The third in a series that examines the state of the arts in America, this analysis shows, in addition to lines around the block for special exhibits, well-paid superstar artists, flourishing university visual arts programs, and a global expansion of collectors, developments in the visual arts also tell a story of rapid, even seismic change, systemic imbalances, and dislocation. The RAND report focuses on the fine visual arts. These are defined as art objects such as paintings, sculpture, photographs and some types of media art and performance art that are produced by professional visual artists, distributed in galleries and auction houses, and displayed in fine arts institutions, especially museums. The study was supported by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to help build research capability in the arts to foster discussion and communication among cultural leaders, policymakers, journalists, artists, the philanthropic community, and the American public. The report was co-authored by Elizabeth H. Ondaatje of RAND, Arthur Brooks of RAND and Syracuse University, and Andras Szanto of Columbia University. Printed copies of “A Portrait of the Visual Arts: Meeting the Challenges of a New Era,” (ISBN 0-8330-3793-5) can be ordered from RAND's Distribution Services ([email protected] or call toll free in the United States 1-877-584-8642). To download the full report as a PDF document, CLICK HERE.

http://www.rand.org/