How Art Works, next Thursday

On Thursday, September 20, from 2:00- 5:30 pm Eastern Time, I’m thrilled to be coordinating a public forum at American University alongside my brilliant Arts Management colleagues. The subject is the tiny question of “How Art Works” to impact the lives of individuals, communities, and society. The occasion is the release of a new report from the National Endowment for the Arts by that name, and the opportunity to explore a system-wide view of the arts. #

If you’re in the DC area and would like to attend the event in person, get thee to Eventzilla. Attendance is free, but requires registration. There are still a few seats available as I post this, but that may not last for long. #

We’ll also be sharing a live video stream from the event, posted both through the American University Arts Management Program website and through the NEA’s website. And video from the event will also be available for viewing afterwards, once we can get it online. Hashtag along with us at #howartworks. #

How Art Works suggests a systems map and framework for a “feasible, testable hypothesis for understanding how art works in American life.” No small task. The primary outcome of the project was to inform and refine the NEA’s new five-year agenda for research. But the potential relevance and resonance of the effort spans much further. My colleagues and I at American University are convening this forum to explore whether and where those connections might be made, and to encourage a focused, public discussion to make all of our maps and models more resilient and more robust. #

I hope you can join me, in person or online. Should be fun! #