ArtScene Conference 2023: Creative Relationships in a Diverse World

Tuesday, September 19th, 9am to 4pm (please plan to arrive by 8:45am)

The 2023 ArtScene Conference will bring people who are interested and invested in regional arts and cultural organizations together for a day of conversation and a call to action on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within art spaces. This conference idea grew from a Keystone Edition Arts TV episode last year on diversity and inclusion in regional theatre organizations and conversations with individuals and organizations connected to the arts.

The conference will include a keynote speaker focused on diversity and inclusion in the arts, networking, and sessions on topics including attracting diverse audiences, securing funding, improving accessibility, the role of the arts in attracting economic development, and more! We will also record a panel discussion for a Keystone Edition Arts episode.

Where: WVIA studios in Pittston
Cost: Free
Who should attend: Artists, arts organizations' staff and board members, others interested in regional arts and cultural organizations

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Speaker: Jeffrey L. Bowman, co-founder and CEO of Reframe

Title: Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Will Not Be Enough To Save Arts & Culture - How To Future Proof Arts & Culture

Description

Join us for a provocative conversation with pioneer, Wiley published author, inventor of the Reframe Cultural Maturity Assessment and change approach to designing an inclusive experience, Jeffrey L. Bowman. Mr. Bowman shares insights into challenges and opportunities for how the Arts and Culture sector respond to the changing human race.

Based on findings from his books The Reframe Marketplace Change Guidebook and Reframe The Marketplace, Bowman provides foresight with case studies for how brands and businesses, and by extension arts and cultural organizations, future proof their business with a perspective that helps answer the following:

Who is the New Majority and why does it matter?
How to Assess Your Organization’s Level of Change Readiness?
The Role Arts & Culture Play in “Future Proofing” Cities.*

Given this once in a lifetime human event, get insights based on years of research and development while helping Arts & Cultural Institutions modernize their approach to the New Majority. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to accelerate inclusive change and growth from the inside out.

* The research Bowman draws on is focused on cities; the information will apply to communities of all sizes.

Conference attendees will receive a free copy of Bowman's book “REFRAME The Marketplace: The Total Market Approach To Reaching The New Majority.”

Jeffrey L. Bowman

Jeffrey L. Bowman is the co-founder and CEO of Reframe. The pioneer, 2X award winning Wiley published author, inventor of the Reframe Cultural Maturity Assessment and change approach to inclusive experience design with software.

Nurturing Diversity (10:45 – 11:45 am)

Attendees will learn how artists and arts organizations can get funding to improve diversity and accessibility. Panelists will share information on how to prepare grant applications for local and state funders, will describe what foundations look for in grant applications, and provide examples of success.

Moderated by Vicki Austin, Senior Director Grants and Education at WVIA.

Panelists:

Laura Ducceschi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scranton Area Community Foundation
Brandon Hanks, Executive Director, Rebel Stages
Dana Payne, Director of DEI Initiatives, Diverse Cultures & Heritage, PA Council on the Arts
Travis Prince, artist and educator

Creating Long-term Organizational Change (1-2 pm)

Attendees will learn about the benefits of improving DEI and accessibility for arts organizations' customers, staff, and board members. Panelists will discuss what it means to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive and what's necessary to change an organization's culture. Other topics include securing funding to make changes possible and the arts as an economic driver for communities.

Moderated by Erika Funke, host of ArtScene and Keystone Edition Arts at WVIA

Panelists:

Jeffrey L. Bowman, Co-founder and CEO of Reframe
Dan Kimbrough, Founder and owner of Park Multimedia, producer of Systemic podcast, PA Humanities and Black Scranton Project board member
Maureen McGuigan, Director of Arts & Culture for Lackawanna County
Francisco Torres-Aranda, Co-founder of Advanced-Tec Materials

(This will be recorded for a Keystone Edition Arts TV episode.)

DEI & Accessibility in Action (2:30-3:30 pm)

Attendees will learn how improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and accessibility can lead to audience growth. Panelists will share examples and resources, including how to promote DEI and accessibility to ensure the public is aware.

Co-moderators & panelists:

Lalaine Little, Ph.D, director of the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University and adjunct professor in the department of Arts, Film, and Music
Alicia Nordstrom, Ph.D, Professor of Psychology and Department Chair at Misericordia University

Panelists:

Rose Daniels, Poet and third vice-president of the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch No. 2306
Jacqui Schwartz, Arts & Accessibility Manager for Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance

Alicia Nordstrom

Alicia Nordstrom is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Misericordia University as well as an actor, director, and writer of theater and film.

Lalaine Little

Lalaine Bangilan Little is a first-generation Filipino-American who grew up in Houston, Texas. She is director of the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery at Misericordia University and adjunct professor in the department of Arts, Film, and Music.