This report provides a comprehensive review of state arts agency revenue sources and legislative appropriations to each state arts agency. Also included is information on state budget trends and appropriations changes over time. Detailed tables allow for state-to-state comparison of SAA revenue streams, per capita funding and national rankings. This is an essential publication for understanding public funding for the arts in the United States.
Arts Funding
This most recent survey shows an increase in business support for the arts, bringing us back to near 2006 levels. however, there is still more work to be done. In 2012, we launched the pARTnership Movement (www.pARTnershipMovement.org) to provide businesses and arts organizations with the tools they need to create meaningful partnerships that support a healthy, creative, and artistic community, but that also give businesses a competitive advantage. The pArtnership Movement demonstrates how the arts can help businesses enhance the critical thinking and creative skills of their workforce and how arts organizations can develop new, innovative business strategies. Together, they can advance the communities in which they live and work in new and resourceful ways.
Spotlight on Arts: Grantmaking in California
This report by the Foundation Center provides a quick overview of private arts and culture funding in California. Based on 2004 data, the most recent year for which information was available, the report lists the largest arts grantmakers and analyzes where funding is going. Performing arts organizations captured the largest share (37 percent) with museums (32 percent) a close second. The report, sponsored by the Irvine Foundation, also includes a mini-directory of California foundations funding the arts.
Local Arts Agency Statistics
Local arts agencies are a growing presence in communities across the country. They provide vital services to sustain their local arts industry, and endeavor to make the arts accessible to each member of the community. Included with other statistical data is the estimated growth in number of local arts agencies from 1965-2012.
Sources of Revenue for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Nonprofit arts organizations are generally able to earn only half of the money it takes to sustain their operation. The other half of their revenue must be raised through contributions and grants. Even small fluctuations in contributed revenue can mean deficits for many organizations. Earned income is the largest source of revenue for the typical nonprofit arts organization. Yet most people are unaware of the funding challenges that must be met to keep America’s arts organizations in operation.
Private Sector Philanthropy
In 2012, private sector giving to the arts, culture, and humanities (by individuals, foundations, and corporations) was $14.4 billion, up 7.8 percent from $13.1 billion in 2011 (+5.7 percent when adjusted for inflation). Arts organizations belong to a subsector of charities that relies heavily on individual giving and is particularly sensitive to changes in the economy. Following a major decline during the Great Recession, the arts have slowly worked their way back as the economy has improved – though have yet to achieve pre-Recession levels.
