2008 Knowledge Exchanges
Knowledge Exchanges are two-day professional conferences that bring together 100 arts, business, education, and government leaders for an in-depth view of the arts at work in a productive local environment. Americans for the Arts develops the program in collaboration with local partners whose demonstrated expertise provides context, examples, and critical focus. Participants share knowledge, grapple with key questions, and actively synthesize information for use in their own communities. The Knowledge Exchange program uses expert presenters and interactive facilitation to:
- Explore the expertise and insight among a national audience of specialists,
- Build context through comparisons among similar communities and/or
projects, and - Strengthen the network of professionals who can help each other succeed.
Mark your calendars for the following dates. Registration will open in September 2008.
District-Wide Change in Arts Education
Los Angeles County, CA
October 27–28, 2008
Too often teachers alone are expected to provide arts education when in fact elected school leaders, administrators, district staff, principals, arts organizations, and funders play important roles in high-quality, highly accessible arts education. Los Angeles
The methods, expertise, tools, evaluation, and research that results from this work will provide a context for a broader conversation on district and community infrastructure for arts education. Participants will leave
Districts & Culture
Columbus, OH
December 5–6, 2008
Columbus, OH calls itself the City of Districts. Though most are officially designated “special improvement districts,” many of them encompass and promote artists, major arts and arts education institutions, smaller arts organizations, creative industries, and arts and culture-related retail businesses. Districts & Culture will examine a variety of districts including discussions on leadership, programs, incentives, management, marketing and branding, collaboration and competition, as well as how to measure the impact and effectiveness of districts in supporting and promoting culture. Participants will close the meeting by joining in the Short North District’s Holiday Gallery Hop. Thanks to our local partners: the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio State University.
Public Art Master Planning: Developing a Plan for Your Community
Reston, VA and Arlington, VA
December 5–6, 2008
Nationwide, community leaders are looking to public art to improve public spaces and revitalize civic infrastructure. A public art master plan—and the community process by which a plan is developed—offers a way to define a community’s identity as well as address cultural and physical improvements within the context of broader urban and regional planning efforts. This Knowledge Exchange will provide an in-depth exchange of insight and information among public art, urban planning and design, and private development professionals from across the country. A case study approach will examine the public art master plan currently in development for Reston, VA, alongside the well-established plan in Arlington, VA. Presentations and facilitated conversation will focus on the development and planning process, gaining support, implementation, and lessons learned. The event includes ample networking time and a tour of public art in both communities. Thanks to our local partners: Initiative for Public Art Reston, Arlington County Cultural Affairs Division, and the Arts Council of Fairfax County.
