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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.

  • Center for Cultural Innovation

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    Center for Cultural Innovation

  • 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.

  • cornerstones

    Information

  • cornerstones

    From Research to Practice: LINC

  • International Sonoran Desert Alliance

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    International Sonoran Desert Alliance

  • case studies

    PA‘I Foundation

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  • case studies

    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

  • Center for Cultural Innovation

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    Center for Cultural Innovation

  • researchASPS

    Why is Gentrification a Problem?

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

  • Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center

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    Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center

  • researchCCSP

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

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

  • case studies

    International Sonoran Desert Alliance

  • case studies

    AXIS Dance Company