This report examines demographic and socio-economic characteristics of adults who attended visual and performing arts activities in 2012, but unlike prior NEA research it offers in-depth perspectives on attitudes, motivations, and barriers concerning arts attendance. Based on a NEA module to the 2012 General Social Survey (GSS).

Tables, maps, and text summarize census data that show national distribution of the American artist population.

“This report is produced by the Publishing Center for Cultural Resources as part of a pilot project supported by the National Endowment for the Arts …”–T.p. verso.

“The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest”–P. 4 of cover.

Analysis of data from the 1980 Census of Population comparing growth by women and minorities in the artist occupations for the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Research Note #96 gives a detailed view of women artists, including patterns in the female composition of various artist jobs and in the earnings discrepancies between men and women.