Arts Research

Arts Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and Americans for the Arts are happy to announce the republication of the landmark 1969 book, The Arts in the Small Community, by Maryo Gard Ewell and Michael F. Warlum. The new guide stays true to its original roots and mission set forth by Wisconsin's community arts pioneer Robert Gard, but has been thoroughly updated to address contemporary examples in the realm of community arts.

Elliott Eisner argues that the arts are more important means for developing complex and subtle aspects of the mind to deal with the ambiguities and uncertainties of daily life than are the formally structured curricula. He provides a fresh and admittedly iconoclastic perspective on what the arts can contribute to education, namely a new vision of both its aims and its means.

This timeless resource helps identify and define the philosophical foundations and practice principles of community arts development. It captures and shares the creative and pioneering efforts that drive the movement and provides insight and expertise for people working in rural and small communities.

135pp, paperback (1992, Center for Community and Cultural Studies, Columbia College)

This book takes a fresh and positive approach to understanding the arts as essential for creating authentic and sustained community. While it focuses on development in rural and small communities, it is an inspiration for individuals and organizations large and small.

160pp, paperback (1997, PrairieSea Press)

Foundations think they're doing the right thing by requiring grantees to form partnerships with each other. There are, however, two sides to every story, and grantees share their stories of frustration here.

Free online from the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

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2010, 72 pages, The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20037, (202) 833-7200 http://www.urban.org

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This article looks at the delicate relationship between non-profits and donors. It stresses the responsibility for honest and efficient communication and examines a new breed of donors who consider themselves investors and seek much more information in the non profits they fund.

Available free from the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

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   Gifts of the Muse (1Mb)

At a time when public support of the arts faces a range of challenges, state arts agencies could use a framework to help them better serve the arts community and engage more people in the arts -- thereby elevating these agencies' public value.

"Dreaming a New Music" from the October 2006 issue of Chamber Music America.

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   Dreaming a New Music (1.6Mb)