Why the Census is Important to Arts Organizations
On April 1, 2010 every household in America will be asked to complete the Census form. The Census happens only once every 10 years, and it's important for everyone to be counted. Why?
Federal funding for programs benefitting Hoosiers and their communities is based on Census results. This means the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) uses Census results as part of the decision making process for providing funding to the Indiana Arts Commission. In turn, the Indiana Arts Commission uses Census data for the state as one of the factors in granting money through the Regional Arts Partnership Regional Block Grant. Quite simply: the larger the population, the more potential for more money.
In addition, the 10-year Census count is the underpinning of many critical indicators that are important to cultural institutions, including the total size of potential markets and audiences.
What are some of the other uses of Census data?
- Census data is used to apportion congressional seats
- Census data is used to draw districts for the Indiana General Assembly
- Census data drives funding and delivery for other federal programs, such as Medicaid, social services, schools, transportation funding, programs for seniors, and emergency supplies.
Help us get the word out about the 2010 U.S. Census. For a sheet of talking points about the U.S. Census, please visit our website at http://www.in.gov/arts/2362.htm and click on the Census article underneath the "Related Links" at the bottom of the page.
Need even more information? Visit http://www.census.indiana.edu/ or attend a special workshop presented by the Indiana State Library on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from noon - 1:00 p.m. This event will be held in the Indiana Author's Room at the State Library and will answer the public's questions about the Census.
