Local arts agencies—arts councils, arts commissions, cultural affairs departments—are an essential tool for community leaders as they rebuild their economies and promote social cohesion. The nation’s 4,500 local arts agencies (LAAs) support, present, and promote the dynamic value of the arts. Through their partnerships and leadership, LAAs are building healthier communities through the arts.

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures. The arts are also a fundamental component of a healthy community—strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.

As we turned the corner into 2020, the Americans for the Arts staff put our heads together to come up with the 10 big trends tha we think are worth paying attention to this year.

As part of Americans for the Arts' continuing partnership with the American Association of School Administrators, this Monograph aims to help deepen the understanding between local school leaders and their community partners who care about arts education in their schools.

While nobody truly knows what to expect 25 years from now, the convening indicated that cultural facility leaders in 2032 will require greater community-building skills, new leadership styles, and the ability to build different physical spaces.

In 1998 the Arts & Business Council Inc., with support from MetLife Foundation, began offering a series of arts issue forums in New York City. In 2002, with increased support from the foundation, nine cities were added to the roster, bringing the total number to 10, and the MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series was created.