I've just returned from the Grantmakers in the Arts conference in Atlanta this past week, as well as a visit to New Orleans to check in with our four member grantees there. Since it isn't often that one gets to sit down with 300 grantmakers, especially in the midst of such rocky financial times, I wanted to share with you how encouraged I was to hear how upbeat grantmakers are right now. There was tremendous reaffirmation of the need to continue supporting the arts, to contribute to the health and vibrancy of our society, and to give a creative voice to these uncertain times.

While several Alliance members have contacted me wondering how our economy will affect them, here are two things that happened recently: One of our members, a new residency program, held its first fundraiser auction -- on the day the US government proposed a $700 Billion bailout of the financial industry. Yikes! .... And yet, people came. They bid. They had a great time. And the organization raised $250,000 that night. Rhode Island School of Design held its annual fall alumni art sale two weeks ago -- 175 artists on the street in Providence. Everyone I talked to was nervous -- Would people buy art? Would they still spend money on "luxuries" when the necessities are harder to come by? As I watched the sun come up (I was there volunteering at 5:30am) and the crowds grow, I was thrilled to see literally thousands of arts supporters on the street. At the end of the day, I talked with so many artists who said it was their best sale ever. Like the growing popularity of farmer's markets and buying locally, people were thrilled for the opportunity to support art-making at the source -- from the artists themselves.

I don't think either of these experiences were due to luck (though nice weather helped!). I think it speaks to the times we are in, where investing in authenticity, creative expression, and the quality of life in our communities feels good. As the US takes a hard look at its consumerism, at its consumption of wasteful goods in our throw-away society, the arts stand out in stark contrast and give us an opportunity to invest in something that matters, something that gives back.

There's no telling what the months and years to come will bring, though change is certain. I for one will take the time to find new ways to talk about our work, to champion the field of artists' residencies, and to advocate for supporting today's artists -- all timeless and essential now more than ever.

Peace,
Caitlin