Overview

Creative Conversations, a program of Americans for the Arts, is a professional development series being conducted by the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA).  COA selected five (5) strategic initiatives on which to focus:  READI, Accessibility, Arts Learning, Arts Workforce and Arts & Economic Impact.  COA will convene sessions focused on each initiative with sessions designed in various formats including fish-bowl style conversations, workshops, panel presentations, invitation-only meetings and open registration sessions. 

Creative Conversation:  Arts Learning
This conversation was led by Bonnie Koba, COA's Arts Education Manager.  Educators and artists discussed best practices for K-12 education and the legacy of the Higher Order Thinking School program.  Watch recap video here.

Creative Conversation: Building Up CT's Arts Workforce (Young Creative Professionals & Creative Start-ups)
This fishbowl-style conversation was moderated by Lisa Scails, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut.  The focus of the conversation was building the landscape for a thriving and sustainable arts workforce which supports young creatives and start-up businesses.  Attendees heard from creative professionals including Brea Simone, Kolton Harris, Marisol Credle, Meghan McGee and Anthony Valentine.  Watch recap video here.