WASHINGTON, DC—Americans for the Arts, the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, will hold its annual convention in Boston from June 17–19, 2016. It is the largest national gathering of arts leaders and their partners in creative business, education, and government, and is expected to draw upwards of 1,000 attendees. 

 

A series of prominent speakers and arts innovators will explore the deep and diverse economic, civic, and social impacts that the arts generate for our nation’s neighborhoods and cities, as well as the role of the arts in creating and sustaining healthy, vibrant, and equitable communities. More than 120 speakers in 32 sessions will cover a wide range of topics including arts education, public art, arts funding, cultural equity, employee engagement, research, and advocacy. Three pre-conferences will focus on arts leadership, community transformation, and public art. 

 

Featured speakers include:

“There has never been a more important time than now to tell the stories of the real impact the arts make in building stronger communities across the country,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are thrilled to be holding our convention in Boston, a city that is leveraging its myriad cultures, creativity, and vibrant arts community—and has engaged thousands of stakeholders in the ‘Boston Creates’ cultural planning process to create a shared vision for how to support and enhance their role in the future.” 

 

The annual convention will feature a concert, Inclusive by Design, presented by VSA Massachusetts in celebration of 25 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The multi-sensory, multi-arts blues concert will employ the principles of Universal Design. Annual Convention will also showcase performances by the Boston Arts Academy Spiritual Ensemble, thereminist Jon Bernhardt, Dinnersss (presented in collaboration with Non-Event), The Genki Spark, and Louder Than A Bomb Massachusetts Youth All Stars. Convention participants will also have the opportunity to experience the powerful and diverse art that Boston has to offer through ARTventure tours—special off-site, educational tours designed to showcase the artistic successes of Boston, including design innovation, historical literary sites, arts and healing, creative problem-solving at educational institutions, and creative youth development.

 

Credentialed media are welcome to cover the convention, and should contact Inga Vitols ([email protected], 202-371-2830) to register. 

 

Americans for the Arts extends its gratitude to Mayor Martin J. Walsh and its local host, the Boston Office of Arts and Culture. The 2016 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention is generously supported in part by the Barr Foundation, American Express, Bank of America, the Citi Center for the Performing Arts, The Boston Foundation, the Klarman Family Foundation, the Linde Family Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Ovation TV, and the Boston Cultural Council.

 

Key Boston foundation supporter commentary includes: 

 

“We are pleased to support the 2016 AFTA Convention in Boston—it's a unique opportunity for exchange with arts leaders from across the country and across the Commonwealth, to share practices and innovations that contribute to dynamic, thriving communities,” said San San Wong, senior program officer for Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation.

 

“Boston has one of the most vibrant cultural sectors of any city in America—and all of us who care deeply about the arts are honored that Americans for the Arts is holding its 2016 Convention here,” said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “It comes at a pivotal point for the arts and culture sector in our city. We look forward to the diverse and provocative conversations the conference will no doubt spark about the arts here and across our country.”

 

“We are so excited to host this exceptional gathering of arts leaders here in the capital of our creative Commonwealth,” said Anita Walker, Executive Director, Massachusetts Cultural Council. “The AFTA Convention promises to strengthen our collective efforts to ensure the arts remain vital and accessible to citizens in Greater Boston and across Massachusetts.”

 

 

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.