Launching a Nation-wide Arts and Culture Dialogue: The National Arts Index

Tuesday, October 20, 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Organized by Marete Wester, director of arts policy, Americans for the Arts.

Presented by Randy Cohen, vice president for local arts advancement, Americans for the Arts; Alan Brown, principal, WolfBrown; Joan Shigekawa, senior deputy chairman, National Endowment for the Arts.

Demonstrating the value of arts and culture to our society is challenged by a lack of systematized, time-series data that answers these urgent questions: How sustainable are arts and culture in our dynamic society? Are the economic resources and potentials sufficient for their future vitality? What is the role of public and private sector arts funders in an evolving system? Join us in a lively discussion about the health and vitality of the arts sector through the lens of The National Arts Index. In development since 2005 with funding from the Rockefeller and Luce Foundations, the Index models and measures the arts sector. Its illuminating, and often provocative, findings include trends in organizational capacity, changes in personal participation and creation, nonprofit vs. for-profit, funding, education, and more. Learn how the Index can be used to spur conversations, shape strategies, and educate decision makers. Contribute your feedback to the ongoing dialogue on improving the state of arts and culture in America.