Americans for the Arts Action Fund

Exciting news!??? We’re thrilled to announce that Erin Harkey will be joining Americans for the Arts as our new CEO this March. Erin’s leadership story is incredible - as Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), she championed unprecedented support for the arts, leading the city’s largest-ever expansion of arts funding. But what really stands out is her passionate commitment to making arts and culture accessible to all communities. Following an extensive national search, Erin will join AFTA as CEO this March. At a time when our country needs connection more than ever, we believe arts and culture have a unique power to unite people across all backgrounds and beliefs. Erin’s joining us at this transformative moment, and we’re excited to see how her innovative vision will help strengthen local arts agencies and create more vibrant communities where arts and culture thrive across America. Welcome, Erin!??? Read more:?https://lnkd.in/eVNsQKjE

Americans for the Arts has released its findings from one of the most comprehensive national public opinion studies: "Americans Speak Out About the Arts." Survey data reveals an overwhelming majority of Americans recognize the value of arts and culture: ?? 86% agree that “arts and culture improve my community’s quality of life and livability.” ?? 79% believe that “arts and culture play an important role in supporting businesses, the economy, and local jobs.” ?? 72% favor government funding of arts and culture to address jobs and economic development issues. These insights underscore the profound impact the arts have, not only on individuals, but also on the broader community and economy. Let’s continue working toward vibrant, thriving communities enriched by the power of the arts. ?? Read more detailed survey highlights on arts engagement, education, and funding below. ?? https://lnkd.in/eyvspY7A

“The Arts Action Fund and its 400,000+ grassroots members will be laser-focused on working to engage both Republican and Democratic freshmen and incumbent Members of Congress on the economic and community impact and value of public funding of the arts and culture back home in their states and congressional districts,” said Nina Ozlu Tunceli, executive director of the Arts Action Fund. Our economy thrives off of the creative sector which plays an essential role in our society and economy comprising 4.3% of our gross domestic product or $1.1 trillion. Arts education and STEAM programs foster creativity and innovation, traits that are in demand by the business community. And since it is #VeternsDay, the arts also play an important role helping to address PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in our military service men and women. To learn more about how the 2024 General Election will affect the creative sector, please register for our upcoming Post-Election Webinar, which will be hosted by Americans for the Arts and the Americans for the Arts Action Fund on Thursday, November 21st at 3 pm EDT. https://lnkd.in/ge9kKZ2w #ArtsAndCulture #BeAnArtsVoter

How will the 2024 General Election results affect the creative sector? To learn more, please register for the upcoming 2024 Post-Election Webinar, hosted by Americans for the Arts and the Americans for the Arts Action Fund, on Thursday, November 21 at 12:00pm PT. Americans for the Arts has a long and robust working relationship with both political parties, which is essential to advancing federal policy goals. In 2025, they will be laser-focused on working to engage both Republican and Democratic freshmen and incumbent members of Congress on the economic and community impact and value of public funding of the arts and culture back home in their states and congressional districts. Register: https://bit.ly/3CqorCP

We’re excited to launch the Local Arts Agency Wayfinder—an interactive map designed to help local arts agencies (LAAs) and creatives across the U.S. connect and strengthen their communities. ???? This tool is part of our?commitment to support the vital work LAAs do every day to empower artists, provide diverse programming, and make arts accessible to everyone. The LAA Wayfinder enhances their impact by fostering collaboration nationwide, building on similar efforts across the field to strengthen the arts ecosystem. Learn more and explore the tool here: bit.ly/LAAwayfinder?

???????? ????????: What does the 2024 election results mean for the arts? Join our webinar on this Thursday 11/21 to learn what it means for the future of the arts and arts advocacy in America. Register ?? https://lnkd.in/dmsmiETu

Thank you to Nina Ozlu Tunceli from Americans for the Arts for an amazing webinar earlier this week on how members of the chamber music field can take part in arts advocacy. ? Didn't get the chance to make it? Head to the link below to watch the full recording of this knowledge packed webinar. To get access to recordings of CMA webinars after the fact, join today! ? ??https://lnkd.in/ecm_JbPs

?? October is National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM)! ???? This year’s theme, "The Arts Within You," reminds us how art helps us cope with life, promotes well-being, and builds empathy and resilience. Whether through creative expression, reducing stress, or fostering connections, the arts make a difference! Here's how to celebrate with Americans for the Arts: 1?? Join our Building the Bigger We webinar TODAY October 1 at 3 PM ET 2?? Learn how to engage with your community, our sample proclamations and guide to equitable engagement will make it easy 3?? Sign up for the Americans for the Arts Action Fund and join our mission to mobilize 1 million citizen activists to advance the arts and arts education 4?? Download our ready-to-use social media assets to spread the word Let’s celebrate the arts together this month! Visit our NAHM page to learn more and get involved: https://bit.ly/NAHM2024 #TheBiggerWe #NAHM

Reason #1 to support the arts: Arts strengthen the economy. ?? ?? The U.S. Arts and Culture sector generates $1.1 trillion and supports 5.2 million jobs—more than industries like Transportation and Agriculture! Nonprofit arts alone create $151.7 billion in economic activity and 2.6 million jobs. The arts aren’t just fun—they’re an economic engine! One shining example is the 2022 BLINK? opening parade in Cincinnati. The four-day light festival, hosted by ArtsWave, attracted visitors from across the globe, making it the largest event in the city’s history and boosting the local economy. We are excited to attend this year’s BLINK? festival starting October 17, and proud to have ArtsWave as our local host as #AFTACON heads to Cincy next year—get ready for even more arts-fueled excitement! #Support4Arts

The ups and down of government arts funding … as of July 5. Stay vigilant. Keep advocating.