Conference Proceedings: Break-out Sessions

While the stock market plummeted, foundations' funds declined, and individual donors found it hard to make their pledges, communities of color have continued in their attempts to play catch-up. Ethnic-specific museums across the country are collecting and preserving historical and artistic materials that have long been neglected by mainstream institutions. What are the challenges that these institutions face as they seek to acquire collections? What are the culturally-specific strategies that have been most effective?

Several large national foundations have recently announced the end of their arts and cultural funding at a national level. Although it is too early to see whether this is part of a larger trend, it merits discussion since it would effect hundreds of arts organizations. What are the implications – short and long-term – of the decisions of large national funders on the field? Whether borne out by quantitative evidence or not, the perception is that the foundation sector is a place where organizations of color are part of the conversation and can garner support.

The national crisis in state budgets has definitely had a dramatic impact on arts funding. In some states, the effect on state arts agency budgets has been devastating. But there are also success stories worth documenting and meaningful lessons to learn about case-making, collaboration, and coping with change in our current environment. This session will bring GIA members up to date on the latest developments in public funding across the country, detailing the scope and magnitude of changes in the states.

The hip-hop community is operating on the fringes of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Its aesthetics are evident in popular and underground theater, literature, spoken-word, performance, and film. In addition to developing audiences for their own fledgling institutions, hip-hop groups are being asked to partner with more mainstream organizations that wish to reach the Gen X-Y-Z constituency. How are they surviving and growing? What innovations do they bring to their fields? And what challenges are they facing in the current economic climate?

This session highlights recent research about cultural indicators and the role of the arts in creating healthy and vibrant communities. Sandra Opdycke of the Fordham Institute for Innovation in Social Policy presents the first in a series of National Social Surveys examining the relationships between the arts, culture, and the social health of the nation. Maria-Rosario Jackson and Joaquin Herranz, Jr. from the Arts and Culture Indicators Project of the Urban Institute presented new research that defines and measures cultural vitality as an asset in community building.

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The convergence of long-term global economic factors, changes in state and federal policies and levels of arts funding, the prolonged decline of the stock market, and financial uncertainty ahead are combining to create long-term economic changes for funders and for the artists and arts organizations they support. What responses or solutions are emerging from the field?

Immigrants and refugees entering the U.S. encounter a bewildering array of artistic and cultural influences. In some cases, they are greeted with well-established cultural institutions (religious congregations, family associations, cultural centers, or arts organizations) that provide continuity with the forms of expression practiced in their native countries. In most instances, however, immigrants and refugees begin life in the U.S.

The Giving to Individual Artists preconference was not taped and transcribed. A brief report, however, was prepared on the proceedings.

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   Giving to Individual Artists (191Kb)

This session reflects session-planning in real time with brief presentations
that attempt to capture the latest information-gathering about:

1. the state of the arts disciplines in the face of the weakening economy and
   current world events since September 11;
2. the impact of the myriad emergency funds and their accessibility to and impact on the cultural community;

Time and space have long been recognized as elusive essentials in the artist's creative process. Whether at a colony or retreat center or as part of a long-term residency within a cultural institution, artists who spend time in communities other than their own bring with them—and derive in return—fresh ideas and creative renewal. This session will explore the characteristics of successful artists' residencies and retreats. How are they funded? Are there new models? How can one assess their effectiveness?