Kansas: Organizational Mentorship for the Arts
State and federal arts funding often is restricted to organizations holding 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. Many arts groups worthy of public support, however, exist outside of the formal 501(c)(3) business model. The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has developed an innovative way to assist such organizations by creating purposeful partnerships between […]
Oklahoma: Wellbeing Committee and Resources
“Help Your House” video raises awareness of mental health. Video by Oklahoma House of Representatives, courtesy Oklahoma Museums Association. The posting of this video does not imply endorsement by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The Oklahoma Wellbeing Committee is the result of a new partnership between the Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC), Oklahoma Museums Association, Oklahoma […]
Pennsylvania: Music Therapy for Frontline Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health of frontline health care workers who have been caring for large numbers of acutely ill patients. A survey conducted by Mental Health America from June to September 2020 reported that 93% of health care workers surveyed experienced stress, 86% experienced anxiety, 76% reported […]
Florida: Grant-making Task Force
Many state arts agencies across the nation are assessing their grant programs and practices to identify ways to improve access to arts resources. The work undertaken by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA) in this area is a recent example. In January 2020, DCA appointed a Grant-making Task Force to help review and improve […]
Louisiana: Bayou Culture Collaborative
Louisiana is facing the most acute coastal erosion crisis in the nation. Every 100 minutes, an area equivalent to a football field disappears from the Louisiana coastline. In recent decades, Louisiana’s land loss has exceeded 2,000 square miles, an area roughly the size of the whole state of Delaware. Change of this magnitude has an […]
Vermont: CreateVT Action Plan
A growing body of research demonstrates the power of the creative economy as a catalyst for growth and change, particularly in rural places and in times of crisis and recovery. To harness this power for the benefit of the entire state, the Vermont Creative Network—a collective of organizations, businesses and individuals that is backed by […]
New York: Excelsior Digital Pass for COVID-19 Status
Numerous states are debating the economic, public health and privacy aspects of passport systems that enable individuals to share proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status. New York is the first state in the nation to launch such a digital vaccine credential. In an effort to fast-track safe reopening of arts, sports, entertainment and other business […]
Wyoming: Native Art Fellowship
For many years, the Wyoming Arts Council has awarded annual fellowships that recognize visual, literary and performing artists. That portfolio is now expanding to include the Native Art Fellowship. This program, new in 2021, is designed to raise the visibility and support the artistry of Native artists in Wyoming. This effort was inspired in part […]
Nebraska: Winding Down Workshop Series
Many arts organizations have experienced significant setbacks from the pandemic. While some organizations will be able to bounce back, others must grapple with existential questions related to their financial stability, mission impact and ultimate survival. Numerous nonprofit organizations will be closing their doors for good, and cultural groups are among the most vulnerable. With a […]
South Carolina: Public Health Poster Series
Washing hands. Social distancing. Wearing masks. Self-care. Loving and thanking community. Getting vaccinated. These are all parts of public health messaging that evolved over the past 12 months. The Art of Community: Rural SC, a creative community development initiative of the South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC), prioritized its efforts in creativity + public health as […]