On Friday, I had the privilege to attend the NEA’s Cultural Workforce Forum, a convening of researchers who have recently led efforts to measure and understand the work habits and economic condition of individual artists in the United States. The event, though not open to the public, was simulcast on the Internet so that anyone [...]
Actually, the meeting took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, but that sounds a lot less sexy…
I’m talking about the May 12th gathering of artists and creative organizers with Obama’s top cultural policy advisors. Although Fractured Atlas wasn’t directly involved with the event, one of our own, Caron Atlas (no relation), was one of [...]
We need more math nerds in the non-profit arts world. And by “math nerd” I’m not talking about experts in multivariate calculus or linear algebra. I just mean people who aren’t afraid of numbers and are willing to poke them with a stick occasionally.
Last week Ian Moss provided one of the most thorough and detailed [...]
Artists are natural entrepreneurs. In general, they are innovative, enthusiastic, hard-working, highly intelligent, and resourceful. That last attribute is the subject of this post…resourcefulness.
Entrepreneurs come up with a great idea, then go out and find the resources or develop the capabilities to “make it happen.” Or, they look at what they already have available and [...]
Over the past few months, there’s been lots of talk about a “new WPA” in which the federal government would hire artists to perform public service. Last week the first serious legislation emerged out of Congress that makes an attempt at this idea. From The New Service:
The Music National Service Initiative, which is in its [...]
A few weeks ago I pointed out Arlene Goldbard’s excellent summary of the issues surrounding a “new WPA” and specifically how the arts might be involved in or affected by such an undertaking. Arlene has now posted a follow-up piece which is equally worth a read.
Like the last piece it is thorough and informative, and [...]
Not long ago, I mentioned the large number of ad hoc groups that have emerged to promote various arts and culture policy ideas to the Obama team.
Well, one of those groups is called ArtsPolicyNow, and it involves some of the smartest folks in the industry on this issue. Although I can’t claim to be a [...]
Isaac Butler makes a compelling, well-reasoned case for why President-elect Obama ought to create a cabinet-level position focused on the arts and cultural policy:
It is necessary, after all, and a good thing to have the President say the arts are important. It would be great to have a Cabinet level arts person. It would Send [...]
There’s been endless talk lately about the Obama administration’s economic stimulus agenda and how it might incorporate or impact the arts. Some of that chatter has even taken place on this blog.
Thankfully, Arlene Goldbard has put together an extremely thorough treatment of the subject. She covers the historical precedents, the current arguments, and the [...]
Americans for the Arts (actually the Americans for the Arts Action Fund) has published a comparison of the arts positions of John McCain and Barack Obama. I’m not wild about the list of issues they asked the campaigns about, since they address only very superficial considerations. Still, it’s an interesting read.
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Fractured Atlas is a non-profit organization that serves a national community of artists and arts organizations. Our programs and services facilitate the creation of art by offering vital support to the artists who produce it. We help artists and arts organizations function more effectively as businesses by providing access to funding, healthcare, education, and more, all in a context that honors their individuality and independent spirit. By nurturing today's talented but underrepresented voices, we hope to foster a dynamic and diverse cultural landscape of tomorrow.
