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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

    Center for Cultural Innovation

  • AXIS Dance Company

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    AXIS Dance Company

  • researchASPS

    Why is Gentrification a Problem?

    Center for Creative Community Development (C3D), Williams College: Stephen Sheppard

  • researchCCSP

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

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

  • case studies

    PA‘I Foundation

  • cornerstones

    Epilogue

  • researchHCSP

    Health Insurance Among Working Artists in the United States

    UCLA Center for Health Policy Research: Shana Alex Lavarreda and E. Richard Brown

  • case studies

    First Peoples Fund

  • case studies

    Montana Arts Council

  • cornerstones

    From the Funder