Americans for the Arts

Honored to be invited to give testimony today before the senate committee on natural resources and economic development, representing Creative Waco and Texans For the Arts. Huge thanks to this dream team - Christopher Kiley, Randy Ham , Shannon Ghangurde and her smart daughter Sophia! Big kudos to Justin Bragiel of Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, who did a terrific job, and I am so thankful for the excellent data from Americans for the Arts and Texas Cultural Trust that helps us tell a powerful story about how the arts are a smart and strategic investment for cities that want to use #hottax to build cultural tourism, grow their economy, and deliver a cascade of benefits that our creative sector brings 🎊🎉👏👏👏

Americans for the Arts and Race Forward are thrilled to announce our support of 14 local projects as part of the inaugural Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy! From Alaska to Alabama, these individuals and organizations will be hosting a variety of activities and events in their communities that explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. The Cultural Week of Action will be supported by organizing partners to help to amplify and elevate this important initiative. ✨PolicyLink  ✨People's Action  ✨Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley ✨National League of Cities ✨National Civic League ✨Narrative Initiative  ✨Narrative Arts ✨German Marshall Fund of the United States ✨Equitable Cities LLC ✨Djimon Hounsou Foundation The Cultural Week of Action is for EVERYONE. The week of action will take place from September 27 – October 5 in communities across the country. Learn more about the 14 local projects and see how YOU can get involved at culturalweekofaction.org.

TOMORROW: Join us June 11 at 3 PM ET for a Community Conversation on Arts & Mental Health. 🌱 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eaziFTR4 We are honored to be joined by Dana Knapp, ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council, Elysian (McNiff) Koglmeier, National Organization for Arts in Health, and Sarah VanLanduyt, Arts Council of Johnson County as discussion leaders for this important conversation. The arts are being used to address mental health needs and improve quality of life in programs across the country, and we are excited to hear both from our discussion leaders and YOU about how we can continue to advocate for and advance this work.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Nolen Bivens as he transitions out as President and CEO of Americans for the Arts. As he begins this next chapter, we celebrate his leadership and lasting impact. As a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Nolen has brought the benefit of the arts for service members and Veterans to the forefront of the conversation on the arts impact on society. His advocacy for the arts as a national asset, driven by his Seven Principles, have guided our shift to equitable arts advocacy. During his tenure, Nolen invested in #AEP6, the first research of its kind to examine the role of the BIPOC arts community. He also originated partnerships and launched initiatives with national racial justice organizations and multiracial thought leaders to further advance and democratize Americans for the Arts’ policy and advocacy agenda. Thank you for leading us with integrity and your contributions to ensure everyone can experience the arts throughout their lifetime. Best of luck in your next chapter! 🎨✨

🎨 The Americans for the Arts 2023 Impact Summary is out! Our 2023 story is fueled by our advocacy, research, engagements, communications and partnerships that drive our movement to democratize access to the arts in communities nationwide.  In 2023 we…  🗓️ Hosted 50+ engagements   📊 Released our #AEP6 national study  🏛️ Sponsored 3 Legislative Fly-Ins with Americans for the Arts Action Fund  🌟 Engaged 48,000+ individuals through events  And much more! From bolstering economic growth to fostering social cohesion, arts truly enrich our communities. Thank you to our partners and supporters for being part of our journey! 🤝 Together, we continue to weave arts and culture into our everyday lives.  🔗 Explore the full report: https://lnkd.in/eU7_sqar

We are pleased to share that Randy Cohen, the Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts @americans4arts , will be a featured speaker at Lehigh Valley Arts & Culture 2024. Register now to attend this important event! Lehigh Valley Arts & Culture 2024 Thursday May 30 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Williams Center for the Arts Lafayette College, Easton This convening will bring together the artistic, business, government, education, and funding communities in a presentation of data, interactive conversation and the exchange of ideas. Here, a concentrated program dedicated to creating a results-based initiative will lay the foundation to grow a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture sector for the residents and guests of the region. Registration and more information: https://lnkd.in/eWE6Gp7Z

🤝 Last week, we announced a strategic awareness partnership with the Anacostia Business Improvement District which will focus on increasing access for artists, development, education, and collaboration opportunities, and infrastructure beautification with art at its core within D.C.’s arts and culture center, Anacostia. We also hosted their Anacostia Arts and District Roundtable, a vibrant discussion with local arts and culture leaders to uplift the work being done in D.C. ⭐ In honor of this partnership and roundtable gathering to support the Art to Go-Go Arts & Culture District, we are excited to announce that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has proclaimed May 14 as Arts & Economic Impact Day in Washington, DC! This special day is dedicated to cultivating the neighborhood of Anacostia as a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of D.C., setting a leading example for communities worldwide. Thank-you to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Nina Albert, roundtable participants including Ra Joy, Chief of Staff of the National Endowment for the Arts, Anita Cozart, Director of the DC Office of Planning, Ramon Jacobson, Executive Director of LISC DC, among many others, and the wonderful artists that joined us for this collaborative event to advance the arts in our nation’s capital! Americans for the Arts believes that through collaboration, advocating and supporting local arts and culture we can create stronger, safer communities, boost civic pride, and drive economic growth, while ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the arts for everyone—and there is much more to come! Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3VcpFYZ #Support4Arts 🎨

Have you heard? Americans for the Arts Action Fund 2024 Why the Arts Matter factsheets are now available for all 5️⃣0️⃣ states, DC, and Puerto Rico. Find your factsheet and share how the arts and culture industry impacts your state! #WhyTheArtsMatter 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebwv5ST4

📣 Join our very own, AEP6 Director of Community Engagement & Equity, Dr. Genna Styles Lyas, EdD, MEd, BFA, at the upcoming Intersections: Nevada Creative Conference on June 1 for a presentation of our recent Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, which examined in economic impact of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences around the county. 💰 Learn more about the $662.5 million generated by the Nevada arts & culture nonprofit sector annually! More info ⬇

🎨 We're delighted to announce that Dr. Genna Styles Lyas, EdD, MEd, BFA, the AEP6 Director of Community Engagement & Equity at Americans for the Arts, will be gracing the stage at Intersections: The Nevada Creative Conference. 📣👥 With a wealth of experience as a Teaching Artist and a strong focus on equity and justice within the arts, Genna is a true trailblazer in the field. Join us for her session at the conference and be empowered by her journey and insights! 🌟👏 Don't miss out! Register here: https://lnkd.in/g8WW8byN . . . . . #IntersectionsConference #NevadaArts #EquityInArts