Perspectives in Place-Based Arts Engagement

Monday, October 30, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized by Sigal Hemy, Program Officer, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation; and Jodee Raines, Vice President of Programs, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation.

Moderated by Jodee Raines, Vice President of Programs, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation. Presented by Amanda Bankston, Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, ArtOps; Maury Okun, President, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings/ArtOps; and Glenda McDonald, Founder/Director, McDonald Phelps Foundation.

Immersed in research studies, implementation manuals, webinars, and grant guidelines, funders can easily lose sight of two important questions: Why engage in place-based arts strategies? and Whom do they benefit? In this participatory session, a funder, nonprofit president, program director, and community member will present an honest examination of the opportunities that place-based arts programming presents, as well as challenges in implementation. Presenters will describe their reasons for engaging in this line of work and the impact that it has had on their organization and community. This session will reflect on such questions as, What impact does the sector’s focus on placemaking have on arts organizations and the communities they serve? and What groundwork needs to be laid for organizations to successfully operationalize place-based arts initiatives?