Community Arts Council Movement

This book is an analysis of the movement's functions and activities. It presents the history of the movement as it has been captured and recorded by the first generation of people who have been involved. Second edition with a new Introduction. It has been twenty-five years from the first printing of The Community Arts Council Movement: History, Opinions and Issues. So, what has changed? What is similar? Reviewing recent summaries of anniversaries and activities, one is struck by the resonance of the original concerns and the progress made: recognizing and keeping community arts issues a priority on all levels-in these years, they have become central; enabling the partnership among federal, state and local partnerships to grow and flourish perhaps beyond all expectation; developing a voice for effective advocacy-we've come a long way. But like everything else we have experienced on these levels, there is always work ahead and the "now" changes as people come into and exit the picture. No one, and no one group, is really independent of the others in the support fabric. The Community Arts Council Movement is a history of the movement which traces its beginnings to models in the health and welfare fields. It presents the history of the movement as it has been captured and recorded from people who have been involved. Research for the book includes written materials from various councils; about 150 discussions with specialists and practitioners from urban councils and regional, county and rural organizations; and questionnaires completed by movement founders, community arts administrator trainers, and local and national political figures who have promoted community arts to their peers. "This book should be required reading in order to understand the historical context of our own efforts as we map the future of the arts in our communities." - Peggy Spaeth, Director of Heights Arts "From arts administrators and arts educators, to government officials and interested citizens, this book has played a key role in illuminating the work of the nonprofit arts in America." - Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO, Americans for the Arts