Services to the Field

The Center for Arts Policy (CAP) at Columbia College Chicago evolved from a series of forums (“Democratic Vistas”) that began in 1994, emerging from a concern about the ways the arts had become a political football in the country’s “culture wars.” An early and ongoing concern of the center was to consider how the arts contribute to the practice of democracy.

The Center for the Study of Art & Community (CSA&C) works with clients to develop arts-based partnerships that address the following question: How can the arts help build caring, capable, and sustainable communities? We believe the arts can only flourish when the power of the creative process becomes a vital and accepted part of all aspects of community life. At a time when many of our most valued cultural institutions are at risk, CSA&C is working to establish new working relationships between the arts and the broader community.

Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) is a program of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs that provides resources for Chicago artists working in dance, literary, music, theatre and visual arts. CAR hosts a searchable database on its web site where Chicago artists can post their artwork and experiences through Artist Story or Arts Professional Story. Resources are organized by artistic discipline and also include links to local and national organizations, educational and career opportunities, and business resources for operating an arts organization. .

In December 2004, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the County's first Civic Art Policy which allocates one percent of design and construction costs on new County capital projects to a Civic Art Special Fund.  Civic art dollars are flexible and, in most cases, may be pooled.  The policy is structured to allow for integrated permanent public art enhancements, temporary art commissions, restoration of historic artworks, and the creation of cultural spaces or activities.

Conscious Alliance partners with colleges and musicians to hold food and fundraising drives to raise awareness of poverty and hunger in America, especially on Native American Reservations. Conscious Alliance has also expanded its efforts to provide food to areas effected by disasters. Art is the incentive to inspire people to make food or monetary donations. Artists donate poster designs that are printed by Conscious Alliance and given to contributors attending concerts. This profile courtesy of Air Traffic Control.

DESIGN 21: Social Design Network’s mission is to inspire social consciousness through design by connecting people and organizations who want to explore ways that design can positively impact our communities. The Design 21 Network features a database with links to member designers and design organizations and to design projects organized by social theme and design type. The network also highlights design competitions that allow members to create solutions to social challenges along with a forum for non-profits to request design assistance.

Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) is based in the United Kingdom, but exists to ensure that all musicians gain more control of their music and a fairer share of the profits generated in the digital age. FAC's goals are for Fairness, artists receiving a fair deal, Transparency, artists knowing what happens with their work, and Equality, artists treated as equal partners in the business deals that involve them. FAC accomplishes these goals by guiding artists, negotiating with companies and organizing events. This profile courtesy of Air Traffic Control.

Future of Music Coalition (FMC) works to ensure that musicians have a voice in the issues that affect their livelihood. One of these issues is artist engagement as it relates to creating sustainable local cultural communities and training musician advocates. Additional issues include radio, internet and telecommunications policy, copyright, and artist compensation. The annual Policy Summit provides forums for discussion about issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy, and law. Musicians are informed of policies and technology developments through the monthly newsletter.

Creating spaces that transform and delight, GO collaborative provides feasibility, master planning, architectural design and project management services for renovations and new construction. Their xpertise centers on non-profit and community-centered projects, including public art, education, affordable housing, and parks.