The National Endowment for the Arts and The Kresge Foundation have just awarded $1.36 million to help LISC, together with PolicyLink, lead technical assistance for community groups injecting arts and culture into neighborhood change. LISC’s creative placemaking initative will launch the pilot program in seven cities, supporting residents, artists, community developers and policy makers who want to integrate the arts into equitable development in their communities.

LISC's work to improve the quality of life in low-income communities got a big boost this week with $4 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund. LISC will use the new grant in two important ways: to seed arts-related development efforts that boost economic vitality and to help families access fresh food as part of broad efforts to improve health.

LISC is rolling out a new national initiative to make arts and culture investments in low-income areas. The Kresge Foundation has committed $3.5 million to help launch the program, and LISC has named Erik Takeshita, deputy director of Twin Cities LISC, to lead it. He will work closely with local LISC programs across the country to support arts-related economic development and cultural activities that create jobs, reduce blight, attract patrons and visitors and build a strong sense of community among residents.