Collaborative Networks in the Arts: A Case Study of Americans for the Arts

Collaborative networks within the nonprofit sector can improve organizational capacity, increase longevity, and improve sustainability of organizations. Within the arts and cultural field it is difficult to determine if and how these types of networks are being utilized, as well as the means necessary to support them. This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of the networks that are structurally supported by Americans for the Arts to understand the structural needs of a sustainable collaborative network. This includes having a backbone structure of support for administrative tasks to the network, allowing involvement for leadership, and creating an evaluation system. Through interviews with both AFTA Staff and network leadership, this case study analyzes the network structure in place well as presents barriers for participation that exist within the cultural field based on member feedback. Suggestions for future research emphasize the creation of an evaluation process for such culture-based collaborative relationships as well as analyzing different network structures over time for their effectiveness.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201