Where and how does arts activity drive neighborhood revitalization? We explore the impact of arts establishments on income in US zip codes, nationally and across quantiles (from four to seven subgroups) of zip codes stratified by disadvantage (based on income and ethnicity/race). We focus on what is new here: how neighborhood scenes or the mixes of amenities mediate relationships between the arts and income.
Selection into, and academic benefits from, arts-related courses in middle school among low-income, ethnically diverse youth
It is critical for research on the effects of arts engagement to identify and carefully control for preexisting selection factors that differentiate those who do and do not get exposure to the arts. We prospectively followed a large and diverse sample of preschool children (n = 31,332; 61% Latino, 32% Black, 55% ELL, 81% free/reduced lunch) until they completed 6th, 7th, and/or 8th grade. School readiness was assessed during pre-K, and archival public-school data were collected in middle school. Overall, 40% of students took some kind of arts elective course (music, dance, drama, visual art) during middle school. Black students, males, students with disabilities, those previously retained, and those not English proficient had reduced odds of taking an arts class. Children with stronger school readiness skills at age 4 and stronger academics in 5th grade were more likely to enroll in arts-related courses. Importantly, controlling for prior variables associated with selection into the arts, including prior academic performance, students with exposure to an arts elective in middle school subsequently had significantly higher GPAs and math and reading scores, and decreased odds of school suspension, compared to students not exposed to the arts.
State Arts Agency Revenues
Twice yearly, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) reports revenue information for state arts agencies (SAAs). This report provides information on financial support for the arts and places individual SAAs’ funding within the context of national trends. Appropriations for the arts will fluctuate throughout the year as legislatures reconsider state budgets in light of shifting revenue projections. Figures included in this report reflect enacted funding levels for fiscal year 2019 (which began in July 2018 for most states) as well as revised FY2018 budgets. NASAA monitors appropriations changes, and will report updates in summer 2019.
This research presents detailed information on state arts agency revenues. While appropriations from state legislatures are the primary revenue source for most agencies, NASAA’s revenues survey also tracks information on funding that state arts agencies receive from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), supplemental state revenue streams, and private and miscellaneous sources of support. Included in the analysis are state-by-state comparisons of funding levels, per capita rankings and line item information, as well as discussions of the SAA revenue outlook in the context of state budgets and inflation. Explore our interactive visualizations for a more in-depth look at SAA revenues.
State arts agencies use their funds to support a wide variety of programs and services that make the arts more accessible to the public. They stimulate the marketplace for cultural activities, spur local and private
investment in the work of artists and arts organizations across the country, and help states and jurisdictions achieve their economic development, education and community enhancement goals. To learn more about how state arts agencies use the funds they receive, visit nasaa-arts.org.
Museums for All Evaluation Report
Museums for All is a cooperative initiative between the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to offer a signature access program that encourages families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Museums for All is a way to broaden a museum’s visitor base and reach out to underserved communities. The following program evaluation gathered information from participating Museums for All organizations about how their participation
in the initiative influenced their access programs, internal processes, partnerships, and visitors.
Arts Education and Social-Emotional Learning Outcomes Among K-12 Students
In Arts Education and Social-Emotional Learning Outcomes Among K-12 Students: Developing A Theory of Action, the authors describe how arts learning experiences have the potential to promote the development of socialemotional competencies and suggest that these developmental processes can be replicable across subject areas.
Evidence suggests that practices traditionally found in arts education can play a critical role in developing college- and career-ready skills, such as innovation and collaboration. Participation in arts education processes and practices can translate into the development of both artistic and social-emotional competencies, including self-management, self-discipline, interpersonal skills, and self-expression, that extend beyond arts.
Building Stronger Communities Through Media
This report offers short profiles of innovative local and regional media projects that are bringing news, insight, stories, and public engagement activities to communities across the United States. We share these examples in order to contribute to the emerging dialogue among place-based foundations about ways local media can help animate and advance our diverse grantmaking missions and program priorities.
