Arts and Culture: Art Matters

Pierre Dulaine, whose work in schools was the subject of the award-winning documentary Mad, Hot Ballroom and the feature film Take the Lead, will demonstrate how his Dancing Classrooms program works by teaching Festival attendees some ballroom dance moves! Pierre Dulaine featured.

Wu Tong surprises Afternoon of Conversation attendees at the Benedict Music Tent with a "Random Act of Culture" sponsored by the Knight Foundation. In this clip, Wu dazzles the audience with the sheng, an ancient Chines wind instrument. Watch Wu in an awe-inspiring duet with the violinist Merlijn Twaalfhoven as they pay musical tribute to Julie Taymor. Speakers: Wu Tong

“In True Believers, Kurt Andersen—the New York Times best-selling and critically acclaimed author of Heyday and Turn of the Century—delivers his most powerful and moving novel yet. Dazzling in its wit and effervescent insight, this kaleidoscopic tour de force of cultural observation and seductive storytelling alternates between the present and the 1960s—and indelibly captures the enduring impact of that time on the ways we live now.

Artists and arts organizations are uniquely positioned to contribute to their communities. This panel explores how the arts can be leveraged to increase public engagement. Can the arts create a stronger sense of connection between people at the local level? What are the services that artists can provide their community and other local artists? How can art and artists enrich the communities around them? Speakers: Damian Woetzel, Laura Zabel, Theaster Gates

In conflict areas around the globe, the best diplomatic efforts still often leave children trapped in a cycle of endless enmity, born into a seemingly inevitable pattern of distrust. How can the arts help to bridge cultures and create the possibility of easing conflicts? Can music and dance teach children to overcome prejudice and enable understanding and respect? Speakers: Pierre Dulaine, Merlijn Twaalfhoven, Damian Woetzel

What is the theater that matters? In our digital age, how does the theater speak to our times? Can theater be a force for social justice and positive change? Speakers: Oskar Eustis, Gregory Mosher, Anna Deavere Smith, Julie Taymor, Rocco Landesman

How can a space serve more than a singular purpose? When does a space become an experience in itself? Is the use of space the way we shape ourselves as a people, and shouldn’t we pay more attention to it if that is so? Join innovative architect Liz Diller, Harman-Eisner artist in residence, for an exploration of architecture and spaces that defy categorization and create new interdisciplinary environments unique to the 21st century.

Stanley Tucci talks arts with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg. Speakers: Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Goldberg

An acclaimed musician, DJ, and photographer, Moby is also known for his interest in architecture. Moby has sold more than 20 million albums. Speakers: Moby, Tim Brown

In urban centers around the country, local governments are looking to attract emerging industries and the next generation of entrepreneurs. At the same time, there is an increasing synergy between cities, philanthropies, and arts organizations looking for ways to promote an environment hospitable to a creative economy. How have the arts and policymakers collaborated? What are the initiatives that can make our cities sing? Speakers: Richard Florida, Rocco Landesman, Dennis Scholl, Darren Walker

This documentary tells the story of New York’s indomitable, streetwise champion of the arts, Joe Papp—founder of The Public Theater and free Shakespeare in the Park—who introduced interracial casting to the American stage and nurtured an entire generation of artists, along with their works, from Hair to A Chorus Line. Speakers: Tracie Holder, Oskar Eustis

World-renowned theater, film, and opera director Julie Taymor, a Harman-Eisner artist in residence, in conversation with entertainment industry leader Michael Eisner, discussing Taymor’s career and her vision for the future of storytelling and entertainment. Speakers: Julie Taymor, Michael D. Eisner