Changing the Game: New Models, New Leaders, New Ideas for the Arts

Wednesday, October 21, 8:30 am – 10:00 am

Organized by Marc Vogl, program officer, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Presented by Marc Vogl; Heather Cohn, managing director, Flux Theatre Ensemble; Nicole Derse, national training director, Organizing for America; Adam Huttler, executive director, Fractured Atlas; Ebony McKinney, director, San Francisco Bay Area Emerging Arts Professionals.

The Obama campaign was run by a 39 year-old who threw out the conventional campaign playbook and turned a long-shot into a President. Those who were involved in the campaign saw first-hand that small donors matter, young people do vote, new media levels the playing field, change and hope can trump experience and fear. In moments of economic upheaval, technological transformation and demographic shifts mastering the rules of the game does not guarantee victory—in politics or in the arts. So, what evidence is there of arts organizations (and arts funders!) embracing new ideas and empowering new leaders to change the rules of the game?

Campaign organizers, next generation arts leaders and innovative artists share lessons for the arts sector on new ways of creating work, doing business, and harnessing the latent power of a broad community to make great art possible.