Recommended Links - American Association of Community Theatre

Arts Organizations - National

Actors Equity Association
Actors' Equity Association is the labor union representing over 45,000 American actors and stage managers working in the professional theatre. For 90 years, Equity has negotiated minimum wages and working conditions, administered contracts, and enforced the provisions of our various agreements with theatrical employers across the country.
American Alliance for Theatre and Education - AATE
The mission of the American Alliance for Theatre & Education is to promote standards of excellence in theatre and theatre education, connecting artists, educators, researchers and scholars with each other, and by providing opportunities for our membership to learn, exchange, expand and diversify their work, their audience and their perspectives.
American Music Center
The American Music Center (AMC) is a national service and information center for new American music. For more than 60 years AMC has been the leader in the creation of a variety of innovative new programs and services including: NewMusicBox, a monthly web magazine about new music; NewMusicJukebox, an online library and listening room; a Professional Development Program; Opportunity Update, a monthly listing of new-music opportunities for AMC members, and other career-support publications; vital grantmaking American Music Centerprograms; and the American Music Center Collection at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. We are dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. We partner with local, state, and national arts organizations; government agencies; business leaders; individual philanthropists; educators; and funders throughout the country. We provide extensive arts industry research and information and professional development opportunities for community arts leaders via specialized programs and services, including a content-rich website and an annual national convention. Local arts agencies throughout the U.S. comprise our core constituency. Through national visibility and local outreach, we strive to motivate and mobilize opinion leaders and decision makers who can make the arts thrive in America.
Arts & Business Council
The Arts & Business Council was founded in 1965, and is devoted to stimulating partnerships between the arts and business that benefit both sectors and the communities they serve. We are the oldest such arts and business partnership association in the world. Initially limited to local services in New York City, in 1980 the Council began expanding some services to serve the entire country. We now offer a wide variety of both national and local programs. Our main site gives an overview of the Council's many programs and services in the New York City area as well as our National programs.
Arts Midwest
Arts Midwest connects the arts to audiences throughout the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers)
ASCAP is a membership association of over 190,000 U.S. composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. Through agreements with affiliated international societies, ASCAP also represents hundreds of thousands of music creators worldwide. ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership. ASCAP protects the rights of its members by licensing and distributing royalties for the non-dramatic public performances of their copyrighted works. ASCAP's licensees encompass all who want to perform copyrighted music publicly. ASCAP makes giving and obtaining permission to perform music simple for both creators and users of music.
Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
The Association for Theatre in Higher Education is an organization of individuals and institutions that provides vision and leadership for the profession and promotes excellence in theatre education. ATHE actively supports scholarship through teaching, research and practice and serves as a collective voice for its mission through its publications, conferences, advocacy, projects, and through collaborative efforts with other organizations.
Black Theatre Network
The Origins of the Network can be traced to the first African American pioneers of the American Theatre Association who founded the Afro-Asian Theatre Project in 1965. They subsequently established the African Theatre Project which ultimately became the Black Theatre Project (BTP). Finally, in 1986 BTP members voted to form a totally independent "BLACK THEATRE NETWORK." Since its beginnings BTN has worked to preserve Black Theatre's unique art form. Today, the Black Theatre Network is a vibrant nonprofit organization. Its membership includes prominent individuals and organizations within all areas of theatre from community and professional organizations.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
BMI is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music.
Business Committee for the Arts, Inc.
The Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA), founded in 1967 by David Rockefeller, is a national not-for-profit organization that brings business and the arts together. It provides businesses of all sizes with the services and resources necessary to develop and advance partnerships with the arts that benefit business, the arts and the community.
Costume Society of America
The Costume Society of America advances the global understanding of all aspects of dress and appearance. We work to stimulate scholarship and encourage study in the rich and diverse field of costume.
Drama League (The)
Since 1916, The Drama League has been a second home for those who love American theatre. Founded as an association of theatre professionals and patrons dedicated to encouraging the finest in professional theatre, The Drama League soon found news roles -- as a service organization for theatre lovers interested in enhancing their understanding and experience of live theatre, and as an unparalleled training program for emerging theatre artists. In this new century, the benefits enjoyed by our members include discounted tickets for the best Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional productions across the United States; informative panels, luncheons and discussions with leading figures in the theatre; gala events saluting theatre luminaries; our Annual Awards honoring the New York season's outstanding performers and productions, and much more. Drama League membership supports new initiatives for young artists through The Directors Project.
Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.
Any writer who has completed a dramatic script may become a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and receive a wide range of benefits: Business Affairs advice; Contract review; A subscription to the Guild's bi-monthly magazine, The Dramatist; The Dramatists Guild Newsletter, and the Resource Directory. Members also have access to complimentary or discounted tickets to certain New York productions; national hotel and travel discounts; access to the Guild's Frederick Loewe Room in the heart of the theatre district for use in readings and auditions (for a discounted fee).
Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) & International Thespian Society
Since its beginning in 1929 under the name National Thespians, the Educational Theatre Association has worked to promote and strengthen school theatre by recognizing and rewarding excellence. We strive, alongside educators, advocates and artists to make theatre an instrument of lifelong learning. The Association also serves as the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) & International Thespian Society eyes, ears and voice of the school theatre community, advocating a stronger role for theatre education in the curriculum. We are a professional association for theatre educators and an honor society for their students. Together, the Educational Theatre Association and its student division, the International Thespian Society, have been helping build strong school theatre programs for more than seventy years.
ESTA - Entertainment Services & Technology Assn
ESTA, the Entertainment Services & Technology Association, is a non-profit trade association representing the North American entertainment technology industry. Our members, who supply a broad spectrum of products and services to the industry, include dealers, manufacturers, reps, service and production companies, scenic houses, designers and consultants. Dedicated to promoting professionalism and growth in the industry, ESTA provides a forum where the industry can come together to exchange ideas and information, create standards and recommended practices, and address issues of training and certification. ESTA provides a wide variety of services to its members in the areas of education and information exchange, member promotion, trade show participation, reduced costs on business services and credit assistance. ESTA's ANSI accredited Technical Standards Program is the leading standards making program for the entertainment technology industry.
Institute of Outdoor Drama
Established in 1963, The Institute of Outdoor Drama is a public service agency in the College of Arts and Sciences of The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. It is the only organization in the U.S. providing national leadership in fostering artistic and managerial www.unc.edu/depts/outdoor/excellence and expansion of the outdoor drama movement through training, research and advisory programs, and it serves as a national clearinghouse for more than 120 constituent theatre companies across the nation.
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada was originally chartered by the American Federation of Labor as the National Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes in 1893. Our name has evolved over the course of 110 years of geographic and craft expansion as well as technological advancement. The current title, adopted in 1995, more accurately reflects the full scope of our activities in the entertainment industry. www.iatse-intl.org/
International Amateur Theatre Association (IATA)
If you want ...to take part in the World Festival of Amateur Theatre...to bring a group to the World Festival of Children's Theatre...or take part in any international festival organized by an AITA/IATA-linked organization...to join an international network of amateur theatre...to participate in international workshops, seminars, training courses and symposia...to invite groups from abroad to come to your festival...to get official international status for your festival...or if you want to receive a regular newsletter on international events...or to publicise your event through the AITA/IATA-network...or if you simply want to make friends with likeminded people working in the theatre mainly on a non-professional basis and take the opportunity to transport your theatre beyond your own national borders,
League of Historic American Theatres
Founded in 1976, the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) is an international not-for-profit membership association. LHAT is a network of people who appreciate the cultural and architectural heritage of historic theatres and who work locally and nationally to rehabilitate them to serve communities throughout North America and abroad. Members of the League collaborate with one another, share their expertise and provide inspiration, information and a broad perspective to those working in the field of historic preservation. Members of the League include theatre operators and managers, preservation activists, architects, structural engineers, design and acoustical consultants, urban planners, restorationists (painters, plasterers, metalworkers), vendors (seats, marquees, stage equipment), booking and artist management firms, fund raising consultants, and many other types of service providers and members of the general public who serve or are interested in historic theatres.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts--both new and established--bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.
Opera America
OPERA America serves and strengthens the field of opera by providing a variety of informational, technical, and administrative resources to the greater opera community. Its fundamental mission is to promote opera as exciting and accessible to individuals from all walks of life. OPERA America’s membership includes 125 Professional Company Members in North America, more than 250 Affiliate and Business Members (many of which produce and present opera), and 1500 Individual Members from around the world.
Playwrights’ Center
The Playwrights' Center is America's premier incubator of new work for the stage, and the nation's most powerful resource for playwrights. The Playwrights' Center has been developing new work for the theater since 1971. In that time we have offered and continue to offer readings, fellowships, non-performance workshops, classes, and residencies. We allow playwrights both locally and nationally the opportunity to advance their careers as playwrights and directly impact the new work we see on the stage whether it be in the Twin Cities or around the country. We have over 350 members, develop 80 new plays each year, and have a national reputation for our long-standing commitment to playwrights and their work.
Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers
For over 35 years, SDCF has been the nation's only arts service organization dedicated exclusively to supporting and promoting the craft and artistry of theatrical directors and choreographers.
Stage Managers' Association
The Stage Managers' Association is a professional organization created by and for stage managers. We seek to create a network through which we can share our problems, ideas, and stories; educate ourselves and those with whom we work; eliminate that isolated feeling which strikes us all from time to time; make our crazy jobs just a little easier, and help us to be better stage managers. The Stage Managers' Association's members are stage managers who work in theater, dance, opera, industrials, events and other venues. The SMA is not itself a labor union, but our membership includes many members of AEA, AGMA, AGVA, AFTRA, DGA and other entertainment industry unions, as well as non-union, career-minded stage managers. The focus of the Stage Managers' Association is on professional Stage Management in North America, although our membership lives and works throughout the world.
Theatre Communications Group (TCG)
Our Mission: To strengthen, nurture and promote the not-for-profit professional American theatre. Our Programs and Services: Increase the organizational efficiency of our member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field and promote a larger public understanding of and appreciation for the theatre field. Our Membership: TCG has more than 425 theatre members in 47 states, 17,000 individual members, 100 Trustee Leadership Network members and a growing number of University Affiliates. TCG represents a wide array of institutional sizes and structures.
University/ Resident Theatre Association (URTA)
The University/Resident Theatre Association is the country's oldest and largest consortium of professional theatre training graduate programs and associated professional theatre companies. Founded in 1969, U/RTA provides a variety of service, management and informational programs to its members, and to non-member students, theatre professionals and producing companies, while serving as the primary liaison between the professional and educational theatres. U/RTA encourages the professional training of artists, and of future teachers in the performing arts for all levels of education.
USITT - US Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.
United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT) is the association of design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry. It operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation under statutes in the state of New York, and is a membership organization.
Western States Arts Federation
WESTAF, the Western States Arts Federation, is a nonprofit arts service organization dedicated to the creative advancemWestern States Arts Federationent and preservation of the arts. Based in Denver, Colorado, WESTAF fulfills its mission to strengthen the financial, organizational and policy infrastructure of the arts by providing innovative programs and services to artists and arts organizations in the West and nationwide. WESTAF is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts; the state arts agencies of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; private and corporate foundations; and individuals.

State Arts Agencies

Arizona Commission on the Arts
The Arizona Commission on the Arts is the state agency that connects artists and communities across the Grand Canyon State. With a staff of 20, the Commission features many diverse programs and services for Arizona residents.
Arkansas Arts Council
Established in 1971 to develop and implement a coordinated and comprehensive statewide program for the support of the arts in Arkansas, the Arkansas Arts Council provides services and grants-in-aid supporting arts endeavors that encourage and assist artists in achieving standards of professional excellence. In addition, the Arts Council assists in surveys, research and planning for the arts. The Arkansas Arts Council is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and shares the goals of all seven Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas. The agencies are; Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Old State House Museum. Funding for the Arkansas Arts Council and its programs is provided by the State of Arkansas and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Arts Division, Connecticut Commission On Culture & Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Arts, Tourism, Culture, History & Film is the state agency responsible for developing and strengthening cultural resources, and increasing public participation in and support for the arts. Funded by the Connecticut Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Commission's Art Division strategically invests in a growing non-profit arts sector that has an annual economic impact exceeding $1.5 billion. The Commission's Art Division sustains Connecticut's vibrantArts Division, Connecticut Commission On Culture & Tourism non-profit arts industry in many ways. Competitive matching grants enable cultural organizations, schools and communities to present outstanding artistic programming, conduct outreach efforts to reach new audiences, improve community life through the arts, and foster education through the arts.
California Arts Council
The mission of the CAC is to make available and accessible quality art reflecting all of California's diverse cultures; to support the state's broad economic, educational, and social goals through the arts; to provide leadership for all levels of the arts community; and to present effective programs that add a further dimension to our cities, our schools, our jobs, and our creative spirit.
Colorado Council on the Arts
The council consists of eleven members, including the chairman, who are appointed by the governor. Colorado Revised Statute 23-9-103 stipulates that council members shall be broadly representative of the major fields of the arts and appointed among private citizens who are widely known for their competence and experience in connection with the arts, as well as their knowledge of community and state interests.
Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. In addition to providing funding for arts programming, the Division supports the integration of the arts into community life and serves as a resource for arts information statewide.
Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
The mission of the Division of Cultural Affairs is to guide and facilitate cultural development and services for Florida’s citizens and visitors through public/private partnerships. The Division is committed to bringing more art and culture, to more people, in more places in Florida by offering: 1) Programs such as the Art in State Buildings Program, the Capitol Complex Exhibition Program, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, International Cultural Exchanges and Information Services. 2) Grants in the categories of General Program Support, Cultural Projects and Capital Projects. Through these many services, the Division impacts all of Florida’s 67 counties by supporting over 25,000 cultural events. In one year alone, 27 million people participated in grant supported programs, including nearly 8 million school-aged children.
Georgia Council for the Arts
The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a state agency dedicated to funding and support of the arts in Georgia. We provide grant funding and services for non-profit arts and cultural organizations throughout the state in an effort to make quality arts programming available to all Georgians. The council offers grants and services in the following focus areas: General Operating Support, Project Support, Touring Arts, Arts Education. Funding for GCA programs and services is provided by the State of Georgia through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA receives additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and other public/private contributions.
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture & the Arts
To promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts, history and the humanities as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawai'i. Funding for the Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its programs is provided by the State of Hawai'i and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Idaho Commission on the Arts
The Idaho Commission on the Arts is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Idaho. The Commission promotes artistic excellence, education in the arts, access to the arts for all and community investment in the arts. Its professional staff administers and develops the programs and services of the agency, assists grant applicants, and provides technical assistance.
Illinois Arts Council
For over 30 years the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) has been instrumental in supporting Illinois' highly acclaimed and diverse cultural community. Thousands of partnerships throughout our history have helped to maintain the highest standards of excellence in the arts while expanding the accessibility of this artistic wealth to children and adults in every corner of the state. The IAC recognizes and supports not-for-profit arts organizations, community programs, schools, universities and individual creative artists through grant programs, technical assistance, workshops and special initiatives every year.
Indiana Arts Commission
The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), an agency of state government, is a public catalyst, partner, and investor in the arts, and serves the citizens of Indiana by funding, encouraging, promoting and expanding the arts.Indiana Arts Commission
Iowa State Arts Council
The Iowa Arts Council staff works under the direction of the Executive Director, who also serves as the director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The Executive Director is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Executive Director has final authority on all decisions of the agency. The Iowa Arts Council has a 15-member advisory board appointed by the Governor. The board volunteers its time to provide citizen input and counsel to the Iowa Arts Council staff. The Governor selects board members for their knowledge, appreciation, and/or support of the arts and cultural heritage of Iowa. The primary responsibility of board members is to promote policies and viewpoints that benefit the arts throughout the state.
Kansas Arts Commission
A state agency, the Kansas Arts Commission was established in 1966 by the Kansas Legislature and is charged by its enabling legislation to increase the support, awareness and outreach of the arts in communities across the state. The Kansas Arts Commission is governed by a 12-member board of directors appointed by the Governor of the State of Kansas to four-year terms, with three Commissioners appointed annually. The officers are appointed by the Governor from among the Commissioners and serve their terms of office at the pleasure of the Governor. The Commission sets arts policy for the state and oversees the grantmaking function of the agency. The Commission holds quarterly business meetings throughout the state; these meetings are open to the general public for observation.
Kentucky Arts Council
The Kentucky Arts Council creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value and participate in the arts.
Louisiana Division of the Arts
The Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) is an agency in the Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. The LDOA was created in 1977 to support established and emerging nonprofit arts institutions, to assist individual artists and to stimulate public participation in the arts. The LDOA is the largest arts grantmaker in Louisiana. Each year, it awards approximately $5 million in grants to support activities that impact every parish in Louisiana. These public funds are provided by the Louisiana Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The LDOA’s two principal grants programs are the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program and the Statewide Arts Grants Program. In addition to its role as a grantmaker, the Louisiana Division of the Arts serves as a convener, trainer, clearinghouse and advocate for the arts and folk traditions of Louisiana.
Maine Arts Commission
The Maine Arts Commission shall encourage and stimulate public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and cultural programs of our state; shall expand the state's cultural resources; and shall encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression for the well being of the arts, to meet the needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state.
Maryland State Arts Council
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland, under the authority of the Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. Since it was established in 1967, the purpose of the Council has been "to create a nurturing climate for the arts in the State" as stated in its founding legislation. To carry out its mission, the MSAC awards grants to not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations for ongoing arts programming and arts projects. The MSAC awards grants to individual artists, and provides technical and advisory assistance to individuals and groups. The Council also carries out programs of its own to enhance the cultural life of the residents of Maryland. The MSAC receives its funds in an annual appropriation from the State of Maryland and from grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Council may also receive contributions from private, non-governmental sources.
Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. For more than 30 years, MCC has invested in the cultural life of Massachusetts. The Council receives an annual appropriation from the state legislature. It then makes thousands of grants to non-profit cultural organizations, schools, communities and individuals artists, funding programs that use arts, science and the humanities to build strong, diverse, livable communities. The beneficiaries of these programs comprise a cross-section of the population and citizens in each Massachusetts city and town.
Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan.
Minnesota State Arts Board
The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state.
Mississippi Arts Commission
In 1968, the Mississippi legislature created the Mississippi Arts Commission as the official grantsmaking and service agency for the arts. In the 1990s, the Commission has broadened its role as an active supporter and promoter of the arts in community life and arts education. The Commission is funded in part by the state but also receives substantial funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. With these funds, the Commission provides financial support in the form of grants for eligible arts programs and for the work of individual artists.
Missouri Arts Council
The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency and division of the Department of Economic Development, provides grants to nonprofit organizations to encourage and stimulate the growth, development and appreciation of the arts in Missouri. The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) has provided vital support and leadership to bring the arts to all the people of the state. Through funds from the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and the National Endowment for the Arts, MAC provides grants to make possible quality arts programming to both large and small communities. Examples of organizations that utilize MAC funds include international organizations such as the Saint Louis Symphony and small, local arts councils like the Shelbina Arts Council. MAC also is committed to enriching and supporting the individual artist with programs that help spur career development and growth such as technical assistance workshops that teach artists how to become better professionals.
Montana Arts Council
The Montana Arts Council is the agency of state government charged with promoting and expanding the significant role of arts and culture in our lives through a variety of grant and technical assistance programs, which benefit Montanans of all ages and cultures as current or future creators, participants or patrons of the arts.
Nebraska Arts Council
The Nebraska Arts Council is funded by the state of Nebraska and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Humanities Council also receive support from the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a unique partnership between the State of Nebraska and private contributors. The NAC’s primary means of supporting the arts is through a variety of grant programs that cover all disciplines and fields of creative expression. Over 350 artists, arts organizations, schools and community groups use NAC funds and technical support to carry out a variety of art experiences statewide. The NAC receives an average of 35 requests weekly from citizens statewide and across the nation for information and advice. The NAC can provide mailing lists, reference services, and advice on topics ranging from where to go for an appraisal to how to start a community theater.
Nevada State Council on the Arts
Created in 1967, the Nevada Arts Council (NAC) is the primary agency charged with ensuring that state and national funds support cultural activity and encourage participation in the arts throughout Nevada. NAC programs and activities serve as catalysts to stimulate artistic and cultural activity, to provide education to both the general population and our leaders on the role of the arts in American life, and to encourage public and private support for the arts. NAC services - grants; technical assistance for artists, cultural organizations, schools, and communities; statewide programming; and professional development activities for Nevada's cultural workforce - are guided by a statewide planning process and a strategic plan.
New England Foundation for Arts
NEFA has been a significant cultural force since 1976, when it was created as one of six regional arts agencies nationwide, funded primarily through the National Endowment for the Arts and New England state arts agencies. Today's NEFA has evolved considerably from the original regional model, and now operates with an annual budget of $6 million to develop and manage arts initiatives on local, regional, national and international levels. Through extensive funding, advocacy, and networking efforts, NEFA promotes the creation and distribution of the full range of artistic expression in six states (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT). NEFA functions as a grantmaker, program initiator, regional laboratory, project coordinator, developer of resources, and builder of creative partnerships among artists, arts organizations and funders. Each program and project that is brought to life at NEFA is created with the underlying goal of building a stronger and more dynamic infrastructure for the arts.
New Hampshire State Council on the Arts
The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is the advisory Council for the Division of the Arts within the Department of Cultural Resources. It was established in 1965 as the official state arts agency with legislation (RSA 19-A) designed "to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens." Funding comes from appropriations from the Governor and the New Hampshire State Legislature and from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency supported with appropriations from the President and the United States Congress. The State of New Hampshire also accepts private, tax-deductible donations and bequests that may be designated for the sole purpose of helping the Arts Council fulfill its enabling legislation.
New Jersey State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) is to improve the quality of life of this state, its people and communities by helping the arts to flourish. Accordingly, the members and staff of the NJSCA are firmly committed to achieving the following goals; Establishing artistically, financially and operationally successful arts organizations, institutions and programs that are diverse and accessible to all New Jerseyans. Supporting a respected and valued community of New Jersey artists encouraged to achieve their best and be broadly connected to community life in ways that make full use of their creativity and talents. Promoting expanded public participation in and support for the arts. Maintaining a network of people, businesses, organizations, institutions and communities working in partnership to advance the arts. Creating high quality arts education for all New Jerseyans.
New Mexico Arts Division
New Mexico Arts is the state arts commission and is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Its primary function is to provide financial support for arts services and programs to non-profit organizations statewide and to administer the 1% public art program for the state of New Mexico.
New York State Council on the Arts
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is a funding agency that supports the activities of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in New York State and helps to bring high-quality artistic programs to the citizens of the state. The Council has been directed by the state legislature to maintain the "paramount position of this state in the nation and the world as a cultural center" through the support of nonprofit arts organizations in New York State. The Council achieves its goals primarily through its grants activity. NYSCA invites nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that meet basic eligibility requirements to apply for grants. Applicants must also meet the specific eligibility requirements for those particular NYSCA funding programs and categories to which they apply, and they are evaluated according to review criteria as described in the agency guidelines.
North Carolina Arts Council
The Arts Council became a statutory state agency in 1967. It operates today as a division of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the nation's first cabinet level state agency for the arts, history, and libraries. The mission of the Arts Council is to enrich the cultural life of the state by nurturing and supporting excellence in the arts and by providing opportunities for every North Carolinian to experience the arts. The Arts Council provides technical assistance, information resources, and over 1,000 grants each year to nonprofit organizations and artists. It has a 24-member board appointed by the Governor, a 26-member staff, and serves as the steward of state and federal funds appropriated for the arts.
North Dakota Council on the Arts
The North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is a service and program agency of the state, established in 1967 by the State Legislature to develop the arts and promote the support of the arts in North Dakota. Grant funds are made available by the National Endowment for the Arts and appropriations from the state of North Dakota.
Ohio Arts Council
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically. The Ohio Arts Council was created in 1965 to "foster and encourage the development of the arts and assist the preservation of Ohio's cultural heritage." This is accomplished by the Council in two primary methods; first, through the various grant funding programs that the Council operates to provide support to artists and to make arts activities available to a broad segment of Ohio's public; and secondly, by providing services that help to enhance the growth of the arts. The Ohio Arts Council is committed to the economic, educational and cultural development of the state. The Council believes the arts should be shared by the people of Ohio. The arts arise from public, individual and organizational efforts. The OAC supports and encourages these efforts.
Oklahoma Arts Council
The Council is empowered and directed to exercise these powers and duties: Consider the whole state of the arts, cultural activities and cultural heritage of Oklahoma. The purview of the Council shall not be limited to but shall include music, theatre, dance, opera, graphic arts, plastic arts, architecture, poetry, or any other art form, regardless of period, school or type. Full attention shall also be given to art festivals, art exhibits and other like endeavors; Survey the artistic and cultural activities and facilities of the state, and the institutions, organizations or individuals engaged in these undertakings; Study information collected and prepare proposals for the study, practice and presentation of the arts; Foster conferences, institutions and exhibits on the arts and cooperate in such ventures; Report to the Governor and Legislature on recommendations for expansion and improvement of the arts and for wider opportunity of participation in these activities by our citizens.
Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Arts Commission was established in 1967 to foster the arts in Oregon and ensure their excellence. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine policies, establish Long-Range Plans, and review applications to grants programs to determine funding levels. In 1993, the Oregon Arts Commission became a division of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. All Commission business meetings are open to the public. Funding for the commission and its programs primarily is provided by the state of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts , a federal agency.
Pennsylvania Council on Arts
The mission of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is to foster the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in Pennsylvania and to broaden the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state. Governor's Awards for the Arts; The PCA has been administering these awards since 1980.
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
Established in 1967, the RI State Council on the Arts (RISCA) is charged by the state legislature to stimulate public interest and participation in the arts and to serve as the liaison to the state arts community. As set forth in the General Laws of Rhode Island, it is the responsibility of the Arts Council to; · stimulate the growth of the state's arts and the public's participation in them · survey and assess the needs of the arts state-wide, and to make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly · provide educational opportunities in the arts · actively support and encourage the expansion of the state's cultural resources · promote and protect freedom of artistic expression. Funds for programs and services are provided by the Rhode Island State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
South Carolina Arts Commission
The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) was established in 1967, as an agency of state government to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide program to advance the arts in South Carolina, and to assure their excellence. The Commission directs its resources toward making the arts a part of the life experience of every SC citizen. The SCAC’s primary source of funding is state tax dollars appropriated by the SC General Assembly. Grants from the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) comprise the Commission’s secondary source of funding. Additional support for Arts Commission projects is provided by private foundations and community sponsors.
South Dakota Arts Council
The South Dakota Arts Council is a state office within the Department of Tourism and State Development. Recognizing the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, the Council's mission is to make quality arts accessible by providing encouragement, grants, services, and information to artists, art organizations, schools, and the public with funds contributed by the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of South Dakota.
Southern Arts Federation
The Southern Arts Federation (SAF) is a not-for-profit regional arts organization that has been making a positive difference in the arts throughout the South since 1975. SAF creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the professional development of artists, arts organizations and arts professionals; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and art education. The organization works in partnership with the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. SAF is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), foundations, corporations, individuals and member states.
Tennessee Arts Commission
When the Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967, it was given a special mandate by the General Assembly to stimulate and encourage the presentation of performing, visual, and literary arts throughout the state, and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. The Commission seeks to fulfill its mission with the adoption of goals that ensure cultural agencies are present and their activities utilized throughout the state. Funded by the Tennessee General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Commission contributes to Tennessee’s diverse nonprofit arts industry through matching grants, fellowships, and awards. Technical assistance and other services are also provided. The activities of the Tennessee Arts Commission continue to provide Tennessee citizens a better quality of life, provide our children with a more complete education, and attract tourists to our state.
Texas Commission on the Arts
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is the staTexas Commission on the Artste agency charged with the development of a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. The Texas Commission on the Arts serves constituents in each of the six artistic disciplines (visual arts, theatre, dance, music, media and literature) as well as local arts agencies. For more than 30 years, the Texas Commission on the Arts has accomplished its mission by providing grants, information, and technical assistance to artists, arts organizations, and the general public.
Utah Arts Council
The Utah Arts Council is the primary agency in Utah through which state and national funds combine to stimulate and encourage the arts in the state. The Council distributes funds appropriated directly for the arts by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Council assists with professional development where needed and provides direct matching grants to more than 200 nonprofit organizations across the state. The Utah Arts Council conducts programs, directed by Council staff, which provide more than 500 outreach services (including financial assistance) to schools, local arts councils and organizations, community centers, performing groups and individual artists. Overall the Council serves as a catalyst for arts programming throughout the state, assisting arts organizations, groups and individuals in bringing the arts to the people of Utah.
Vermont Arts Council
The Vermont Arts Council provides funding, services and information to artists, arts organizations, schools, communities and the general public. It is the only state arts agency in the United States that is also an independent, not-for-profit, membership organization.
Virginia Commission for the Arts
The Virginia Commission for the Arts is mandated to support and stimulate excellence in all the arts, in their full cultural and ethnic diversity, and to make the arts accessible to all Virginians. Toward this end it provides financial assistance for arts activities and information/advisory services to artists, arts organizations, and others interested in the arts. The Commission's funds come from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Since 1969, VLA has been the exclusive provider of pro bono legal services, education and advocacy to the New York arts community. Through public advocacy, VLA frequently acts on issues vitally Volunteer Lawyers for the Artsimportant to the arts community - freedom of expression and the First Amendment being areas of special expertise and concern. VLA is a nonprofit legal service organization supported in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and through generous gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals.
Washington State Arts Commission
WSAC is the state agency charged with the growth and development of the arts throughout Washington state and is governed by 23 members, 19 who are appointed by the Governor and four legislators. Annually the Commission awards approximately $3 million in grants and contracts to artists and arts organizations, adds 250 artworks to the State Art Collection biennially, and initiates educational programs for students of all ages.
West Virginia Commission on the Arts
The West Virginia Commission on the Arts, established in 1967, works with artists, arts organizations, schools, and community groups to foster a fertile environment for the artistic, cultural, educational and economic development of the state. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History receives annual support from the West Virginia Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, and a special grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, for competitive arts grants approved by the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and for arts administration services to arts organizations and individual artists across West Virginia.
Wisconsin Arts Board
The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage.
Wyoming Arts Council
The Wyoming Arts Council enhances the quality of life for the people of Wyoming by providing resources to sustain, promote, and cultivate the arts. PHILOSOPHY The Wyoming Arts Council supports its constituents contributions to the arts in Wyoming. The Arts Council fosters and promotes creation, access, education, diversity, and excellence in the arts. The Arts Council serves as a resource for, and encourages partnerships with the public, artists, and arts organizations. The Wyoming Arts Council offers its constituents services in four areas: financial, technical, informational, and promotional assistance.