ISA Goals

• Identify and acknowledge leading projects, programs, or strategies that result in affordable work or live/work spaces for artists; and recognize the contributions artists make to their communities
• Foster and support innovation and learning by providing incentives, resources, and venues for collaboration among applicants, award-winners, and others
• Share ideas and knowledge through convenings and a web-based inventory of projects and programs
• Collect and disseminate information on best practices in artist space development
• Inspire and inform community stakeholders on the potential impact of artist space on both artists and the communities of which they are a part

 A clear understanding of the role and impact of artist-driven projects in communities will enable policy makers, planners, and other civic leaders to create vibrant, vital, and sustainable neighborhoods. The benefits associated with integrating artists into communities and assisting artists in building assets and equity will encourage neighborhoods to embrace arts and culture as key components of effective development strategies.
 
The success of the ISA awards program will be measured on its ability to reach diverse constituencies, establish a center for information and knowledge sharing, and document and disseminate exemplary practices.