Grantmakers in the Arts

Last year, the League of American Orchestras partnered with The Sphinx Organization and New World Symphony (NWS) launching the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an initiative to increase Latinx and Black orchestra players in the country.

Participatory grantmaking, according to an article by Inside Philanthropy, is drawing more attention these days if you consider "a growing body research, the Foundation Center’s embrace of the topic embrace of the topic, and heightened interest and field-building support from large institutions like the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations."

The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund awarded $1.5 million NYC Health + Hospitals and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City to launch the Arts in Medicine program, which seeks to expand programs serving health care staff, patients, and communities across the city.

The Congressional Arts Handbook, compiled annually to support the work of participants at Arts Advocacy Day, was recently released to support year-round advocacy efforts and this year's National Arts Action Summit, which brings together arts advocates and cultural and civic organizations from across the country on March 4-5 in Washington, DC.

For the month of March, GIA’s photo banner features organizations supported by The Field Foundation.

The Field Foundation, based in and focused on Chicago, is a longtime GIA member and its President, Angelique Power, has proudly served on the GIA board the last 5 years, two of those years serving as Chair of the board.

As we come to the close of February, and therefore the close of Black History Month, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the many posts sharing black stories. There have been calls reminding us to celebrate #blackgirlmagic, to speak out the truth that #BlackLivesMatter, and reminders that movements only succeed when we’re all active and engaged. For these reasons, we at GIA commit ourselves to racial equity in our work, our team, and in the field.

The New York Community Trust and the Jerome L. Greene Foundation established a fund to support accessible tickets at New York City theatres. Ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, the grants will support community access programs, discounted ticket outreach, young member programs, reported American Theatre.

Congressional leaders announced a proposal this week to better help low-income families pay for child care and expand high-quality state preschool options. The introduction of the Child Care for Working Families Act signals the intent of Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to respond to the needs of families with young children.