Thank you to the many people who have been blog contributors to, and readers of ArtsBlog over the years. ArtsBlog has long been a space where we uplifted stories from the field that demonstrated how the arts strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically; where trends and issues and controversies were called out; and advocacy tools were provided to help you make the case for more arts funding and favorable arts policies.

As part of Americans for the Arts’ recent Strategic Realignment Process, we were asked to evaluate our storytelling communications platforms and evolve the way we share content. As a result, we launched the Designing Our Destiny portal to explore new ways of telling stories and sharing information, one that is consistent with our longtime practice of, “No numbers without a story, and no stories without a number.”

As we put our energy into developing this platform and reevaluate our communications strategies, we have put ArtsBlog on hold. That is, you can read past blog posts, but we are not posting new ones. You can look to the Designing Our Destiny portal and our news items feed on the Americans for the Arts website for stories you would have seen in ArtsBlog in the past.

ArtsBlog will remain online through this year as we determine the best way to archive this valuable resource and the knowledge you’ve shared here.

As ever, we are grateful for your participation in ArtsBlog and thank you for your work in advancing the arts. It is important, and you are important for doing it.

Aspen Seminar for Leadership in the Arts

The Americans for the Arts policy roundtable programs which include the Aspen Seminar for Leadership in the Arts and the National Arts Policy Roundtable collectively convene a select group of artists, philanthropists, and thought leaders in lively dialogues that explores how we can create a more vibrant role for arts and culture in 21st century American society.

Since 2008, Americans for the Arts and the Aspen Institute have annually convened a select group of 25–30 distinguished artists, philanthropists, and thought leaders at the Aspen Institute in Aspen, CO. These arts leaders recommend policies and strategies critical to advancing the arts in America and proffer policies for consideration at the National Arts Policy Roundtable. In addition, the convening has produced significant and measurable policy recommendations at the national, state, and local level.

Past topics have included:
2013 – The Arts and the Military: A Strategic Partnership
2012 – The Third Space: Advancing the Arts in a Bi-Partisan Nation
2011 – Bridging Generations: Who Will Lead The Revolution for 21st Century Arts Philanthropy?
2010 – The Artful Entrepreneur: Exploring Philanthropic Innovations for Arts and Culture in the 21st Century
2009 – The Arts in a Time of Change: Building the 21st Century Case for Philanthropy and Investment in Arts & Culture
2008 – The Arts in a Time of Change: Building the 21st Century Case for Arts and Culture