introduction to breakout sessions

Breakouts will happen in two 30-minute sessions with a short break in between.

Anne started in the research department of Americans for the Arts. Her job was to answer any research question that came in from their diverse constitutencies on a daily basis. During this time, she became focused on policy issues. Inspired, she figured "all we've gotta do is to get some very specific, technical policy changes and voila it'll [be resolved]". She found out that that wasn't quite all that was needed. (But it was a start!)

Two key points: create a context around the issue you want to advance; and present arts and culture as the solution.

In creating a context, you need:

• intelligence (information) informing the discussion - not just my opinion
• constituencies knocking on doors
• examples of good outcomes
• recommendations
• evaluation of our work

Ultimately, it's most important that arts and culture be presented as a solution to equally busy policymakers. We are not a weak link, a charity, or a handout. We are a solution to the problems of the day. For example, an old historic building that is empty and underused, in an area full of empty storefronts. You turn the historic building into a multi-use building: mix of market-rate and subsidized housing, create ways for artists, arts organizations and schools to use the space somehow. Show how arts and cultural investment can create multiple public benefits (takes the conversation out of the silo).