Chillicothe, Missouri, during Chillicothe's Chautauqua in the Park. The Missouri Arts Council's Community Arts Program supports the Chillicothe Area Arts Council, which organizes the event. Photo by Claire Ashbrook

Hands playing banjo and other stringed folk instruments

Bringing Public Spaces to Life

State arts agencies such as the Texas Commission on the Arts offer programs that enliven public spaces that are productive places to live, work and visit.

2009 Texas State Visual Artist 3-D Eliseo Garcia works on a bas-relief frieze for Children's Medical Center Dallas. Photo courtesy of Eliseo Garcia, May 2009