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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

  • researchPS

    Natural Cultural Districts: A Three-City Study

    Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP), University of Pennsylvania: Mark Stern, Susan Seifert

  • researchCCPS

    14 Stories: Building Stronger Communities by Supporting American Artists

    WolfBrown

  • Springboard for the Arts

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    Springboard for the Arts

  • researchASPS

    Artist Space Development: Making the Case

    Urban Institute: Maria Rosario Jackson w/ Florence Kabwasa-Green

  • cornerstones

    Past as Prologue

  • case studies

    Center for Cultural Innovation

  • Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

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    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

  • East Bay Community Foundation

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    East Bay Community Foundation

  • case studies

    Dance Place

  • International Sonoran Desert Alliance

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    International Sonoran Desert Alliance

  • researchAS

    Developing Affordable Space for Artists: A Summary of Development Projects Funded by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

    LINC, LISC, Urban Institute, Community Partners Consultants

  • case studies

    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

  • cornerstones

    From Research to Practice: LINC