Americans for the Arts Celebrates Two Decades of Recognition in the Public Art Field

Monday, February 3, 2020

This year Americans for the Arts will both celebrate the work of the public art field through a review of the over 800 PAN Year in Review projects, and take a moment to pause and reflect on the PAN Year in Review program in order to relaunch a more equitable program in 2021.

Registration open for 2020 Annual Convention and Public Art & Civic Design Conference

Friday, January 31, 2020

The Americans for the Arts Annual Convention is getting BIGGER in 2020—and so is our Public Art programming! The popular Public Art & Civic Design Preconference is transforming into a 2.5-day conference alongside this year’s Annual Convention June 26-28 in Washington, D.C.


McKenzie L Shelton

Public Art, Gentrification, and Annual Convention: A Photo Essay

Posted by McKenzie L Shelton, Sep 17, 2019


McKenzie L Shelton

When I was awarded a Practicing Artist Scholarship to attend this year’s Americans for the Arts Annual Convention in the Twin Cities, I was eager to find myself surrounded by other fervent promoters of the arts in individual localities from around our nation. I did find impassioned people, but I also found that an inner conflict of mine has deepened: As an artist, I’m not sure that I should be involved in this effort to fund and execute public art. This notion has danced in and out of my mind for the last few years, particularly regarding the role of artists and public art on the negative effects of gentrification and the affordable housing crisis. During the conference, I felt the tension between my excitement about increased federal spending on the arts and my skepticism that those monies will be used on careful, conscientious policymaking that allows for neighborhood improvement without giving in to the seemingly ubiquitous phenomenon of displacement. Rather than answers, I have come away with more questions. How is public art involved, whether inadvertently or directly, in the pushing out of low-income residents, minoritized groups, and even artists themselves? And how are artists implicated in this process?

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We need to be discussing new visions for our country, our communities, and the roles that arts, culture, artists, and creative workers can play. Who better to drive forward this crucial conversation than our opening keynote speaker, Marc Morial? In this inspiring opening, hear Mr.

Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham to Be Awarded American Express Emerging Leader Award for Community Impact

Johnson-Cunningham of Brooklyn to Receive Award on June 15 at Americans for the Arts’ Annual Convention in Twin Cities, Minnesota

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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Americans for the Arts announced today that Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham, a museum professional and arts educator based in Brooklyn, New York, will be awarded the 2019 American Express Emerging Leader Award at Americans for the Arts’ Annual Convention in the Twin Cities on June 15. The annual award recognizes an exceptional new and/or young arts professional for their exemplary leadership, deep engagement with community, and strong commitment to advancing the arts. 

I can track most of the most important moments of my career in nonprofits arts with experiences with Americans for the Arts. Whether it's live in-person convenings, the exhaustive and accessible research, or their movement building policy work, I've benefited enormously from the resources made available to me as an Americans for the Arts member.

As a member of the Emerging Leaders Council from 2009 to 2012, I had the opportunity to serve my colleagues while reaping the benefits of building and serving a national network, experimenting with new methods of service including audience and content development, event planning and presenting not to mention the requisite commiseration and merry-making. Those three years were transformative.

Nominations for the 2019 Annual Leadership Awards Are Now Open

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Kristina Newman-Scott receives the Selina Roberts Ottum Award in 2018. She is flanked by Americans for the Arts Board Chair Julie Muraco and CEO Robert L. Lynch.

Through March 11, 2019, Americans for the Arts is accepting nominations of community arts leaders for one of seven 2019 Annual Leadership Awards. These awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching their communities through the arts.

Americans Speak out About the Arts in 2018

Americans for the Arts Previews National Survey on Arts Attitudes, Perceptions in America

Friday, June 15, 2018

Today at the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado, Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch announced the completion of a new in-depth study of American perceptions and attitudes towards the arts and arts funding and revealed three highlights of the study during his State of the Arts speech.

Nomination Deadline for the Leadership Awards has been EXTENDED!

Nominations now close Sunday, March 13 at 11:59 p.m. (EST)

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Members of Americans for the Arts now have until Sunday, March 13, 2016 to nominate outstanding arts leaders from their communities for one of seven Annual Leadership Awards.

Nominations for the 2016 Annual Leadership Awards Are Open!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Nominate arts leaders from your community for one of seven Annual Leadership Awards presented by Americans for the Arts. These awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching communities through the arts and are presented each year in conjunction with Annual Convention.

Scholarships Available for the 2016 Annual Convention in Boston

Apply Today!

Friday, January 29, 2016

Americans for the Arts is pleased to offer a number of full ride and reimbursement scholarships to individuals interested in attending the 2016 Annual Convention in Boston from June 16 -19, 2016.

Longtime Americans for the Arts Artists Committee Member and Board Member Liz Lerman Joins Faculty of Arizona State University

Monday, January 11, 2016

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Liz Lerman—choreographer, author, educator, 2002 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship recipient, and longtime Americans for the Arts Artists Committee member and Board member—will join the faculty of Arizona State University at the beginning of the spring semester. Lerman will assume a unique position as Institute Professor to lead programs and courses that span disciplines within and beyond ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. She will create a cooperative of artists, researchers, and civic leaders in a lab-like environment to experiment with methods and techniques for broad social impact. Working across disciplinary lines and schools, her Ensemble Lab will examine the role of artists in society, expand artists’ professional opportunities, and prepare artists to be both imaginative innovators and civic partners.

Nominations for the 2015 Annual Leadership Awards Are Now Open!

Awards presented for leadership in arts advocacy, arts education, emerging leaders, public art, private sector innovation, and individual contribution to arts & culture

Monday, March 2, 2015

Nominate yourself or a colleague for one of six 2015 Annual Leadership Awards presented annually by Americans for the Arts in conjunction with Annual Convention! These awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations, or programs committed to enriching their communities through the arts.

Americans for the Arts Prepares for 2015 Annual Convention in Chicago!

June 12-14 Convention Will Bring Together National and Local Leaders to Address the Impact of the Arts on Our Nation’s Communities

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Americans for the Arts is pleased to be holding its 2015 Annual Convention in Chicago, a diverse city that embraces artists, creators, and innovators. The largest national gathering of arts leaders and their partners in creative business, education, and government, the convention is expected to draw upwards of 1,000 attendees. 

Americans for the Arts’ 2015 Convention Addresses the Impact of the Arts on Our Nation’s Communities

Largest National Gathering of Arts Leaders and Partners to Draw over 1,000 Attendees

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

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WASHINGTON, DC—Americans for the Arts, the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, will hold its annual convention in Chicago from June 12–14, 2015. It is the largest national gathering of arts leaders and their partners in creative business, education, and government, and is expected to draw upwards of 1,000 attendees.

Americans for the Arts Announces Six Recipients of Annual Leadership Awards

Awardees to be Honored at Americans for the Arts Annual Convention June 12

Monday, May 18, 2015

Americans for the Arts has announced the recipients of the 2015 Americans for the Arts Annual Leadership Awards. Presented each year, these awards recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations committed to enriching community through the arts. 

Boston Mayor Announces Details on Pro-Arts & Culture Initiative

Thursday, April 9, 2015

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Boston mayor Martin J. Walsh is making good on a campaign promise to increase focus on culture and the arts in the city. Walsh will reveal details of an 18-month initiative, spearheaded by new chief of arts and culture Julie Burros, which will bring city officials into the streets to meet with artists and cultural professionals. Through the initiative, called “Boston Creates,” information will be collected and analyzed for the city to then formulate a plan of action to address the issues cultural leaders and artists are facing.

10 Reasons to Attend the 2015 Annual Convention in Chicago!

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

You already know Annual Convention will bring together more than 1,000 arts professionals with 150 speakers and 45 sessions, but there's a whole lot more to look forward to this year. Here’s a list of top ten things to see and do while in Chicago at the 2015 Annual Convention!

Americans for the Arts Recognizes Outstanding Public Arts Projects for 2014

Thirty-one Projects Honored Today by Public Art Network Year in Review

Thursday, June 11, 2015

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Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education, honors 31 outstanding public arts projects created in 2014 through the Public Art Network (PAN) Year in Review program, the only national program that specifically recognizes the most compelling public art. The works were chosen from more than 300 entries across the country and recognized today at the 2015 Annual Convention in Chicago. 

Ann Marie Miller to Receive Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award

Award to be Presented at Americans for the Arts Convention in Chicago on June 12

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

This year, Americans for the Arts is honoring Ann Marie Miller with the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award. Since 2007, the Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award has honored an individual whose arts advocacy efforts have dramatically affected the political landscape at the state level.

Jeff Hawthorne to Receive Michael Newton Award on June 12

Award to be Presented at Americans for the Arts Convention in Chicago

Thursday, June 4, 2015

This year, Americans for the Arts is honoring Jeff Hawthorne with the Michael Newton Award. For the past 25 years, the Michael Newton Award has recognized exemplary leadership skills and extraordinary dedication to supporting the arts through a united arts fund, which is a combined effort to raise money on behalf of multiple arts institutions in the community, or through unique and powerful partnerships with the private sector.

Eric Booth to Receive Arts Education Award on June 12

Award to be Presented at Americans for the Arts Convention in Chicago

Monday, June 1, 2015

This year, Americans for the Arts is honoring Eric Booth with the Arts Education Award. Presented each year since 2007, the Arts Education Award honors the best in arts education program design, execution, and organizational leadership.

Association for Public Art to Receive Public Art Network Award on June 12

Award to be Presented at Americans for the Arts Convention in Chicago

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

This year, Americans for the Arts is honoring the Association for Public Art (aPA) with the Public Art Network Award. Given annually since 2003, the award honors innovative contributions to, and exemplary commitment and leadership in, public art.

Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces 12 Cities in Running for $1 Million Towards Public Art Projects

237 Cities Applied to New Program Aimed at Supporting Temporary Public Art Projects

Thursday, March 5, 2015

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Today, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced 12 finalist cities in the running to receive up to $1 million each as part of the Public Art Challenge, a new program aimed at supporting temporary public art projects that engage communities, enhance creativity, and enrich the vibrancy of cities. Americans for the Arts president and CEO Robert L. Lynch applauds Bloomberg Philanthropies and comments on the news. 

Arts Leadership Weekend June 13-15 in Nashville

AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS’ CONVENTION BRINGS TOP ARTS LEADERS TO NASHVILLE

Thursday, June 5, 2014

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WASHINGTON—June 4, 2014—Nashville, Tennessee will celebrate Arts Leadership Weekend June 13-15 as the 2014 Annual Convention for Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit for advancing the arts and arts education, welcomes more than 1,000 arts professionals, community leaders, and supporters of the arts to the city.

Ben Folds to Kick Off Annual Convention 2014

Speaking with Americans for the Arts' CEO & President, Bob Lynch

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Ben Folds, musician and arts education activist, will speak Friday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. with Americans for the Arts' CEO and President, Bob Lynch, at our 2014 Annual Convention. He will share with attendees his personal history and transformation into an artist-acitvist, which has allowed him to witness the power of arts education in transforming the lives of young students.

This opening keynote session will also include Bob Lynch's State of the Arts speech, the Leadership Awards Lunch, and a welcome from Nashville mayor Karl Dean. 

Robert L. Lynch on How Investment in the Arts is Vital to American Cities

Monday, June 2, 2014

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American for the Arts CEO and President Robert L. Lynch wrote an article in The Tennessean on May 31 highlighting the recent Periscope: Arts Entrepreneur Training in Nashville as well as the economic impact of arts-related businesses, specifically in Tennessee. Lynch writes that Nashville is a perfect of example of how arts nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and the local government can work together to create a rich environment and a strong economy.

Creating Artist Spaces and Places in Nashville

Nashville Business Journal touts Annual Convention

Monday, June 16, 2014

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Americans for the Arts Annual Convention kicked off unofficially on June 12th with the preconferences and their related field trips. The Public Art Preconference included a tour of repurposed artist studios and enclaves in Nashville, Tennessee. The tour, “Reclamation as Transition - From Factories to Churches: Creating Artist Spaces and Places,” illustrated ways cities can engage the creative class for a more vibrant community.

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