Connecting Emerging Arts Leaders to Make Dynamic Difference
The Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County is partnering with Americans for the Arts to host an Emerging Arts Leaders Creative Conversation in Fort Worth. The event is co-hosted by Cathy Hernandez and Latin Arts Association of Fort Worth. Cathy is Executive Director of Latin Arts Association and is engaged in Americans for the Arts’ Emerging Leaders efforts on a national level.

Creative Conversations bring together local emerging arts leaders to discuss challenges specific to their age group and experience and issues regarding the arts in their communities. In the metroplex, a Creative Conversation will take place on October 26 at 5:30 at the Fort Worth Community Art Center in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Last year, nearly 800 emerging arts leaders participated in 38 locally hosted ccs held throughout the country—from Los Angeles, CA, to Portland, ME, to Kingsport, TN. Creative Conversations are part of the Americans for the Arts National Arts and Humanities Month celebrations.

Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, said, “Emerging Arts Leaders Creative Conversations recognize the collective drive that occupies the vibrant and innovative minds of the next generation of arts leaders. They allow a specific group of arts leaders to discuss challenges specific to them, compare experience in the field, discuss community issues, and brainstorm how to connect with the greater community of young leaders in the region.”

In discussing the profile of Emerging Leaders, arts managers age 35 or younger who have been in the industry for five years or less, Arts Council President Flora Maria Garcia said, “Those of us who have been in arts administration for many years feel a responsibility to mentor up and coming leadership. The Arts Council is very pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to gather emerging arts leaders to begin conversations regarding critical issues facing young leadership. Hopefully it will be the first conversation of many to come.”

Latin Arts Association’s Cathy Hernandez added, “What a pleasure it is to work with the Arts Council and to be a part of bringing this important conversation to the arts community in Fort Worth.”

Creative Conversations are free and open to all arts professionals with an interest in emerging leader issues. To attend on October 26 at 5:30 at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, register online at American for the Arts Creative Conversations. An interactive map is also available that details where Creative Conversations are taking place throughout the country. Visit the website after October to read summary reports of the events and learn what next steps can be taken in your community.