Louise K. Stevens, the founder of ArtsMarket, was commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts as a guide for Local Arts Agencies. Its two volumes were written as a how-to guide, covering the process of assessing cultural assets and needs, followed by conducting a cultural plan. Topics and chapters cover philosophy - why plan for culture? - followed by the key elements of cultural planning, components of cultural plans, the assessment and planning process, creating a steering committee and task forces, and ensuring ample public input into the process.