It's been an exceptionally difficult week. Americans for the Arts believes Black Lives Matter, and shares in the outrage people across the country are feeling at the deaths of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all Black victims of systemic racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and oppression. Read on for our full statement on supporting Black communities.

Today we launch our new DIAL.studio webinar series, designed for pre- and early-career arts leaders traditionally underrepresented in the field who are looking to learn more about working in the arts. The series is free and continues for the next six weeks. Also this week, we announced a new scholarship opportunity to attend the Annual Convention + Public Art & Civic Design Conference, with priority given to individuals who identify as people of color, LGBTQIA, or those living in Rural communities. Apply by Wednesday, June 10.

News Room

Americans for the Arts Statement on Supporting Black Communities
We will continue to advocate for, lift up, and stand beside the artists, cultural activists, and arts professionals who work toward changing long-standing systems of power so that Black people are granted equal privilege and access, and are free from threat and violence. To the Black community: we see you, we hear you, and we support you.

Americans for the Arts Remembers Artist Christo
Christo, who passed away at age 84, and his wife Jeanne-Claude were widely known for their grand-scale temporary installations. Americans for the Arts honored Christo and Jeanne-Claude at the 2003 National Arts Awards with the Artistic Excellence Award to commend their artistic contributions to American art and culture.  

Americans for the Arts Joins 52 National Organizations to Support Arts Education as Essential for Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
In the statement, “Arts Education Is Essential,” the signing organizations convey that the arts already have played a pivotal and uplifting role during the health crisis, and that arts education can help all students, including those who are in traditionally underrepresented groups, as students return to school next year.

Arts Agency Annual Convention Scholarship Now Open!
The Arts Agency scholarship to support the professional development of arts agencies that are facing financial strain due to the COVID-19 crisis. This scholarship will provide one complimentary registration to the virtual convening of the Annual Convention and Public Art & Civic Design Conference. Application deadline is June 10, 2020.

ArtsU

DIAL.studio | Places + Spaces: Navigating Workspaces In-Person and Online
This is first of six sessions presenting best practices and tips for emerging leaders to learn more about working in the arts administration field. As many work environments have shifted from in-person to online, this workshop invites participants to explore what work environments and cultures look like in both spaces.

Pictured above: George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, MN. Art by Cadex Herrrera, photo by Lorie Shaull.