program tracks

Civic Engagement

Strong and enthusiastic attendance at the civic engagement sessions suggests that the role of the arts in civic engagement is gaining momentum.  Innovator keynote Chris Gates, director of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, offered useful context about contemporary movements to revitalize democracy at the local level and reinforced the value of the arts in this picture, particularly their value in building social capital. Gates has received several post-convention invitations to engage with convention attendees.  Session leaders and participants shared varied interpretations of arts-based civic engagement in a range of substantive and highly interactive sessions: case studies, e.g. exploring how folklore can bring community members into the process of re-imagining an African-American neighborhood; topical explorations, e.g. on the possibilities of technology and arts as means to engage citizens in and build awareness of issues in rural areas; research analysis and application, e.g. about fostering cultural citizenship through the “informal arts” (this session was particularly well received); and practical how-to offerings, e.g. techniques of effective group process.  Animating Democracy made multiple contacts for training programs on arts and civic engagement through local arts agencies and college arts programs.

For more information contact Michael del Vecchio, Animating Democracy Project Manager.