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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.

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  • researchHCSP

    Artists and the Economic Recession Survey: A Summary of Findings

    Helicon Collaborative: Alexis Frasz, Holly Sidford; Princeton Survey Research Associates International

  • case studies

    Dance Place

  • researchASHCCPCC

    Investing in Creativity: A Study of the Support Structure for U.S. Artists

    Urban Institute: Maria-Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., Flroence Kabwasa-Green, Daniel Swenson, Joaquin Herranz, Jr., Kadija Ferryman, Caron Atlas, Eric Wallner, Carole Rosenstein, Ph.D.

  • researchCCPSSP

    Creative Communities: Artist Data User Guide

    Ann Markusen w/ Greg Schrock

  • case studies

    Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

  • researchCCSP

    Crossover: How Artists Build Careers across Commercial, Nonprofit and Community Work

    LINC, Ann Markusen, Sam Gilmore, Amanda Johnson, Titus Levi, Andrea Martinez

  • researchAS

    Developing Artist-Driven Spaces in Marginalized Communities: Reflections and Implications for the Field

    Urban Institute: Maria Rosario Jackson

  • case studies

    Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center

  • researchAS

    Developing Affordable Space for Artists: A Summary of Development Projects Funded by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

    LINC, LISC, Urban Institute, Community Partners Consultants