The hidden infrastructure of culture.
September 5, 2026
The arts ecosystem depends on a vast network of support systems that make cultural work possible, often operating quietly in the background and becoming visible only when something breaks down. From advocacy and technical assistance to shared resources, convening, research, and connection, these forms of support are essential infrastructure for a healthy and resilient arts sector. Yet the organizations doing this work can themselves remain largely unseen.
If we believe that culture is infrastructure, then the systems that sustain culture deserve recognition and visibility too. Arts Service Organizations (ASOs) play a critical role in supporting the organizations, artists, and communities that make up the broader ecosystem. By sharing publicly accessible knowledge about this “hidden infrastructure,” we can make these connections easier to see, strengthen the networks that hold the field together, and help build a more sustainable future for the arts.
SURVEY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
This week we are spotlighting Voices of Creative New York (VCNY) and Mid-Atlantic Arts. Our Survey Partners are helping make this research a reality and ensuring that the 2026 National ASO Survey captures a richer, more representative picture of the sector.
1. A circle shaped logo with a teal background titled Voices for Creative New York.
2. The words “Mid Atlantic” in teal blue next to a yellow circle with “Arts” in white.
Voices for Creative New York (VCNY) is New York State's statewide culture and arts advocacy coalition. VCNY brings together artists, cultural workers, culture bearers, arts organizations, advocacy groups, and funders across disciplines, regions, and communities to strengthen the creative workforce and advance strategies that support a thriving, equitable culture and arts ecosystem throughout the state. Leadership Partners: ArtsNYS, Black Artist Collective CNY, Culture & Arts Policy Institute, Freelancers Union, and New Yorkers for Culture and Arts.
Mid-Atlantic Arts is a regional arts organization serving Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. Their mission is to strengthen and serve the arts and culture ecosystem in the mid-Atlantic region by elevating local voices through accessible resources, programs, and partnerships.
THE NEXT SURVEY TAKING PARTY: SEPTEMBER 9
Voices for Creative New York (VCNY) will be co-hosting this week’s Survey Taking Party, and we’re inviting ASOs across New York State, the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions to join us, take the survey, and get connected. It’s an opportunity not only to contribute to a national picture of the field, but to connect with other organizations working across your region. If you’re based in New York State, the Mid-Atlantic or New England regions, we hope you’ll join us!
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 4:00 – 5:00pm EST
Registration: Free & required.
ENTER THE RAFFLE
Submit your survey and you'll be automatically entered in the ASO Survey Raffle for a chance to win free consulting services! Score a bonus entry when you join a Survey Taking Party. The earlier your organization submits your survey, the more chances you'll have to win.
At our next party we’ll be raffling off:
Marketing & Branding Consultation with Amy Jacobus of Grounded Growth Marketing
A current marketing practices & goals intake questionnaire with 45-minute followup consult call focused on desired objectives like event or program promotion, legacy and narrative, website analysis, or another topic of your choice.
Data Analytics Strategy Session with Leonardo Figueiredo of Rila Group
A tailored data analytics consulting session to help you improve how you collect, organize, and visualize your financial, audience, and/or programmatic data.
From left to right: 1. Amy Jacobus, a white woman with thick brunette hair, rests her chin on her hand while holding an orange. She is wearing a cream satin blouse, seated at a yellow table with a citrus branch in a glass vase beside her. 2. Headshot of Leonardo Figueiredo smiling directly at the camera wearing a suit with bowtie. Photo credit: Studio 5800 and Petya Figueiredo.
SURVEY PROGRESS
Image Description: A map of the United States titled “Survey Respondents by State and Territory” with states shaded in light green to indicate survey completion progress.
We've received survey responses from 24 states! Help us reach our goal and make sure your organization gets counted.
To check out more live data updates, including the geographic location, budget size, and artistic discipline of survey respondents to date, visit the 2026 National ASO Survey Response page.
NEED HELP TAKING THE SURVEY?
There are several ways you can get help:
Download a Google Doc version of the survey to prepare your answers and collaborate with your colleagues before submitting.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Email us your questions at research@consultingadc.com. A member of the ADC Consulting team will get back to you within approximately 2–3 business days.
You can also visit the ASO Research Page to learn more about the multi-phase research study this survey is a part of.
REMEMBER: The survey will collect responses through October 9, 2026 (one per organization).
