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Bree “Coco” Davies is a multimedia journalist, urban planning professional, arts community advocate and organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, created and produced Fem Fest for MCA Denver, has consulted on Youth On Record’s feminist-centric programming and is host and producer of the music and comedy-focused weekly show, Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television. At the center of this work is a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Ray Mark Rinaldi is a critic-at-large based in Denver, Colorado, where, as both a writer and editor, he moderates a public discussion about American art in the West and how it influences — and is influenced by — development, politics, geography and rapid social and demographic change. He writes about art holistically, connecting the dots between the visual arts, performance, music, architecture and literature, to present an inclusive picture of 21st century culture.

For the last 12 years, he has contributed to the Denver Post, where he serves as the primary voice on the visual arts. His work has also appeared in the New York Times, Hyperallergic, Dwell magazine, Inside Arts, Opera America, Chamber Music and other publications.

The U.S. House Education and Labor Committee began the process last week of reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA). This law represents the primary dedicated Federal funding to support seniors through home- and community-based services. This legislative effort also included an expanded focus sought by Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) to ensuring seniors have access to and engage in cultural and arts experiences.

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From Carolinia A. Miranda, writing for the Los Angeles Times: After President Trump threatened to eliminate the [National Endowment for the Arts], Congress approved a spending bill that not only funds the NEA for another year, but increased its $148 million annual budget by nearly $2 million. Lost in much of the acrimonious debate over … Continue reading Could $499,000 in Grants That Help Our Soldiers Be One Reason Congress Spared the NEA? →

Ford Foundation President Darren Walker has recently published an op-ed on The Hill in support of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities: Of course, there is something at stake here much greater than the economic impact of public support for the arts. In a time of discordant political discourse — of competing, conflicting … Continue reading Darren Walker: The Arts Are Not Just a “Special Interest” →

A recent article in The New York Times highlights some of the art therapy programs funded by the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities which serve veterans and their families. Given government support of veterans services, the article discusses how the success of these programs might influence conversations and decisions surrounding continuing funding for … Continue reading Can Programs that Help the Military Save the Federal Arts Agencies? →

An op-ed by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation President Earl Lewis discusses the unique role that the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities play in funding arts and culture initiatives across the country. Lewis highlights ways the Endowments have enriched society and filled a niche in the funding arena – supporting programs in underfunded rural … Continue reading Mellon President Earl Lewis Pens Op-Ed in Support of NEA and NEH →

In a new blog post at The McKnight Foundation, Arts Program Director Vickie Benson makes the case that the National Endowment for the Arts continues to illuminate the power of the arts, and that our communities are better off because of their work: I’ve seen the fierce battles over these arts and cultural agencies play … Continue reading Vickie Benson on Why Our Communities Need the NEA →

In a statement today, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) argues that “eliminating the NEA would hurt every state in our nation.” The statement outlines the national impacts of eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, and NASAA has voiced its resolve “to sustain the NEA and ensure that its important work continues.” … Continue reading NASAA: “Eliminating the NEA would hurt every state in our nation” →