— PROJECT NAME
Creative Conversations- Bridging the Arts and Community
For this annual event, the GenArts steering committee needed a compelling theme that transcended standard arts advocacy. While the arts are vital to community health, there was a gap in the local dialogue regarding structural support. We needed a forum that moved beyond 'art appreciation' to address how stakeholders across local state, and national levels could actively participate in the ecosystem.
The Solution: I pitched and developed the strategy for this year’s Creative Conversations, partnering with Americans for the Arts to elevate the local dialogue.
- Curatorial Strategy: I identified the theme of "Equitable Access" and curated a panel of high-impact community builders, including the CEO of SVCreates and the Artistic Director of Teatro Visión, to ensure a balance of policy and practice.
- Resource Optimization: Leveraging my existing relationship with the San Jose Women’s Club, I negotiated a partnership that secured their historic venue as a complimentary in-kind donation, reducing overhead costs.
The Impact: The evening transformed into a dynamic mix of performance and policy. By blending celebration (dance/music) with high-stakes dialogue, the event successfully raised public awareness about the role of the humanities. It created a "high-trust" forum where leaders and community members could openly discuss the barriers and opportunities for arts participation.
