GIA Blog

“…But the importance of the arts extends well beyond economics and education. The arts expand our horizons, unleash creativity and build social bonds. During this period of unsettling change, the arts can provide us with pleasure and comfort, while also … Continue reading →

Foundations that lost billions of dollars investing with Bernard L. Madoff have another reason to fret: they could be socked with sizable fines for failing to exercise sound judgment. Under an obscure tax rule, private foundations can be penalized for … Continue reading →

According to a study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, charitable foundations’ assets declined an average of 28% in 2008. The nonprofit organizations they fund are struggling to survive. Given these dire circumstances, one would think we would be empowering citizens … Continue reading →

The day after Christmas, Loretta Greco went into her office at the Magic Theater here, sat down at the computer and started e-mailing everyone she knew, asking them to e-mail everyone they knew. Her plea was simple: Unless the Magic, … Continue reading →

“The House of Representatives last week passed an economic stimulus package of almost $820 billion that included $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts. Backers of this bundle point out quite correctly that when the economy hits the … Continue reading →

“The worst fears of the arts community were realized Thursday when Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s proposed budget eliminated operational arts funding. The state arts council granted $7.9 million to 290 groups in 2009. Advertisement With the recession already leading to millions … Continue reading →

“What that (the pork reference) tells me is we have a lot of work to do about explaining the importance of the arts as not only bringing balance to society but as an economic stimulator and development opportunity,” said Vickie … Continue reading →

“As debate continues in Congress on how best to give a genuine boost to the troubled economy, some of the nation’s foundations have responded quickly to the crisis in their local communities and nationally. Despite being hit hard themselves by … Continue reading →

Members of the House and Senate conference committee completed their negotiations of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last Friday with $50 million designated to assist the nation’s arts and cultural workforce through funding to the National Endowment for the … Continue reading →

One would be hard pressed to argue that a call from Robert Redford to the speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, helped salvage money for the arts in the economic-stimulus bill last week. But it certainly didn’t hurt as arts-friendly … Continue reading →