The Impact of Local Government Support on Arts Organizations and Their Communities

This research investigates some of the different sources of government funding available to nonprofit arts organizations that support dance education for the youth population of Southern California. It focuses on the process of application for government grants, the different kinds of advocacy and evaluation, and how arts programs affect the local and regional communities they serve. In order to address the issue at hand, I conducted a series of interviews with government representatives, directors of arts organizations, and students affiliated with these organizations. The results of the interviews were then analyzed, compared with each other and grouped according to their different statements and opinions. The literature review, as well as the interviews, revealed that arts organizations are constantly struggling for continuous government funding. Their main sources of funding are typically private foundations and individual donors. Nevertheless, the support and education they provide in their communities proves to be both necessary and valuable for their development. Arts organizations are typically involved in different advocacy groups and attempt to create a relationship with their elected officials; however, the application process for government funding is often non inclusive and lengthy. Although government representatives seem to understand the importance of an accessible arts education, there is still a deficiency in financial support going to arts institutions