Skip navigation

Nonprofit Arts
Development Guide

Chapter 9: Community Arts and Cultural Development Resources

Oklahoma Arts Council's On-Site Facilitation Services
Oklahoma Arts Council's renewal retreats provide on-site consultation specifically tailored to address the organizational needs of small, mid-sized and emerging arts organizations including arts organizations in rural communities.

Americans for the Arts http://www.artsusa.org
Americans for the Arts is a national networking organization for community arts organizations and arts administrators. Americans for the arts provides information and professional development opportunities for community arts leaders via specialized programs and services, including a content-rich website and an annual national convention.

Arts Business Council of Chicago www.artsbiz-chicago.org
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago is a good resource for tip sheets on arts management and cultural development.

BoardSource http://www.boardsource.org/
BoardSource, formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, is an excellent resource for practical information, examples of best practice, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations.

Free Management Library www.managementhelp.org offers valuable information on non profit organization development and management.

National Endowment for the Arts http://www.nea.gov/
The NEA offers several excellent publications on a variety of important subjects including accessibility, arts education, civic design, folk and traditional arts.

Urban Institute www.urban.org
The Urban Institute promotes sound social policy and public debate on national priorities, gathers and analyzes data, conducts policy research, evaluates programs and services, and educates Americans on critical issues and trends. On the Urban Institute website click on Search Options and type in Arts and Cultural Development for informational topics.

Publications

Americans for the Arts http://www.artsusa.org
AFTA offers an extensive selection of publications on community cultural development.

Borrup, Tom. The Creative Community Builder's Handbook: How to Transform Communities Using Local Assets, Arts, and Culture. St. Paul, MN: Fieldstone Alliance, 2006.

Dreeszen, Craig. Community Cultural Planning. Washington, DC: Americans for the Arts, 1998.

Florida, Richard. The Rise of the Creative Class. New York. Basic Books, 2002.

Ford Foundation, Downside Up: The listening Tour Project, Asset Building and Community Development Program, 2003.

Gard, Robert. Grassroots Theatre. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin P, 1999. Reprint with new introduction by Maryo Gard Ewell.

Graves, James Bau. Cultural Democracy. Champaign, IL: University of Illinois P, 2005.

Morse, Suzanne W. Smart Communities: Citizens and Local Leaders Can Use Strategic Thinking To Build a Brighter Future. Jossey-Bass, 2004.

Check out Suzanne's blog, Smart Communities: Civic Change in Your Community and Beyond.

National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). NASAA offers numerous articles and publications on arts and cultural development.

Overton, Patrick. Rebuilding the Front Porch of America: Essays on the Art of Community Making. Astoria, OR: PrairieSea P, 2001.

Ray, Karen and Michael Winer Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining, and Enjoying the Journey, Saint Paul MN: Fieldstone Alliance

E-zines

Compiled by New Mexico Arts, check out the excellent list of E-zines.