Panel Discussion: Building Flourishing City Arts Ecosystems

What does it take to build flourishing arts ecosystems at the local level? Bringing together voices from across the sector, this diverse panel of funders, arts leaders, and data experts will explore how sustained public and private investment, cross-sector partnerships, and the diversification of cultural organizations create cultural life that is resilient, broadly accessible, and able to sustain itself beyond any single funder or institution. Join us for a lively conversation and walk away with a sharper framework for what it actually takes—structurally and practically—to build lasting cultural vitality in your community. The panel discussion will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at O'Donnell Hall followed by a 1-hour reception with the panelists, hosts, and event partners held in Taubman Atrium. Panelists and Moderator: David Andersson, Arts & Culture Team, Bloomberg Associates Bao-Long Chu, Program Director – Arts & Culture, Greenspaces, Houston Endowment Chris Heinbaugh, Chief Advocacy Officer, AT&T Performing Arts Center Stacie Wheelock Adams, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council for the Arts Jen Benoit-Bryan, Ph.D., Director, SMU DataArts, Southern Methodist University (Moderator) This inaugural Lewis Lecture series event is a joint presentation of SMU DataArts and the Business Council for the Arts (BCA) and is made possible with support from the Scott Hawkins Lecture Fund at the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences at Southern Methodist University.