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What is LINC?

Launched as a ten-year initiative in 2003, Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) represents a philanthropic experiment in using information, money, strategy, and partnerships to effect change in the support system for artists in the United States. LINC’s mission was to improve the ability of artists to create work, build social capital, and contribute to democratic values. Between 2003 and 2013, LINC invested in the work of more than 100 partner organizations and disbursed over $18 million to support innovative programs, groundbreaking research, catalyctic partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and other work in pursuit of that mission. 

  • Cornerstones

    The story of how LINC was founded, its primary programs, and its overall evolution. This section illuminates LINC’s values in practice over the course of its ten-year lifespan.

  • Research

    A complete index of LINC’s published research, highlighting critical findings that can contribute to innovative practices going forward. 

  • Case Studies

    Select examples from LINC’s grantee portfolio, which highlight shifts in thinking and practice to which LINC contributed.

  • case studies

    Chicago Artists Resource

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  • researchASPS

    Building Community: Making Space for Art

    Urban Institute: Maria Rosario Jackson

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  • researchAS

    Developing Artist-Driven Spaces in Marginalized Communities: Reflections and Implications for the Field

    Urban Institute: Maria Rosario Jackson

  • researchASSP

    How Art Spaces Matter II: The Riverside, Tashiro Kaplan, and Insights from Five Artspace Case Studies and Four Cities

    Metris Arts Consulting: Anne Gadwa, Anna Muessig

  • cornerstones

    Creative Communities

  • cornerstones

    From Research to Practice: LINC

  • case studies

    Rebuild Foundation

  • Chicago Artists Resource

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    Chicago Artists Resource

  • AXIS Dance Company

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    AXIS Dance Company

  • researchCCSP

    Crossover: How Artists Build Careers across Commercial, Nonprofit and Community Work

    LINC, Ann Markusen, Sam Gilmore, Amanda Johnson, Titus Levi, Andrea Martinez

  • Chicago Artists Resource

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    Chicago Artists Resource

  • case studies

    PA‘I Foundation