Join Americans for the Arts on January 11, 2021 at 3 p.m. ET for “Starring Role: Arts & Entertainment in the Pandemic Era.” Hear about the economic and societal contributions made by the arts and entertainment sectors, the challenges and opportunities they face in the pandemic era, and how a culture of creativity, innovation, and ingenuity is helping us through these unprecedented times.

In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Innovation Policy Center, the National Endowment for the Arts, and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, this free online event will feature fireside chats and panel discussions with business, arts, and creative leaders including Suzanne Clark, president of the U.S. Chamber; Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the NEA; and actress Annette Bening. Other speakers include Verdine White, bassist and founding member of Earth, Wind, and Fire; Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America; Joseph Benincasa, president and CEO of the Actors Fund; Kristin Sakoda, executive director of Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; Rick Wade, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber; and Randy Cohen, vice president of research at Americans for the Arts, among others.

Visit the event registration page to sign up and for more information. Get a shareable version of the agenda here.

Missed the live event? Click the image below to access the recording.

Starring Role: Arts and Entertainment in the Pandemic Era  (all times Eastern)

3:00 p.m. | Welcome and Fireside Chat

• Moderator: Suzanne Clark, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Annette Bening, Actress
• Mary Anne Carter, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts

3:15 p.m. | Economic Impact: The Big Picture

• Moderator: Sunil Iyengar, National Endowment for the Arts
• Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research, Americans for the Arts
• Michael Seman, Author & Professor, Colorado State University

3:30 p.m. | Hard Hits and Enterprising Stories

• Moderator: Amy Webb, Director of Business Programs & Partnerships, Americans for the Arts
• Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America
• Joseph Benincasa, President and CEO, The Actors Fund
• Kristin Sakoda, Executive Director, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture

3:55 p.m. | Small Business Panel

• Moderator: Pam Breaux, President and CEO, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
• Twanna Hines, President, CEO and founder, Funky Brown Chick. Inc.
• Margaret Hunt, Executive Director, Colorado Creative Industries

4:10 p.m. | Fireside Chat with Artist

• Moderator: Rick Wade, Senior Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Verdine White, Bassist and Founding Member of Earth, Wind and Fire

4:20 p.m. | A Path to Equitable Recovery

• Narric Rome, Vice President of Government Affairs and Arts Education, Americans for the Arts
• Pam Breaux, President and CEO, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies