Investing in Arts Organizations as Leaders

Since its inception, the Barr Foundation has supported the arts, and in recent years, we have expanded this commitment, both through growth in Barr’s arts grantmaking and through the geographic expansion of our Arts & Creativity program. We have deepened this commitment to the arts out of an abiding belief that artists, arts, and creativity are essential to vibrant and engaged communities.

This is particularly true in today’s environment, as the pace of change accelerates and as we look to the arts to offer opportunities for expression, to help deepen our understanding, and to promote discussion and engagement.

Accordingly, by presenting powerful art that speaks to contemporary issues, arts organizations have the capacity to connect people and perspectives—prompting reflection, fueling dialogue, and enhancing our communities.

To advance this vital work, I am delighted to announce the launch of ArtsAmplified, a six-year, $30 million initiative investing in fifteen large and mid-size organizations across Massachusetts dedicated to creating art and arts experiences that strengthen our communities.

ArtsAmplified will provide funding to help each participating organization to advance an ambitious project with significance to its future. ArtsAmplified features a shared commitment to investigating and learning together about the relationship among artistic excellence, relevance, risk taking, and civic leadership—four dimensions at the center of the initiative.

ArtsAmplified features a shared commitment to investigating and learning together about the relationship among artistic excellence, relevance, risk taking, and civic leadership, four dimensions at the center of the initiative.

ArtsAmplified also includes additional resources for market research, financial analysis, board and staff development, and other investments that can help each organization build and sustain its capacity to achieve greater impact.

This initiative recognizes that presenting art that is both excellent and relevant requires that organizations have resources to be nimble and test new ideas. They must also have the credibility and means to engage new audiences in authentic ways. And they must be resilient in the face of the risks inherent in assuming greater leadership within their communities.

We could not be more excited to embark on this critical work, with a commitment to learning from it and to sharing our lessons with others. To meet our partners and learn more about ArtsAmplified, please read this companion post from San San Wong, Director of Barr’s Arts & Creativity Program.

Learn more about ArtsAmplified by reading San San's blog post