In 1998 the Arts & Business Council Inc., with support from MetLife Foundation, began offering a series of arts issue forums in New York City. In 2002, with increased support from the foundation, nine cities were added to the roster, bringing the total number to 10, and the MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series was created. Then in 2005, following the merger between Americans for the Arts and Arts & Business Council Inc., and again with generous support from MetLife Foundation, the National Arts Forum Series expanded to 20 cities across the country, drawing on the nationwide constituency of partners and communities from both organizations.

Americans for the Arts’ Monograph series featured in-depth issue papers on topics that were of the greatest interest to our members and arts professionals at the time. They often still serve as excellent resources for best practices and historic reference for today’s issues. Monographs were produced from 1993–2010. Monographs from 2001-2010 are available for downloadable in PDF format our online store at a nominal fee for nonmembers but free to members. All monographs from 1993-2000 are available for free download via the National Arts Administration and Policy Publications Database.

In 1998 the Arts & Business Council Inc., with support from MetLife Foundation, began offering a series of arts issue forums in New York City. In 2002, with increased support from the foundation, nine cities were added to the roster, bringing the total number to 10, and the MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series was created.