Arts Intranet

ARTSblog once again was a vibrant space for sharing and learning across all sectors of the arts field in 2018. All told, we published more than 215 blogs by authors working in public art, healthcare, government, marketing, local arts agencies, the private sector, and at Americans for the Arts—plus artists, arts educators, leaders at every stage of their careers, and many more. We hope you got your fill of your favorite topics and posts—but if you’re looking for a quick snapshot of the year that was, here are the 10 most viewed ARTSblog posts from 2018.

1.) Ten Reasons to Support the Arts in 2018 by Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts & Business, Arts & Healing, Arts Education, Community Engagement, Social Change

“Three years ago, I had open-heart surgery. It was totally unexpected. A couple of medical tests and suddenly I entered a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and a lot of ouch! Looking back, what I remember beyond the caring professionals who fixed me, is the art. It transformed a medical experience into one that I can now only describe as profound.”

2.) Introducing the Arts + Social Impact Explorer by Clay Lord, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts & Business, Arts & Healing, Arts Education, Community Engagement, Public Art, Social Change

“To improve the perceived public value of the arts, we must connect into the places where people find value. Knowing people prioritize core issue areas like education, job security, housing, public safety, and health and wellness, how do we show the important ways the arts intersect with their day-to-day lives? At Americans for the Arts, our answer is the Arts + Social Impact Explorer.”

3.) Shooting Survivors Turn to the Arts in the Wake of Tragedy by Jeff M. Poulin, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts & Healing, Arts Education, Social Change

“On February 14, 2018, seventeen people, including students and adults, were killed in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Since this tragedy, the voices of young people from the community have been lifted through their dynamic advocacy to call for reform to national, state, and local gun- and mental health-related policies. Many of the strong skills that they are using for their advocacy came from their immersion and studies in arts education.”

4.) The Positive Power of Art by Margaret Weisbrod Morris, Lawrence (KS) Arts Center
Categories: Arts & Healing, Arts Education, Social Change

“You might be surprised to know that the arts and health have over 100 years of partnership. Visual art, music, dance, creative writing, dramatic play, and theater have been used for decades to enhance individual experience in hospitals, mental health treatment centers, senior care facilities, emergency rooms, occupational therapy clinics, in pediatric care, and more. Wherever people are in crisis—health or otherwise—creative activities are found.”

5.) Twelve Things Americans Believe About the Arts in 2018 by Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts & Business, Arts Education, Community Engagement

“There are many studies that document the social, educational, and economic benefits of the arts to communities. But how does the American public feel about the role of the arts in their lives? We put questions directly to the public to find out. ‘Americans Speak Out about the Arts in 2018’ is one of the largest public opinion studies about the arts ever conducted.  As one might expect when hearing from the public, we find a mix of assumptions challenged and observations confirmed.”

6.) To Lead in the Arts as a Woman by Afa S. Dworkin, the Sphinx Organization
Category: Leadership

“To lead in the arts today as a woman is a privilege and an honor. We live during a critical time. There is much discord, fear, apathy, and concern for our field and its value in our society. We have the opportunity to stand up and use our bully pulpits thoughtfully. When those do not exist, we build new ones. When we are not heard, we can amplify one another. Every choice we make is seen through a finer lens and has more riding on it. We must turn that into an opportunity to seize the moment and act with courage when it counts.”

7.) Thriving Arts Communities Need For-Profit Support by Mark Golden, Golden Artist Colors
Categories: Arts & Business, Community Engagement, pARTnership Movement

“Almost exactly four years ago now, we at Golden Artist Colors embarked on a collaborative process to develop a new Vision Statement for our business. What emerged through this process was a collective vision that was much greater and much more audacious than anything we could have imagined for ourselves. Our vision wasn’t to beat any other manufacturer or supplier in our industry, but to ask our peer companies to join forces and, together, help us create more abundance in the arts for every one of us to grow.”

8.) “We Can Do It”: Rosie the Riveter and the Power of Public Art by Nancy Fletcher, Outdoor Advertising Association of America
Category: Public Art

“The recent passing of the inspiration for Rosie the Riveter underscores the importance of public art … and the role of women. The real Rosie the Riveter—Naomi Parker Fraley, a waitress in California—lived to be 96. An image of Naomi, hair tied in a polka-dot bandana, became an iconic symbol for unity during World War II and, later, for feminism. After she died January 20, 2018, her lengthy obituary in The New York Times was worthy of rock stars or heads of state.”

9.) Five Reasons Why Public Art Matters by Patricia Walsh, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts & Healing, Community Engagement, Public Art, Social Change

“In a world struggling with new ways to connect, public art can make public spaces more approachable. In June of this year, Americans for the Arts worked in collaboration with the 2018 Public Art Network (PAN) Advisory Council to launch ‘Why Public Art Matters’ to provide the field with a tool to help educate community members, local decision makers, and other stakeholders on the value that public art can bring to cities and towns.”

10.) Art in Politics: Why Both Matter by Shannon McDermott, Americans for the Arts
Categories: Arts Education, Social Change

“Research shows that marginalized communities consistently have little to no access to arts education in schools. Some of the most diverse voices are being shut out of conversations and art creation. We are left with an education system that refuses to elevate some of the most integral voices in diversity for our dialogue and our art. I intern for Americans for the Arts because advocating for equitable access to art and arts education vastly improves our education system.”