The recent Helicon Collaborative report examines continuing (and increased) inequities in funding to culturally-specific arts organizations across the country. An article in American Theatre discusses the results of the study and offers data and examples from cities facing funding equity challenges, including how some have made intentional efforts toward progress.
On advancing progress, Holly Sidford of Helicon Collaborative says, “No one funder is going to be able to change the picture, and most nonprofit organizations get the bulk of their money from local sources. So it’s only by groups of foundations in a given place coming together and saying, ‘These numbers are unacceptable and we’re going to work together to change them,’ that real change can happen.”