Americans for the Arts: Advocating for the Transformative Power of the Arts

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Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts in the United States. Founded in 1960, AFTA serves as a network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain, and support the arts across America. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and it provides a wide range of programs to meet the needs of its over 150,000 members and stakeholders.
AFTA's mission is to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts, aiming to ensure that every American has access to the transformative power of the arts. The organization connects the best ideas and leaders from the arts, communities, and business sectors to work together for the betterment of society through the arts.
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Recent Activities and Initiatives

  1. Advocacy and Training:
    • AFTA, in collaboration with the Arts Action Fund, provides training on primary legislative advocacy. This includes sessions like the "Advocacy 201 Recording" which took place on April 30, 2024.
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  1. Support for the Arts:
    • AFTA has highlighted ten reasons to support the arts in 2023, emphasizing how the arts unify communities, improve individual well-being, strengthen the economy, and drive tourism and revenue to local businesses.
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  1. Economic Impact Studies:
    • AFTA released the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, which is an economic and social impact study of the nation's nonprofit arts and culture sector. This study underscores the significant economic contributions of the arts.
  2. Cultural Week of Action:
    • AFTA is organizing the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy from September 27 to October 5, 2024. This event will feature various activities and events across the country aimed at leveraging arts and culture to advance a just, multiracial democracy.
  3. National Arts in Education Week:
    • AFTA celebrated National Arts in Education Week from September 9-13, 2024, providing resources and toolkits to advocate for the arts in education. This initiative emphasizes the importance of arts education for students' social-emotional development and academic success.
  4. Innovation and Technology:
    • AFTA is embracing innovation by integrating AI into arts organizations. On September 19, 2024, AFTA will host a session on "Embracing Innovation: AI Introduction for Local Arts Agencies and Arts Organizations," featuring experts who will discuss the role of AI in arts organizations.
  5. Partnerships and Collaborations:
    • AFTA collaborates with various organizations to support the arts. For instance, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation is a partner in the Cultural Week of Action, highlighting the importance of unity in diversity through arts and culture.
  6. Publications and Resources:
    • AFTA publishes various resources, including the Arts Action Newsletter and fact sheets on the importance of the arts. These publications provide valuable information for advocates and policymakers to support arts education and funding.
Americans for the Arts continues to play a crucial role in advocating for the arts, supporting arts education, and highlighting the economic and social benefits of the arts in communities across the United States.