THE CONVERSATION
The primary question that will drive the convening conversation is, “What must be done to ensure that all Americans who want to engage in creative endeavors can do so through their work and/or daily lives?” And, more specifically, what tools, resources, and opportunities do creative people need access to in order to pursue their creative work? We ask these questions because, while everyone has the ability to experience the transformative power of the arts and creativity, and everyone has the capacity to be creative, not everyone has the resources and opportunities to do so. The convening agenda will touch upon issues affecting creative people, from the impact of ever-changing technology to the breaking down of barriers between disciplines and sectors, all of which is happening within a challenging economic environment overlaid by structural inequities across our society.

The NEA and Kennedy Center have invited more than 200 artists, leaders, and creative thinkers from around the country who are deeply involved in the conversation about opportunities within and barriers to leading a creative life, writ large. In addition, discoveries and recommendations from the NEA’s upcoming report Creativity Connects: Trends and Conditions Affecting U.S. Artists will also be used to shape the November convening conversation.

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