A tax to fund arts education in Portland, Oregon has recently come up against legal and administrative challenges, as reported by Artsy:
Grantmakers in the Arts
September 26, 2017 by Monica
In a letter from its board chair, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) announced that Executive Director Philip Horn will retire from his position effective January 2018:
Philip came from California to become Executive Director in 1993. Under his leadership the PCA has gained a reputation as a national leader among state arts agencies through a range of achievements and innovations, including:
Developing the PCA’s Regional Partnerships and Initiatives to form a robust statewide arts infrastructure through the decentralization of PCA grants, teaching artist residencies, and services through an engaged network of partner organizations.
September 22, 2017 by Monica
The Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) and The California Endowment (TCE) have released the first report in a series exploring the connections between traditional arts and cultural practices and community well-being. The report is a case study examining Engaging Cultural Assets Pilot Project in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, work funded by TCE and conducted by ACTA.
September 21, 2017 by Monica
From the Houston Chronicle:
The Houston Arts Alliance has hired a nationally-known figure with a strong background in arts education as its next CEO.
Board chair Philamena Baird announced that John Abodeely, former acting executive director for the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, will become the alliance's new leader on Nov. 6. His "experience, skill and high energy" are just what the city and the alliance need, she said.
During his four years with the President's Committee, Abodeely oversaw strategy and operations for four pillar programs, managed a $4 million fundraising program, and directed the first bilateral government delegation to Cuba. He also co-designed an innovative program that integrated arts to boost academic achievement and increase student engagement.
September 21, 2017 by Monica
The Washington Post has published an interactive and multimedia article that explores what happens in the human brain when watching a ballet performance:
Scientists studying various aspects of the arts believe certain components especially excite the brain. Neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran proposes several universal laws of art, or common patterns found in works of art across time and cultures. These principles powerfully activate our visual centers. In theory, they tap into evolved survival responses.
September 20, 2017 by Monica
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts announced that its executive director, John Killacky, will step down from his role in June 2018. Killacky previously served on the board of Grantmakers in the Arts and as program officer for arts and culture at The San Francisco Foundation. As reported by Seven Days:
September 19, 2017 by Monica in Capitalization
Rebecca Thomas recently published a blog post outlining "Six Steps for Sustainability Planning."
September 14, 2017 by Monica
Arts patron and philanthropist Alice Walton announced the formation of Art Bridges, a 501(c)(3) foundation focused on sharing outstanding works of American art. Collaborating with museums and institutions of all sizes and in all regions of the country, Art Bridges will help create and fund exhibitions, bringing together art from museums, private collections, foundations, and a collection established as a part of Art Bridges.
“Our country’s significant works of art should be available for all to see and enjoy,” said Walton. “Outstanding artworks are in museum vaults and private collections; let’s make that art available to everyone, and provide a way to experience these cultural treasures.”