By Elise Pertusati
The Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium is fast approaching, and we cannot wait to share this exciting day with you. Are you somehow still unsure if you should attend? Here are ten reasons why you definitely should.
1. Get inspired
Melissa Chiu, Director of the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, will start us off with her keynote address on this year’s theme: Coming Up. As Director, she has advocated for contemporary art through the Museum’s exhibitions, acquisitions, and public programs. This year, the Hirshhorn became the second most visited modern and contemporary art museum in the world and is now among the top 10 most visited museum is the United States.
2. Expand your network
There are several opportunities for you to meet peers and leaders in the field built into the day. The morning will kick off with breakfast, coffee, and ice breaker activities. After lunch we’ll reconvene for small roundtable networking, where you can meet other people with shared artistic and professional interests.
3. Refine that resume
Emerging Arts Leaders DC is back to review resumes! Remember to bring a copy of your latest resume and sign-up for a slot at check-in. Spots are first come, first served and will fill up.
4. Keep up with relevant topics
In the spirit of this year’s theme, the panels, workshops, and conversations have been designed to address some of the most pressing issues in the arts. Learn from expert panelists and join in on the conversation. (You can read more about the panels and panelists here!)
5. Engage in meaningful conversations
Speaking of conversations, we hope you’ll engage panelists, peers, and professionals in deeper discussions around the issues of the day. Broaden your perspective by engaging with new people from around the country and all facets of the art world.
6. Create safe(r) work spaces
The We Have Voice Collective will facilitate a town hall discussion on working towards equity and creating safe(r) work spaces in the performing arts. They will discuss their Open Letter, Code of Conduct, and hold a space for ample dialogue with audience members.
7. Learn more about some DC organizations
Make sure to chat with some of our favorite DC organizations, who will be tabling throughout the day. Hear how the Arts Administrators of Color Network is working to empower artists and arts administrators in the DMV area by advocating for access, diversity, inclusion, and equity in the arts. Then, learn more about the National Museum of Women in the Arts and their #5womenartists initiative just in time for Women’s History (Herstory?) Month.
8. Check out some of our favorite local music
The day will conclude with the Emerging Arts Leaders Reception, which features fabulous food, drinks, and live music. Praised for their refreshing take on alternative R&B, DMV-based production duo FootsXColes returns to EALS for another special performance.
9. Get pumped for Arts Advocacy Day
Bob Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, will kick off our closing reception with a rousing call to action to advocate for the arts. Get pumped to head up to the hill and advocate!
10. Take advantage of a unique opportunity
EALS was established in 2008 as the only forum for emerging arts leaders and arts management graduate students to come together to collaborate, network, and discuss ideas. Now in its 12th year, EALS continues to provide a platform for emerging arts professionals to engage in dynamic discussion with peers and experienced leaders in the field about the issues affecting arts organizations today.
Convinced? Get your tickets here before it’s too late. Already got your tickets? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments. We look forward to seeing you at the symposium on Sunday!
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