Jaime Sharp's Blog

"The Music Man Foundation has a history of providing support to organizations advocating for positive changes in the arts, whether it be for increased public funding to arts programs, support for policy changes, the conducting or dissemination of new research, or increasing public will in support of the arts. We have partnered with select dedicated organizations working on a regional, statewide, or national level."

From NASAA: "The State Arts Agency Legislative Appropriations Preview has released a report forecasting government funding for the arts for fiscal year 2023. The data reported was collected before most states began their new fiscal year on July 1, 2022. On average, governors’ proposed state budgets include a 4.2% increase in general fund spending, with revenue forecasts increasing by 1.4%. Total legislative appropriations to state arts agencies are projected to decline by 2.9%."

From the Kenneth Rainin Foundation: "When artist Ana Teresa Fernández first stepped inside the main studio and gallery of Creativity Explored she discovered magic...What emerged from Ana’s initial visit was a collaborative project “Of Here From There | De Aquí Desde Allá,” which is featured in the above video. The project took place in 2019 and 2020 and engaged nearly 50 developmentally disabled artists to explore ideas of movement and migration. An immersive exhibition at the San Francisco Art Institute in March 2020 brought a kaleidoscope of their expressive works to a wider public."

"The Creativity Pioneers Fund catalyzes transformational social change by investing in, connecting, and championing cultural and creative organizations that advance bold and unconventional practices for building a more just, inclusive and equitable world. Working with and alongside organizations, donors and other stakeholders across the creative ecosystem, the Fund aims to mobilize a collective effort to advance Creativity for Social Change."

"There is no denying that over the last three years our world has been fundamentally reshaped by a worldwide pandemic, urgent climate collapse, widening inequality, rising authoritarian threats, and increasingly violent reactionary culture backlash," said Richael Faithful for Peak Grantmaking. "The peril of this moment is defined by precarity of many of the systems, norms, and order that we have known. It is an inherently stressful time. The fact is that as our world has been reshaped, we—as people—have been, too."

From Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors: "International Resource for Impact and Storytelling (IRIS) is a new donor collaborative focused on strengthening civil society through narrative strategies and creative storytelling for impact. A sponsored project of RPA, IRIS supports donor partners and field-led efforts to deepen integration between storytellers, movements, and civil society leaders with narrative analysis, with the aim to promote advancement on social justice issues."

"There’s never been a more important time to claim your full power in philanthropy. We need you – your authentic and most daring selves during these times. This is the moment to relinquish power and exercise deep trust in the field. This is the moment to recognize the important role we need you to play as a catalyst for transformative and progressive social change," said author Kelly Bates for the Interaction Institute for Social Change.

The Legislative Theatre partnered with Haringey Council and Arts & Homelessness International, "for a special performance on homelessness practice and services in Haringey." The full performance is now available to stream on YouTube.

"Upstart Co-Lab connects impact investing to fashion, food, film & TV, video games and other creative industries to drive deep social and environmental impact, commercial viability and an innovative edge."

"Over the past few years, companies made it their mission to commit to diversifying their boards and fostering a more inclusive culture. But, with women holding just 24% of senior leadership positions globally, and white people making up almost 80% of the American workforce, there is still work to be done," said author Ashton Jackson for Make It Black. "That's why Lybra Clemons, chief diversity, inclusion and belonging officer at Twilio, works to build diverse representation at every level."