British Future’s Post

Out today! Our new Creating Connections report explores how the creative arts can play an important role fostering community cohesion and bridging social divides ⬇️ It features polling on arts participation, a good practice guide for utilising arts to bring diverse communities together and recommendations for policymakers for harmessing the potential of the creative sector to tackle polarisation.

**NEW REPORT** Americans Speak Out About the Arts in 2023 measures arts and culture’s wide-ranging impact. Americans for the Arts hopes this critical study—conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Americans for the Arts—will embolden public and private sector leaders to work together to secure funding and arts-friendly policies that shape more vibrant and equitable communities. Explore the full Americans Speak Out About the Arts report to better assess Americans’ perceptions and attitudes about arts and culture across the country. The comprehensive report is designed to empower our collective effort to secure funding and more arts-friendly policies at the local, state, and federal levels. The results show just how important it is to create inclusive, accessible, and supportive spaces for arts and education. Be sure to download both the full report and the one-pager here: https://bit.ly/2OxyVWo

In 2012 the National Governors Association released a study called New Engines of Growth: Five Role for Arts Culture and Design. (link in comments) The study made the case for arts and culture as an economic driver. It encouraged states to create ordinances allowing municipalities to create Arts and Culture Districts which would allow for creating local code exemptions to incentivize artists to open their businesses in those districts. The Commonwealth of Virginia like most States created such a code (15.2-943.1. Creation of arts and cultural districts.), and Arts and Cultural Districts began popping up across America. Most of these districts failed to accomplish the goals of attracting artists to open businesses, due to a lack of motivational incentives. I spent the last 12 years arguing for real, funded, impactful changes that actually incentivize artists. Do you know of any good examples of arts incentive programs that have actually worked??

Very interesting and encouraging findings about the public's attitude to artists in this Americans for the Arts study. * 67% of people think it's important that artists can afford living and working in their community * >61% support local government funding for artists contributing to communities (57% support federal spending) This is in contrast with the Urban Institute study from the early 2000s, showing that 96% are greatly inspired and moved by art, while only 27% think artists contribute "a lot" to the general good of society. I wonder what's changed. Was there a significant shift in public opinion - if so, what drove it? Or is this due to different surveying methodologies and the community-focused language of questions?

Yesterday, we announced $747,000 to support the arts in Waterloo Region alongside Region of Waterloo which included funding for organizations and individual artists and arts collectives. This funding also includes a collaboration with @citywaterloo to fund microgrants through @PatTheDogPDC’s Microgrant Program. “I am thrilled to see over $300,000 in Regional funding supporting artists and arts organizations of diverse disciplines, a testament to our commitment to vibrancy and creativity across Waterloo Region. As we grow to a community of 1 million residents, it is essential that everyone has access to arts and culture that enriches our lives, fosters meaningful connection, and nurtures a future where everyone can thrive.” -- Karen Redman, Regional Chair Read our press release for additional information, including a full list of who received funding: https://lnkd.in/gqweZvCV

Arts Community Pulse Survey: Public funding is essential to the survival and growth of Canada’s arts sector. The Canada Council for the Arts and Context Research Group (CRG) conducted a major survey of 7,255 artists, arts groups and organizations across the country to better understand the challenges and needs of the arts sector. There is no doubt that the results reveal that the sector is facing major challenges in terms of funding, resources and mental health. The team at CRG is proud to be part of this important research project that will inform the Canada Council’s support to the arts sector so that the sector can keep making its vital contributions in the longer term. Explore the key findings and more in our recent blog post. https://lnkd.in/gpTi75nY

10 good reasons to support the arts & humanities at all levels of education! Another reason not mentioned in the video is their value to democratic practices, including the analysis and critique of authority (whether a cultural given, an idea, institution or person), an appreciation for complexity, argumentation and debate (rather than ad hominem attacks). See Chantal Mouffe, Martha Nussbaum & Rosi Braidotti.

Register here- https://lnkd.in/eGFKgAvC Major cuts to the arts have been proposed to address the state deficit. The arts are not just for our enjoyment; they help us to express our values and share a vision for the world we could live in. The arts bring people together across difference. The arts help us to see our power and potential as humans. What are three things that I can expect to get from Maryland Arts Day if I attend? Networking, networking, networking! Network with your fellow arts advocates and legislators from across the state. Learn lots of facts about the impact of the arts in our state and about this year’s state budget for the arts. Strategize and plan with experienced arts advocates about making a strong case in support of funding for the arts in Maryland. What are three things that I can expect to get from Maryland Arts Day if I attend? Networking, networking, networking! Network with your fellow arts advocates and legislators from across the state. Learn lots of facts about the impact of the arts in our state and about this year’s state budget for the arts. Strategize and plan with experienced arts advocates about making a strong case in support of funding for the arts in Maryland.

The arts have a profound impact on our well-being, especially when we actively engage with them. This post from the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine highlights how the arts influence us individually and collectively. Reflect on how the arts shape your life—what type of arts engagement do you enjoy most, and how could you increase it to support your own sense of well-being? #Neuroaesthetics #WellBeing #Arts

Arts in education goes beyond creativity; it’s essential for holistic development. It enhances critical thinking, emotional expression, and fine motor skills while fostering creativity—key traits for future leaders. I found a great post highlighting how arts benefit contribute to the economy. Check it out to see the broader impact! #ArtsEducation #Creativity #EconomicGrowth