Arts and cultural production represents 4.2 percent of the US economy, or $760 billion. Socially responsible investing in the United States has reached $8.7 trillion. Yet when looking at the thematic areas targeted by impact investing across the country, arts and culture is 0%.

There is an opportunity today to engage capital that values diversity, equity, and inclusion to help shape a creative economy that reflects the culture and heritage of diverse communities and creatives across the U.S. A creative economy shaped by these values can contribute to building social cohesion, resiliency and sustainability for the future. The creative economy in communities across the United States is ripe for impact investment—but where to start?

This webinar will feature Laura Callanan, founding partner of Upstart Co-Lab and Eddie Torres, President & CEO of Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) in conversation with Ellen Friedman, Executive Director at the Compton Foundation, and Gary Steuer, President and CEO of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation,to talk about examining and implementing mission-related investment (MRI) strategies within their foundations. They will discuss how MRI has the potential to advance their organizational missions and work toward a creative economy that is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive—before it’s too late - while also exploring impact investing as an innovative opportunity to invest in the arts and unlock resources specifically for ALAANA communities.

Intended audience:

• Foundations that fund the arts
• Foundations striving to include arts and culture as part of their MRI or impact investing strategies
• Artist-endowed foundations who wish to learn more about impact investing
• Artists starting investable social purpose businesses and hoping to attract funding from MRI
• Social entrepreneurs in creative industries