The Americans for the Arts is an organization that helps
arts organizations through out the nation find funding, research, data, planning,
and provides other resources to help sustain and promote arts organizations.
For the last few years one of the major contributions to the
arts from this organization was developing statistical data that supports why investing
in the arts would help build the country economically. The reports are design
to show actual numbers that back up the importance of investing in arts
programs no matter if the organization is large or small.
Americans for the Arts also helps write polices that will
provide much needed funding to arts organizations all over the country. They
are located in Washington D.C so that their advocacy is year round and very
involved in the day-to-day politics of funding for the arts.
They are committed to letting representatives from different
states know that there is a way to support the arts and grow their local
economies.
I have used their data for many projects and some of the
information is strong data that might help convince the powers that be to just
listen and create a plan to invest.
The need to develop professionally is present in every
discipline and the arts are no exception. The Americans for the Arts provides
this development to individuals and organizations through conferences, webinars
and other facets to help everyone grow in their craft.
The organization also provides career opportunities for
those wishes to advocate for the arts. On their website there are many avenues
to get involved and join the fight. Many of the arts organizations that list
jobs are not just in D.C., they are all over the nation. This helps members
look for opportunities to continue doing what they love to do. Sometimes it is
difficult to know where there is a need.
I would suggested that anyone who is interested in keeping
the arts a part of a school’s education, in after-school programs or any other
form, a membership is just a click away.
