Cec Artslink, Inc.

What Cec Artslink, Inc. does

CEC ArtsLink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 13-2531695) headquartered at 28 Hubert Street, New York, NY 10013, founded in 1962. The organization supports transnational cultural mobility through a portfolio of interconnected programs: ArtsLink International Fellowships (a three-phase program combining an online research residency, an in-person US residency, and a home-country follow-up project for artists from 41+ eligible countries across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East), the annual ArtsLink Assembly convening, the Art Prospect regional program serving 12 Eastern European and Central Asian countries, the FACE Croatia initiative, and the searchable ArtsLink Index directory of network members. The Back Apartment Residencies program in St. Petersburg, Russia was suspended on February 24, 2022.

Operationally, CEC ArtsLink runs lean — 1-10 employees — and is funded through tax-deductible donations, foundation grants, and corporate contributions rather than fees charged to artists. US-based non-profit arts organizations (La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Dance Exchange, Hyde Park Art Center, Kala Art Institute, Movement Research, Triangle Arts Association, Institute of American Indian Arts, Grand Central Art Center, and others) serve as host institutions that receive administrative and financial support from CEC ArtsLink to host international Fellows. The organization does not develop or sell proprietary technology; its digital footprint consists of the cecartslink.org website, Mailchimp newsletters, Facebook and Instagram accounts, and PayPal-powered donations.

Recent strategic emphasis has shifted toward solidarity programming for artists impacted by forced displacement, including the 2025 'Defending Each Other' Assembly at La MaMa and a whitepaper on US-based artist protection authored by Mary Ann DeVlieg in partnership with On the Move. A dedicated Razom ArtsLink Fellow track evidences an institutional commitment to Ukraine-focused cultural support. Leadership consists of Executive Director Simon Dove and Program Director Zhenia Stadnik.

Name

Cec Artslink, Inc.

Legal name

CEC ArtsLink, Inc.

Website

https://cecartslink.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CEC ArtsLink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1962 that supports transnational cultural mobility by funding artist residencies, fellowships, and annual convenings for international artists placed with US arts organizations across 41+ eligible countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Arts and Cultural Exchange Nonprofit Programs

NAICS

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Art, Arts Councils & Grantmaking Programs (BPAGAHAH), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

Keywords

• International artist residencies
• Cultural exchange programs
• Arts fellowships
• Community-engaged art
• Artist mobility support

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 13-2531695), CEC ArtsLink relies on tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund fellowship programs, residencies, and operational activities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CEC ArtsLink operates transnational cultural mobility programs that fund and coordinate artist residencies, fellowships, and convenings. Its core offerings include ArtsLink International Fellowships (a three-phase program pairing international artists with US host organizations), ArtsLink Assembly (annual convenings of transnational cultural practitioners), Art Prospect (regional support for Eastern European and Central Asian artists), and the searchable ArtsLink Index directory. The organization does not charge artists for participation; instead, it provides financial support covering travel, visas, health insurance, and living/working costs for selected Fellows.

Product overview

CEC ArtsLink is a nonprofit cultural organization operating as a single, unified program rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. The organization facilitates transnational cultural mobility and collaboration through several interconnected programs: ArtsLink Assembly (annual convenings), ArtsLink International Fellowships (residency and fellowship programs), ArtsLink Index (directory of network members), Art Prospect (regional support for Eastern European and Central Asian countries), Back Apartment Residencies (currently suspended), and FACE Croatia (regional initiative). These programs work together to empower artists and arts leaders to engage communities in dialogue and creative projects. The organization does not offer technology products or SaaS offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ArtsLink International Fellowships Multi-phase fellowship program supporting transnational artists and arts leaders from 41 eligible countries with a three-phase structure: an online research residency (June-July), an in-person immersive US residency (October-November) hosted by US arts organizations, and a follow-up project in the Fellow's home country. CEC ArtsLink covers travel, visa, health insurance, and living/working costs; host organizations are matched and funded to host Fellows.
• ArtsLink Assembly Annual convening of transnational artists, thinkers, and activists working with culture to create a more equitable, compassionate, and sustainable world. Features sessions, podcasts, and collaborative discussions on cultural mobility themes such as 'Defending Each Other' (2025) and 'Beyond Greener Grass' (2025), bringing together Fellows, host organizations, and cultural practitioners.
• Art Prospect Comprehensive program supporting artists, cultural organizations, and communities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan through network activities, residencies, fellows, and festivals. Operates as a regional extension of CEC ArtsLink's transnational cultural mobility mission in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
• ArtsLink Index Searchable online directory of artists, curators, arts leaders, and arts organizations within the CEC ArtsLink transnational network, enabling connections and collaboration across partner countries. Publicly browseable by year (e.g., 2026 Artists and Partners, 2025 Artists and Partners).
• FACE Croatia Specialized initiative supporting cultural exchange and collaboration focused on Croatia, providing targeted programming within CEC ArtsLink's broader transnational cultural mobility portfolio.

Quantifiable outcome

• ArtsLink Fellowship program continues despite travel restrictions, with five artists coming to the US during challenging periods

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkid Row-based non-profit arts organization founded in 1985, first performance group in the US made up principally of homeless people. Hosts ArtsLink International Fellows and creates performances connecting experiences of people living in poverty to social forces shaping their lives.
• Dance ExchangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit dance organization based in Takoma Park, Maryland, founded in 1976 by Liz Lerman. Collaborates across generations, disciplines, and communities through dancemaking as means for dialogue and creative engine for thought and action. Has created 250+ performance projects.
• Hyde Park Art CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago hub for contemporary art serving as gathering and production space for artists and community. Has been hosting ArtsLink International Fellows since 2019. Manages regranting initiative Artists Run Chicago Fund distributing over $1 million since 2020.
• La Mama Experimental Theatre ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegendary Off-Off-Broadway venue founded in 1961 by Ellen Stewart. Only original Off-Off-Broadway venue still in operation. Has supported 5,000+ productions featuring 150,000 artists from 70 nations.
• Movement ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's leading laboratory for investigation of dance and movement-based forms, founded in 1978. Dedicated to creation and implementation of free and low-cost programs nurturing discourse and experimentation in dance.
• Kala Art InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational artist residency program founded in 1974 in Berkeley, California. 15,200 sq. ft. facility with specialized equipment for printmaking, digital media, film/video, book arts, photography, public art, installation, and performance. Has hosted Fellows since 2006.
• Triangle Arts AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisual arts residency in Brooklyn founded in 1982. Part of worldwide network of 40+ members providing studio opportunities, community, and public programs for artists and curators.
• Grand Central Art CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration between City of Santa Ana and Cal State Fullerton's College of the Arts. 45,000 sq. ft. facility housing galleries, theater, café, and living/studio spaces. Dedicated to open exploration of contemporary art and visual culture.
• Institute of American Indian ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded October 1, 1962 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Only institution in the country dedicated to higher education grounded in Indigenous arts and cultures. Widely recognized as birthplace of contemporary Native arts.
• On the Move (Cultural Mobility)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural mobility network collaborating with CEC ArtsLink on initiatives supporting artists impacted by forced displacement, including ArtsLink Assembly 2025 and Defending Each Other in the USA whitepaper.
• Mary Ann DeVlieg (Independent Consultant)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent consultant and expert for Council of Europe's artistic freedom initiative. Authored 'Defending Each Other in the USA' whitepaper on solidarity with artists impacted by forced displacement.
• Urban Growers CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChicago-based organization collaborating with ArtsLink Fellow Bermet Borubaeva and Hyde Park Art Center on 'Trash' project addressing food waste and environmental justice.
• Found Sound NationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative agency using music-making to connect people across cultural divides. Hosted Fellow Yoanna Ayers exploring voice-healing methodologies through Georgian and Polish songs and oral histories.
• The Invisible Dog Art CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrooklyn art center housed in 1863 former factory building. Hosted Fellow Mirna Bamieh exploring fermentation and traditional food cultures through performance and storytelling.
• 600 HighwaymenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew York-based theater/dance/performance company creating live art that illuminates poignancy of people coming together. Co-hosted Fellow Iman Zaki with La MaMa.
• Vanderbilt UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic institution hosting ArtsLink Fellow Nika Radić for residency exploring photography, video, and installation.
• Arizona State University Art MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity museum hosting ArtsLink Fellows including Albena Baeva for cross-disciplinary technological research and artistic practice.
• Ambasada Kultury (Belarus/Germany)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative of Belarusian culture workers and activists based in Berlin. Invites artists working with forced migration for residencies; part of Art Prospect Network.
• MeetFactory Centre for Contemporary ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest AIR program in Czech Republic, hosting 30+ artists annually. Manages Artists-in-Residence program and curates exhibitions.
• Unlisted ProjectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustin-based organization cultivating interdisciplinary meeting points for visiting artists. Part of thriving community of 35 in-house creatives.
• Bishkek School of Contemporary ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by ArtsLink Fellow Bermet Borubaeva; focuses on arts, climate science, and environmental inequality.
• Axis Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNation's most acclaimed ensembles of disabled and non-disabled performers, founded in 1987. Provides integrated dance education and outreach programs.
• Peacebuilding and the Arts (Brandeis University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram focusing on distinctive contributions of culture and arts to transformation of conflict, directed by Dr. Cynthia Cohen.
• University of KansasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship university and AAU member. Slavic department collaborating with ArtsLink Fellows on research projects including garden-focused initiatives.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Asian Cultural Council: Nonprofit that funds international cultural exchange fellowships and residencies for artists and arts professionals between Asia and the US. Operates a similar multi-phase fellowship model and host-organization network, with comparable scope and staff size.
• Foundation for Contemporary Arts: New York-based nonprofit providing grants to working artists across disciplines. Comparable in providing direct financial support to individual artists and emerging practices, with overlapping funder base in NYC.
• International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP): New York-based nonprofit hosting international artists and curators in residencies with public programming. Comparable in supporting international artist residencies in NYC, with a focus on contemporary practice and curated exchange.
• Yaddo: Historic artist residency program in upstate New York offering working retreats to invited artists, including international creators. Comparable in supporting individual artists with time and space, though single-site rather than networked.
• On the Move: European cultural mobility information network serving artists and cultural professionals. Directly collaborates with CEC ArtsLink on the ArtsLink Assembly and forced displacement initiatives, addressing overlapping audiences.
• Trust for Mutual Understanding: Nonprofit that funds direct person-to-person exchanges between the US and counterparts in Central/Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the former Soviet Union. Highly comparable in mission, geographic focus, and fellowship-style support for cultural professionals.
• MacDowell Colony: US-based nonprofit providing funded residencies to artists across disciplines, including international Fellows. Comparable in providing fully-funded residencies and supporting community-engaged artistic practice, though focused on individual residencies rather than transnational exchange.
• United States Artists (USA): Chicago-based nonprofit providing fellowship grants to US-based artists. Comparable in mission and fellowship funding model, but focused on domestic US artists rather than international exchange.

Broad incumbents

• Fulbright Program: Flagship US government international exchange program covering scholars, artists, and professionals. Encompasses some of the same artist exchange activities as CEC ArtsLink but at vastly larger scale and with government funding.
• Institute of International Education (IIE): Major nonprofit administering the Fulbright Program and other US government-funded international exchanges, including arts-focused fellowships. Operates at significantly larger scale and broader geographic scope, but addresses overlapping international cultural mobility needs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cecartslink
• Instagraminstagram.com/cec_artslink
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cec-artslink

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cec Artslink, Inc.