Grantmakers in the Arts

(1-20-2011) Lois Weisberg is the first flesh-and-bones Chicagoan to be named a “Legendary Landmark” by Illinois's Landmarks Preservation Council. During and before her tenure as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, she has been responsible for all manner of popular Chicago public arts programs, including the Chicago Cultural Center, Gallery 37, and numerous annual festivals. Now, at age 85, Weisberg is stepping down amidst controversy over Major Richard M. Daley's proposal to merge her office, the Department of Cultural Affairs with the Major's Office of Special Events.

(1-20-2011) For 25 years, the national nonprofit organization CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists’ Emergency Resources) has provided grants, loans, and brokered assistance from manufacturers, suppliers, and show promoters to craft artists who have suffered career-threatening emergencies.

(1-19-2011) ArtsFund, a Seattle-based grantmaking organization, has released a pair of Economic Impact Studies, one focused on King County, Washington (which includes Seattle) and another for the broader Puget Sound Region. A year in the making, these studies analyze the impacts of arts and cultural organizations and their patrons during 2009 and 2010. They were authored by Dr. William Beyers, University of Washington, and GMA Research Corporation of Bellevue, Washington.

(1-19-2011) As announced last month, grant application guidelines for NEA funding in 2012 are now available. The guidelines are for the NEA’s two funding categories, Art Works and Our Town.

NEA is organizing a series of discipline-focused webinars to guide applicants through the changes. Those interested in participating, can log onto arts.gov shortly before the scheduled time. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

(1-18-2011) The National Capitalization Project continues to generate much-needed debate. Here is a quick listing of blog posts:

• Diane Ragsdale: overstocked arts pond: fish too big & fish too many posted January 16, 2011
• Sarah Lutman: Just Say No posted December 11, 2010
• Janet Brown: An Oversupply of Art? posted November 8, 2010
• Arlene Goldbard: GIA Conference Blog 3, Capitalization posted October 18, 2010

(1-17-2011) R. Philip Hanes, Jr., passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Hospice in Winston-Salem at age 84. From the News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C.:

(1-17-2011) A message from Roberto Bedoya, Executive Director of the Tucson Pima Arts Council:

(1-16-2011) City Journal, the quarterly publication of The Manhattan Institute, has published a review of Generosity Unbound: How American Philanthropy Can Strengthen the Economy and Expand the Middle Class, a book published last Fall and authored by Claire Gaudiani.