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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

  • case studies

    First Peoples Fund

  • cornerstones

    From Research to Practice: LINC

  • Chicago Artists Resource

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    Chicago Artists Resource

  • researchHCSP

    Health Insurance Among Working Artists in the United States

    UCLA Center for Health Policy Research: Shana Alex Lavarreda and E. Richard Brown

  • case studies

    Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

  • case studies

    East Bay Community Foundation and San Francisco Foundation

  • researchAS

    Artist Space Development: Financing

    LINC, Urban Institute: Chris Walker

  • cornerstones

    Earliest Beginnings

  • case studies

    ArtHome

  • cornerstones

    Past as Prologue