Can Arts Funding Survive Without Government Support?

Description: Explore the unprecedented shifts in US arts funding and what they mean for creative communities nationwide. Featuring John Carnwath from WolfBrown research and consulting firm on navigating federal cuts, building sustainable funding models, and reimagining how creative ecosystems can thrive through decentralized support systems and community-centered approaches.Key Topics:Federal cuts to NEA, NEH, and IMLS and their ripple effects on state agenciesThe reality of arts funding concentration and inequalityAlternative funding models from micro-grants to market-based sustainabilityLessons from international arts funding approachesMoving from top-down grant selection to ecosystem-wide supportLocal decision-making and community-responsive fundingThe role of private foundations and individual donors in filling gapsBuilding equity in arts funding distributionFeatured Guest:John Carnwath - Principal at WolfBrown research and consulting firm; Specialist in creative ecosystems, arts funding, cultural policy, and impact evaluationNotable Quotes:"It has to be local based... there's something to be said for the kind of more local, more immediately connected funding feedback loops." - John Carnwath"You reduce inequality by taking away the money from the people who already have it, 'cause that's gonna be easier than getting more money for the people who don't have resources." - John Carnwath"Supporting lots of little things... making it really easy to get funding to do something that's not bureaucratic, that you can quickly turn around." - John CarnwathConnect with our guest:John Carnwath: LinkedIn and wolfbrown.comSpecial Announcement:Could Be Pretty Cool News is now a certified B Corporation! Learn more about our mission-driven approach and upcoming creative research initiatives.Follow Could Be Pretty Cool News:@couldbeprettycool | couldbeprettycool.com | couldbeprettycoolnews.substack.comKeywords: arts funding, NEA cuts, creative ecosystems, sustainable funding models, arts policy, cultural funding, creative entrepreneurship, foundation grants, community arts support, arts funding equity