Why Open Arts
Community Building
The arts bring people together, provide shared experiences, and create a sense of belonging.
Cultural Enrichment
Arts exposure provides opportunities to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions.
Community Building
The arts bring people together, provide shared experiences, and create a sense of belonging.
Emotional Well-Being
The arts bring people together, provide shared experiences, and create a sense of belonging.
Educational Enhancement
The arts bring people together, provide shared experiences, and create a sense of belonging.
Empathy & Social Awareness
The arts bring people together, provide shared experiences, and create a sense of belonging.
Benefits of the Arts
Exposure to the arts can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Explore the many benefits by clicking on each colored icon. By supporting Open Arts United, you can help unlock these benefits for everyone, particularly those who may not have had prior access to the arts.
Our Passion for the Arts
We are artists, development professionals, and patrons who want to see a more diverse representation of artists, employees, and patrons of the arts. Equity and inclusion in the arts are not just important but crucial for fostering a fair and just society. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we can create a vibrant tapestry of creativity that reflects the rich and multifaceted nature of humanity.
In our collective pursuit of artistic expression, we strive to break down barriers that have historically limited access to the arts for underrepresented communities. We firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to showcase their talent, share their unique stories, and contribute to the cultural fabric of our society.
We will Open Doors to arts experiences, Open Hearts to create a more inclusive world, and Open the Arts for All
open for all
THE IMPACT OF THE ARTS
High Arts Involvement Among Students From Low-Income Backgrounds is Related to Finding a Better Job, Earning Degrees, and Volunteering.*
FUNDING FOR THE ARTS
As a percentage of all charitable giving, the arts dropped to 4.1% in 2020 – the lowest since 2008.*
ARTS COMMUNITY CHALLENGED
An arts industry that treats non-European cultural expression with tokenism or views it as anything other than a full part of its mandate will not be able to attract the individual, corporate, and governmental subsidy essential for survival, let alone vibrancy.*
UNDERREPRESENTED IN THE ARTS
Marginalized racial/ethnic groups make up 39% of the U.S. population yet comprise approximately half that figure in contemporary art (22%).
FACING THE FACTS
Studies show that many racial/ethnic groups as well as those with low income levels are underrepresented in the arts. And, many arts organizations struggle to provide authentic diversity and inclusion into their programs. We’re not only asking “why?”, we’re actively working to open the arts to all.