Since 2008, Americans for the Arts and the Aspen Institute have annually convened a select group of 25–30 distinguished artists, philanthropists, and thought leaders at the Aspen Institute in Aspen, CO. These arts leaders recommend policies and strategies critical to advancing the arts in America and proffer policies for consideration at the National Arts Policy Roundtable. In addition, the convening has produced significant and measurable policy recommendations at the national, state, and local level.

Past topics have included:
2013 – The Arts and the Military: A Strategic Partnership
2012 – The Third Space: Advancing the Arts in a Bi-Partisan Nation
2011 – Bridging Generations: Who Will Lead The Revolution for 21st Century Arts Philanthropy?
2010 – The Artful Entrepreneur: Exploring Philanthropic Innovations for Arts and Culture in the 21st Century
2009 – The Arts in a Time of Change: Building the 21st Century Case for Philanthropy and Investment in Arts & Culture
2008 – The Arts in a Time of Change: Building the 21st Century Case for Arts and Culture