Arts organizations are building more staff positions that prioritize inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. These roles can set a new standard for internal practices but the larger task is how these priorities are changing the ways in which organizations engage with their patrons. Join American University arts management professor, Ximena Varela, in conversation with Israel Jiménez, the newly appointed Director of EDIA and Community Engagement for Round House Theatre. The first session of our day will focus on what these new positions bring to the arts and how they are shaping engagement from an EDIA perspective.

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Panelist

Israel Jiménez- Director of EDIA and Community Engagement, Round House Theatre

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Moderator

Ximena Varela - Professor, Arts Management Program at American University

Strong community engagement is the backbone of an impactful and sustainable nonprofit arts organization. The pandemic proves this truth as an imperative. To be engaged and relevant, arts leaders need innovative, responsive, and sustainable ways to serve and support those they serve, both in-person and online. Join us for a conversation with leaders in education and community engagement to explore how to manage and reimagine this work.

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Panelists

Dr. Genna Styles-Lyas: Director of Community Engagement and Equity, Americans for the Arts 

Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell: Associate Director of Operations and Outreach at Antiracist Research and Policy Center, American University 

Kristina Friedgen: Director of Innovation and Engagement, Sitar Arts Center

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Moderator

Faith Smith- Finance Director, EALS

Evolving technologies and a global pandemic have accelerated the use and ubiquity of social networks, of connecting and communicating from a distance. But how might those technologies encourage and convince us to reconvene in shared spaces to experience art directly, together? Join us for a conversation with arts innovators to explore the new marketing habits of a hybrid world, and the ways we might reanimate in-person arts experience through on-line tools.

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Panelists

James Gardiner: Deputy Director of Marketing, Director of Creative Content; Signature Theatre

Simone Booker-Isham: Assistant Manager, Marketing - Social Media & Social Impact; John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Urshula Dunn: Marketing and Communications Manager; Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

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Moderator

Lisette DuFore - Marketing and Communications Coordinator, EALS

Acknowledging the mental health crisis is critical. The arts can support those who are experiencing adversity in their mental health. Through different expressive outlets, these professionals discuss the importance of mental health awareness and their expertise in using art as a healing tool.

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Panelists

Carolyn Bartley - Program Manager for Creative Forces®: National Endowment for the Arts’ Military Healing Arts Network

Gioia Chilton, PhD, ATR-BC, CSAC - registered and board-certified clinical art therapist

Andrea L. Blunt, MM, MT-BC, NMT - Music Therapist, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Intrepid Spirit Center Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic, Fort Belvoir, VirginiaI

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Moderator

Madeline Garland - Programming & Logistics Coordinator, EALS

The word ‘networking’ may suggest images of individuals exchanging business cards or shaking hands, but none of these things happen without first building relationships. Join us as we make space to build those connections through conversation and shared interests. Facilitated by Danielle Van Hook, Director of Youth Theatre Programs at The Alden and co-host of the “There’s No Business Like…” Podcast, this session will allow participants to meet other arts leaders and actively engage in meaningful conversation.

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Moderator

Danielle Van Hook