The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Rosell Hawkins. Her innate artistic talent, discovered at a young age, earned her a four-year scholarship to the Women’s School of Design, later known as the Moore Institute of Art. Her passion for creative expression later led to her appointment as an art teacher, and helped give root to the establishment of The Arts facet in 1964 at the 14th National Assembly.

Throughout the nation today, Links chapters partner with museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutes and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color. Links are creating and supporting opportunities for educating minority youth in the arts and presenting and supporting performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in a diversity of disciplines.

The goal of The Arts Facet is to increase and expand our arts and culture activity in the Tampa Bay area through meaningful programs and solid relationships with organizational partners. It is our intent to foster a love of the arts among our youth and cultivate patronage and attendance among adults in our community by creating award-winning programming that has included:

• Partnering with the Tampa Museum of Art to present the exhibition,Verde: Poetics of Shade, in 2022. The exhibit featured five artists regional to the Tampa Bay area as an introduction and a celebration of their work in a variety of mediums which included painting, ceramics, sculpture, and embroidery on canvas.
• Participation in the Young Master Writers Program. The Links created this national competition to encourage creative writing excellence among high school students. The goal is to ultimately combat the era of shorthand communications, e.g., texting and social media, and to encourage our young generation to write.
• Involvement in Classics Through the Ages. This signature program of The Links focuses on arts education and mentorship to cultivate interest in the classical arts and promotes arts education among African American youth. We pique their interest, increase their knowledge and encourage their continued study in the classical arts.
• Sponsoring local students to participate in the National Poster Arts Competition, another signature program. The competition was created in 1995 in conjunction with the organization’s national walk-a-thon. The theme has traditionally focused on health-related topics and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Support of the Sphinx Organization. The Detroit-based non-profit is dedicated to development of young Black and Latino classical musicians.