How to Make Art Work during Uncertain Times
When it feels like the only pattern these days is uncertainty, how can artists and arts organizations continue with their creative journeys? There is no simple answer, but we compiled some resources and considerations that may be helpful as we navigate these challenging times together.
Lost a Grant? Now What?
Have you had your funding pulled recently? If so, you are not alone. So many worthy projects have lost federal funding in recent weeks. The National Council of Nonprofitsrecognizes this situation for the many nonprofits that rely on federal funding for their programs. Be sure to read their article, “A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do when your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated.”
Advocate for the Arts
We know that the ramifications of recent reductions to the National Endowment for the Arts will have consequences for generations to come. There is no better time than now to speak up against cuts to federal cultural funding. And there are ways to act now.
Reach out to your Senators and Representatives to inform them of why the arts matter, how federal support has helped your organization in the past, and why it is sorely needed now more than ever.
Support Artists and Arts Organizations
If you are in a position to give, there is no better time than now to support the artists and arts organizations that you care about. There are so many ways to do this, including volunteering to serve on a board, fundraising for programs that you can’t imagine life without, buying artwork from artists or the galleries that represent them, or even just sharing stories about how the arts have improved your life.
While not an exhaustive list, here are just a few arts service organizations you should know as well as arts organizations we often collaborate with for programming, advocacy and more.
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums
James Renwick Alliance for Craft
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA)
