Staff Reports
Kathryn Armstrong, executive director at Columbus Area Arts Council, will be one of the 10 top-level arts executives gathering to brainstorm, reflect and strategize on the future of arts administration during an upcoming national arts forum.
Americans for the Arts is hosting its annual Executive Leadership Forum Oct. 10-13 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Executive Leadership Forum is designed to create opportunities for CEOs, executive directors and senior staff of local arts advancement organizations to focus on long-term thinking, professional growth and personal renewal.
Armstrong will explore how Des Moines leverages arts and culture to improve the community and enhance collaboration and partnership. Examining that will “best prepare the Columbus Area Arts Council to benefit locally from national trends in the arts world,” according to a news release.
A wide range of topics — including equity, cultural democracy, community development and long-term visioning — will be explored through discussions, presentation, and screenings. Bravo Greater Des Moines will assist in curating the exploration of the intricate web of partnerships, collaborations and creative development that is energizing that city.
“The opportunity to connect with arts leaders on a national level will be a rewarding experience, and I look forward to learning with organizations who are advancing the arts in their own communities, Armstrong said.
Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, mentioned that the gathering would be a setting for creative approaches.
“The arts can be a tool for social and economic improvement and community transformation,” Lynch said. “And my hope is that this gathering of cultural sector executives will lay the groundwork for future action in new ideas, insights, strategies and real innovation.”
This Executive Leadership Forum is the second such forum offered this year. The first will be held in September to run concurrently with the Americans for the Arts National Arts Policy Roundtable at the Sundance Resort in Utah.
