New Jersey and North Dakota: The Arts and Juvenile Justice
The arts are a proven strategy for supporting positive youth development. Research reveals that arts participation can be a strong protective factor in the lives of young people, strengthening cognitive and social-emotional growth and reducing their risk of arrest or referral. For youth exposed to the justice system, the arts can help break negative cycles […]
American Samoa: Children’s Summer Arts Program
Nearly 90% of American Samoa’s population is of Samoan descent, making the preservation of Samoan culture a central priority for the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, & Humanities (ASCACH). Through a wide range of initiatives, the agency strengthens cultural identity and provides meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with their heritage and the […]
Vermont and Washington: Early Childhood Education
Research has long identified the benefits of the arts on early childhood development, including greater gains in language acquisition, sensory and motor skills, and executive function. Two early childhood education programs from state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs), the Vermont Arts Council‘s Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants and the Washington State Arts Commission‘s (ArtsWA) Creative […]
Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa and Maine: America 250
In 2026, communities across all 56 states and jurisdictions are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To honor the milestone, state arts agencies are leading many creative initiatives, each steeped in their region’s unique landscape and cultural character. This month, we feature examples from Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa and Maine. […]
Arizona: Empowering Rural
State and jurisdictional arts agencies play a vital role in ensuring rural communities have access to the arts. The Arizona Commission on the Arts rural programming—developed through deliberate community engagement—addresses different rural and remote barriers to participating in the arts and reflects the specific needs of Arizonans. By engaging in an extensive statewide strategic planning […]
Virgin Islands: Multisensory Exhibition Experience
The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) is dedicated to preserving Virgin Islands cultural traditions and promoting contemporary Caribbean culture. By hosting a new augmented-reality exhibition, the agency is finding innovative opportunities to engage both artists and the public in those goals. Artist and curator Eliana L. Schuster-Brown created…
Louisiana: Music Program
State arts agencies use their deep knowledge of the creative sector to provide services to their constituents, strengthen communities and bolster the economy. In Louisiana, this entails tapping into the rich musical legacy of the state to support artists in an ever-changing music industry. In November 2025, the Louisiana Music Program transitioned into the…
Massachusetts: Opioid Settlement Funds
States are currently in the process of implementing plans to distribute over $50 billion from opioid settlement lawsuits. While spending priorities and allocations vary by state, funds will generally be distributed over 18 years. Many state plans encourage community input and provide grant-making opportunities for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and…
Wyoming: Declaration of Imagination
To honor America’s 250th anniversary, of the state of Wyoming’s Semiquincentennial Commission has adopted the slogan, “Declaration of Imagination,” and has incorporated the arts into many of its activities. The Wyoming Arts Council is a leading partner in facilitating projects and events that use the arts and creativity to highlight Wyoming’s people and…
Pennsylvania: Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are a growing state workforce development strategy that can boost the supply of trained workers available to key industries while helping workers attain higher earnings and greater career growth. A major benefit of these kinds of apprenticeships is that one can “earn as you learn” through on-the-job training and job placement. Nationwide…