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What is LINC?

Launched as a ten-year initiative in 2003, Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) represents a philanthropic experiment in using information, money, strategy, and partnerships to effect change in the support system for artists in the United States. LINC’s mission was to improve the ability of artists to create work, build social capital, and contribute to democratic values. Between 2003 and 2013, LINC invested in the work of more than 100 partner organizations and disbursed over $18 million to support innovative programs, groundbreaking research, catalyctic partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and other work in pursuit of that mission. 

  • Cornerstones

    The story of how LINC was founded, its primary programs, and its overall evolution. This section illuminates LINC’s values in practice over the course of its ten-year lifespan.

  • Research

    A complete index of LINC’s published research, highlighting critical findings that can contribute to innovative practices going forward. 

  • Case Studies

    Select examples from LINC’s grantee portfolio, which highlight shifts in thinking and practice to which LINC contributed.

  • cornerstones

    Earliest Beginnings

  • cornerstones

    Epilogue

  • case studies

    Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

  • cornerstones

    From the Funder

  • Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

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    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

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  • researchPS

    Natural Cultural Districts: A Three-City Study

    Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP), University of Pennsylvania: Mark Stern, Susan Seifert

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    ArtHome

  • case studies

    First Peoples Fund

  • case studies

    Dance Place

  • Center for Cultural Innovation

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    Center for Cultural Innovation

  • case studies

    AXIS Dance Company