Engaging Artists to be Agents of Social Change

Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
International Ballroom A, M2/International Ballroom Level

Organized by Cuong P. Hoang, director of programs, Mott Philanthropic. Presented by Erin Potts, founder of Air Traffic Control; Jon Langford, musician; and Hakim Bellamy, social and community programs coordinator, New Mexico Office of African American Affairs.

Given this moment in our country’s history—on the cusp of a new presidential administration, when there is widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo, with major challenges facing us in the near future—the arts can play a seminal role in bringing people together to create change by building awareness around key issues and inciting collective action. In this increasingly complex and diverse world, the arts continue to serve as a powerful convener across age, class, gender, and other differences that can divide society. Come learn about how artists, as the gravitational center of this coming together, are agents of social change in today’s big debates and how the foundation community can be a partner.

An informal discussion will take place with Erin Potts, founder of Air Traffic Control, which works with musicians around amplifying their role in social issues, and organizer of the Free Tibet Concerts; musician Jon Langford, co-founder of The Mekons, and others.

Suggested link:

Air Traffic Control
The Mekons