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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.

  • case studies

    The Actors Fund

  • 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

    From Rust Belt to Artist Belt: Challenges and Opportunities in Rust Belt Cities

    Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

  • East Bay Community Foundation

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    East Bay Community Foundation

  • case studies

    Massachusetts Cultural Council

  • cornerstones

    Past as Prologue

  • researchAS

    Artist Space Development: Financing

    LINC, Urban Institute: Chris Walker

  • researchASPS

    Artist Space Development: Making the Case

    Urban Institute: Maria Rosario Jackson w/ Florence Kabwasa-Green

  • researchASPS

    Why is Gentrification a Problem?

    Center for Creative Community Development (C3D), Williams College: Stephen Sheppard

  • case studies

    Center for Cultural Innovation