This survey found 139 arts organizations and 46 teaching artists providing arts education during the school day in 98 percent of all school districts and 53 percent of all schools in Los Angeles County.
Civic Engagement/Community Development
Creating Connection: Building Public Will for Arts and Culture
Our work is rooted in a growing concern about the state of the arts and cultural sector in our country. Namely, we believe–and numerous studies reinforce—that the arts are essential to strong communities, bright and enriching lives, deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, and competitive industries. Yet, despite these proven benefits, the arts are often considered a “nicety rather than a necessity,” repeatedly expected to prove relevancy during budget and policy negotiations, and often perceived as a low priority for busy lives or tight household budgets. In an effort to reverse this course, we are drawing on research, advocacy, and engagement initiatives to craft a strategy to build public will for arts and culture.
The Cultural Lives of Californians
For many years, arts nonprofits have been tracking a downward trend in arts attendance. By looking beyond the typical events used as benchmarks to reflect traditional measures of participation, the NORC study reveals a seemingly contradictory takeaway: The new narrative is not entirely about decline! Californians actually have a deep interest in the arts and lead active cultural lives. People want to engage, in art-making and arts-learning in particular. Emerging technologies, expectations and cultural norms mean art is happening in new places and ways. At the same time, this updated narrative comes with elements of urgency for the nonprofit arts sector — for example, California’s largest and growing demographic groups do report lower overall arts participation and they are less likely to attend benchmark arts events.
The Validating Arts & Livability Indicators (VALI) Study: Results and Recommendations
This report presents the findings of an effort undertaken by the Urban Institute to validate a set of candidate indicators for creative placemaking initiatives.
Arts & Culture Economy 2014: Measuring Successful Arts & Culture Strategies
An analysis of how the arts and culture can impact Rhode Island, with observations and suggestions that could be applied elsewhere.
Capacity building and resilience: What participants learned through ArtsLabs
Small and mid-sized arts organizations are key
contributors to community vitality and identity.
What are the best ways to help them thrive?
