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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.

  • researchHCSP

    Artists and the Economic Recession Survey: A Summary of Findings

    Helicon Collaborative: Alexis Frasz, Holly Sidford; Princeton Survey Research Associates International

  • case studies

    Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance

  • First Peoples Fund

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    First Peoples Fund

  • cornerstones

    Introduction

  • PA'I Foundation

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    PA'I Foundation

  • First Peoples Fund

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    First Peoples Fund

  • researchPS

    Natural Cultural Districts: A Three-City Study

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

  • researchAS

    Artist Space Development: Financing

    LINC, Urban Institute: Chris Walker

  • Springboard for the Arts

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    Springboard for the Arts

  • case studies

    Massachusetts Cultural Council

  • researchCCPSSP

    Creative Communities: Artist Data User Guide

    Ann Markusen w/ Greg Schrock

  • case studies

    Montana Arts Council

  • International Sonoran Desert Alliance

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    International Sonoran Desert Alliance

  • researchCCSP

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

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