A new approach to partnership
by Lisa Richards Toney, President and CEO of APAP
Earlier this month, APAP hosted our monthly member town hall. A week later, the American arts world was rocked when longstanding federal grants were cut swiftly. Across town halls and virtual meetups, one question echoes:
Where do we go from here?
Like many of us in the US, I’ve wrestled with that question. What grounds me is what we carry as practitioners: a profound ability to connect, catalyse and strengthen communities. The road ahead won’t be easy, but within this disruption lies opportunity.
Let me be clear. We must continue making our case to public sector leaders. Philanthropy alone can’t replace the scale of public investment that the arts have long relied on. But this moment has made one thing undeniable. The arts deserve support from both the public and private sectors. The arts are not a luxury. They are essential infrastructure, fueling economies, anchoring neighborhoods, and preparing the workforce of the future. Now more than ever, we must claim our space more boldly and loudly than we ever have.
This moment also provides a reckoning. A new beginning.A chance to broaden our coalition and reset how theworld understands the true value of the arts. It demands
a new posture with the private sector: pride, clarity andseismic volume for our catalytic impact across communities.
Many times, we are too humble. Yes, authentic service requires shifting focus away from self-importance towards recognising our shared humanity and interdependence. Therein lies the opportunity to invite partners not just to give, but to lead alongside us. When communities thrive through culture, everyone benefits.
From uniting communities to driving innovation and recovery, arts organisations deliver long-term returns across education, health, civic life and the economy. For every dollar invested, the impact multiplies, making the arts a strategic investment in resilience and growth.
Broadening the coalition
We must expand who sees themselves as part of our future. That means expanding our coalition to include business leaders, civic networks, campaign donors and philanthropic partners as co-investors in community resilience and cultural connection, increasing the impact of every partner.
Corporate and philanthropic partners are uniquely positioned to step into this gap, not as saviours but as co-builders of a more connected, prosperous nation. They benefit too through workforce development, local economic growth, brand alignment and community connection, which delivers long-term value.
The arts and private sector are natural allies with the power to strengthen communities and drive growth. Many are already stepping up, making this moment even more salient. As they seek the highest-impact investments, we must present ourselves with clarity and conviction. The arts are not charity; they are strategic investments in workforce readiness, innovation and economic infrastructure. And we have the data to prove it.
The undeniable value proposition
Supporting the arts is a high-yield investment that strengthens communities, economies and shared values. Think of it as building a farm, not handing out meals.
Long-term returns: One-time gifts become lasting assets. Performing arts centres anchor neighbourhoods, create jobs and drive growth across economic, educational, health and civic outcomes.
Economic engines: Arts organisations generate $73 billion annually for rural economies and help revitalise cities. In Northwest Arkansas, 1the non-profit arts and culture sector generated $232.7 million in economic activity in 2022 alone, supporting 3,434 local jobs, driving $136.6 million in household income and contributing $35.2 million in tax revenue, underscoring how arts investment fuels regional economic growth.
Community anchors: Arts venues unite people from all backgrounds, foster civic connection and serve as hubs for innovation and recovery during crises.
Future-ready workforce: Arts education cultivates what employers value most—creativity, collaboration, adaptability and emotional intelligence—boosting America’s global competitiveness. Countries like Singapore and Germany already invest in arts infrastructure.
National infrastructure: Our cultural network connects communities, fuels innovation and shapes shared experience.
Measurable impact: Every $1 spent on a performance generates $3.27 in local economic activity through dining, lodging, transit and retail. That’s what infrastructure does. It multiplies.
From foundation to flourishing
Despite political shifts, economic cycles and cultural change, the arts endure time and time again because creative expression is deeply human, universally felt and one of our most powerful tools for understanding ourselves and one another.
The arts are irrepressible. They connect us, steady us and inspire us. And their grounding role has never been more vital. We have the mandate to embrace the arts as a cornerstone of American resilience, innovation and community strength.
We must tell our story boldly, with data, vision and pride. Start now. Use the Americans for the Arts’ ²Impact Calculator to quantify your impact. Use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to refine your messaging using the value framing I shared and identify new partners to expand your reach. Invite local leaders to experience your work and connect it to broader community outcomes. Ask if they’re part of networks or associations that could benefit from investing in your impact.
With more partners who understand both the return and the collective responsibility, we can build a future where the arts are holistically recognised and funded. The arts are essential. The work we do matters. The value we bring must endure. We will ensure that it does.
References:
1NW Arkansas: cachecreate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AR_NorthwestArkansasArea_AEP6_CustomizedFinalReport.pdf
²AFTA Impact Calculator: americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/aepiv_calculator/calculator.html
