Advocating for the Arts
Advancing and constructing innovative cultural models and systems
The arts are not only a reflection of culture; they are an engine of collective imagination and civic leadership.
We strive for long-term changes to policies and practices, cultural models and systems that access the full potential of arts and creativity. In collaboration with leaders across the arts and creativity field, we sponsor research and champion new approaches that enable all communities to thrive.
Our grantmaking priorities are to:
- Support arts advocacy to foster policy change that builds a more thriving and robust field.
- Advance new narratives about the power and possibilities of the arts as essential to thriving, just communities
Initiatives
Learn about the recent work within our Advocating for the Arts strategy
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Creative Commonwealth
Through the Creative Commonwealth Initiative, Barr invests in community foundations to fortify the arts.
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Grantmaking in Advocating for the Arts
Cambridge Community Foundation
To help offset the cost of attending the GIA 2025 Conference
- Award Date: 11/04/2025
- Amount: $1,600
- Term: 3 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Community Foundation for Metrowest, Inc.
To help offset the cost of attending the GIA 2025 Conference
- Award Date: 11/04/2025
- Amount: $1,600
- Term: 3 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
To help offset the cost of attending the GIA 2025 Conference
- Award Date: 11/04/2025
- Amount: $3,200
- Term: 3 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Grantmaking Inquiries
Please note that Barr invests in long-term systems change work as outlined in our strategy and — with exceedingly rare exception — does not fund individual artists, individual projects, or programs. For those who feel their work may align with Barr’s priorities, the best approach is to complete this form.
Please allow up to 6 weeks for a response. For additional resources that might support your organization, please check out our Resources for Grant Seekers post.
Our Team
Susana Reyes
she/her/ella
Program Associate, Arts + Creativity