Concentrate Speaker Event: Art In Public Places

How important is public art to a community’s bottom line? It’s quality of life? What are we willing to pay for it?

Myriad studies have shown a strong correlation between arts and culture funding and economic development. Similarly, communities with a strong sense of place also tend to have a vibrant arts and culture scene.

STill, the issue of public funding of the arts draws polar reactions. To some it’s a necessary expression of the community’s identity, a way to inspire and attract creative professionals, and vital to marketing the city as place that is different from those around it. To others it is a luxury that shouldn’t divert resources to any of a host of municipal services.

SInce its inception Ann Arbor’s Percent For Art Program has been under fire from critics and praise from supporters. Now, a group of arts advocates are moving to put an arts millage on the November ballot.

Concentrate’s monthly Speaker Series has invited Deb Polich, president and CEO of ArtTrain USA and the Arts Alliance, and city council member and millage supporter Christopher Taylor to offer both a macro and micro perspective on the issue of public arts funding.

Your questions are, of course,  welcome after their presentation. We hope you’ll join us, and invite your friends, coworkers, and neighbors to attend

SIGN UP BELOW!

WHEN :      Thursday, September 27, 2012, 4:30-6:30pm
WHERE:    Conor O’Neill’s in downtown Ann Arbor (318 South Main Street)
WHO:         The event is free and open to Concentrate’s readers, but seating is limited so RSVP below.

Doors open at 4:15pm. Refreshments will be served and the speaker program will begin at 4:45pm.

Conversation and networking are welcome afterward..

Concentrate’s Speaker Series is sponsored by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority