Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are 10 reasons from Randy Cohen on why funders should support the arts in 2020, taking into account that the benefits of arts last through difficult social and economic times. 

• How will COVID-19 and other future global crisis impact funding for the arts? 

• Learn more about arts and culture philanthropy. 

The effective arts advocate needs to articulate the value of the arts in as many ways as possible—deploying the right case-making tool in the right situation. Consider these “10 Reasons to Support the Arts” as your Swiss army knife for arts advocacy.

Like so many sequestered at home during COVID-19, I write this while mindful of our challenging times, and yet inspired by how the arts still have found a way to permeate our lives. I have watched Yo-Yo Ma concerts online, visited the Smithsonian Museum with a click, and joined my neighbors for daily 6 p.m. outdoor singalongs. Even in this difficult environment, the arts are providing personal experiences and promote social cohesion (see tools #2 and #8 on your army knife!).

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 also are a fundamental component of a healthy community—strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.

  1. Arts unify communities.
  2. Arts improve individual well-being.
  3. Arts improve academic performance.
  4. Arts strengthen the economy.
  5. Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses.
  6. Arts spark creativity and innovation.
  7. Arts drive the creative industries.
  8. Arts have social impact.
  9. Arts improve healthcare.
  10. Arts for the health and well-being of our military.

Read the full article about supporting the arts in 2020 by Randy Cohen at ARTS Blog.