ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the policy context within which an artist or arts-related business operates. Cultural policy refers to much more than government grants for cultural institutions or individual artists. The current cultural policy landscape in the US includes a wide range of governmental and non-governmental agencies, programs, and practices. The US system is comprised of public and private entities, tax policies, legislative allocations, donated bequests, restricted endowments, education mandates, and social agendas. The arts entrepreneur has a number of choices to consider when engaging with local, state, regional, and national programs for culture. When an employee of a company files federal, state, or local tax returns, there has typically been an amount withheld from each paycheck that reduces the annual total tax owed or generates a refund. Zoning restrictions are sometimes implemented to maintain a certain quality of life within a given area. The policy environment around investments contains a number of implications for artists and arts organizations.
