Grantmakers in the Arts

(4-7-10) I had a conversation with a graduate student of mine from Goucher College last night who is writing his final paper on general operating support by private foundations and local arts agencies. It’s a very complicated topic and I’m always a torn about it.

(4-6-10)
Reported n the Cherokee Phoenix
Statement from President Obama

(4-6-10) In the Wall Street Journal...A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the Federal Communications Commission exceeded its authority when it sanctioned Comcast Corp. in 2008 for deliberately slowing Internet traffic for some users. The unanimous decision is a blow to the FCC, which argued it had authority to police Internet providers and prevent them from blocking or slowing subscribers' Internet traffic.

(4-6-10) In an Opinion piece for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Ford Foundation President Luis A. Ubiñas addresses the national broadband access issue and explains why Ford has committed $50 million over five years to "support efforts that ensure both that broadband access to the Internet becomes a reality for all citizens and that public-interest values in the online space itself are protected." Citing research and statistics, Ubiñas makes a compelling argument for funders of all ilks to sponsor programs that increase access, while protecting basic freedoms of choice and speech.

(4-5-10) "We have never seen a confluence of specific urgencies, dynamic openings, and innovation like this moment represents. In each of our interest areas, conditions that favor progress have convinced us to spend everything over a short term.

(4-5-10) "'Trust us' is no Response to Those Who Doubt" is Jane Wales' (The Aspen Institute) Huffington Post summary of the recent spate of writing on philanthropy and the contemporary political environment. Wales addresses warnings from the field that suggest a potential backlash against the sector fueled by public anti-government/institution sentiments.

(4-5-10)  Ian Moss at Createquity, referred GIA to this comparison of cultural policy in Sweden, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S.

(4-5-10) As part of an effort to increase the impact of its giving, the Ford Foundation is to announce a plan on Monday to dedicate $100 million to the development of arts spaces nationwide over the next decade. The plan is by far the largest commitment the foundation has ever made to the construction, maintenance and enhancement of arts facilities.