From February 2009 report, showing that 68% of arts organizations responding felt that things had gotten worse for them since our last review in October 2008

Rhode Island and the nation are currently experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis. This situation is affecting artists and arts organizations in very serious ways. The purpose of this web page is to bring together information about the crisis, here and elsewhere, and explore ways that artists and organizations are helping themselves and others get through a very difficult time. Feel free to contribute your own thoughts and links to articles by emailing RISCA at info@arts.ri.gov.

Reports and Statistics (.pdf files)

• RISCA's October 2008 report on the effect of the economy on arts organizations in Rhode Island
• February 2009 update of economic crisis report
• National Governors Association 'Best Practices' Report: Using the Arts to Stimulate State Economic Development
• City of Providence 'Arts and Economic Prosperity One-Page Summary Report - FY2005'

Links and Articles of Interest

• Americans for the Arts' "The Arts and National Economic Recovery" page
• National Endowment for the Arts "Information Regarding the Arts and Economic Stimulus"
• Providence Phoenix "Striving to build a sustainable arts sector" - 3-18-2009
• RISCA Op Ed in Providence Journal - Arts can help Rhode Island recover - 1-16-2009
• Rhode Island Monthly article (June 2009) - "The Real Creative Capital"

Comments, Suggestions and Recommendations

We are building a list of your thoughts, comments, suggestions and recommendations. If you have something you would like to add to the list, email RISCA at info@arts.ri.gov.