Mission

Leveraging Investments in Creativity is a 10-year initiative to improve artists’ ability to make work, build social capital and contribute to democratic values. LINC builds on recent research by the Urban Institute (www.usartistreport.org) that identifies more than 5,000 programs and services for artists but points to the need for new efforts that:

• Expand financial supports for artists’ work;
• Improve artists’ access to essential material supports such as live-work space and insurance; and
• Bolster knowledge, collaborations, and public policies that affect the work of artists and their contributions to communities.

Launched in July 2003, LINC seeks to assist the people, organizations, and communities already at work in supporting artists, and to address needs not being served. Efforts include funding community-wide strategies to improve conditions for artists; building online information concerning live-work spaces and health insurance for artists; and working with field leaders to advance knowledge and best practices.

Our Values

LINC values artists as the shapers and carriers of cultural values—tradition-bearers, idea generators, change agents, and social entrepreneurs. LINC values artists as an important aspect of the independent workforce, generating economic benefits for themselves and the communities in which they live. LINC is dedicated to the development of innovative practices that serve and support artists. LINC values activities that model inclusiveness and diversity as key opportunities in the stewardship of artists’ communities and in the development of organization staff. LINC values community-based approaches that match local skills and knowledge with external expertise to solve problems and create opportunities. LINC supports organizations that are collaborative through the use of “open source” strategies essential to the acceleration of innovation and achievement