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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

    Chicago Artists Resource

  • case studies

    First Peoples Fund

  • researchCCPSSP

    Creative Communities: Artist Data User Guide

    Ann Markusen w/ Greg Schrock

  • International Sonoran Desert Alliance

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    International Sonoran Desert Alliance

  • cornerstones

    From Research to Practice: LINC

  • researchASSP

    How Artist Space Matters: Impacts and Insights from Three Ca

    Metris Arts Consulting: Anne Gadwa, Ann Markusen, Nathaniel Walton

  • researchCCPSSP

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

    Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

  • Chicago Artists Resource

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    Chicago Artists Resource

  • Dance Place

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    Dance Place

  • cornerstones

    Past as Prologue

  • case studies

    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

  • researchASSP

    How Art Spaces Matter II: The Riverside, Tashiro Kaplan, and Insights from Five Artspace Case Studies and Four Cities

    Metris Arts Consulting: Anne Gadwa, Anna Muessig