Freedom to Create: “A Leadership Forum on the Cross-Sector Value of Creativity ”

A cross-disciplinary meeting National Press Club, Washington, D.C., Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm

This symposium on topics critical to America’s thriving in the 21st century will be convened by leaders in the field of creative communities – i.e. The MacDowell Colony, the nation’s first artist residency program and a model for hundreds of others, and the Alliance of Artists Communities (AAC), the professional association representing the more than 250 organizations in the United States dedicated to nurturing the creative process, and thus the cultural work of our society.

The objectives for this timely meeting are to:

• Illuminate creativity as a catalyst for social innovation;
• Underscore the value of creativity, not only to the arts, but as an essential part of our democratic and cultural identity in all sectors of society;
• Consider what business, education and other societal segments can learn from the arts and creative communities about harnessing experimentation and innovation and helping them flourish;
• Deepen the engagement of opinion leaders on these topics.

Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, will be the luncheon keynote speaker, followed by a moderated discussion by a panel of thought-leaders from across societal disciplines.

To attend this Forum, or for more information, vist the Freedom to Create Website or contact centennial@macdowellcolony.org