Insights from a Changing America

The convergence of new technology, accessible information, and rapidly changing consumer tastes has resulted in an unprecedented rate of cultural change. We experience the change in communities across America and in today’s conversations, trends, and artistic expressions. What are the driving forces of a changing America? Which meaningful trends and themes are redefining American art and its role in American life? What happens next? Stephanie Mehta, business journalist/editorial consultant, moderates the panel, which includes DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, Doug McMillon, President & CEO Walmart Stores, Inc., and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker.

A poetic vision of Earth from space, BELLA GAIA (Beautiful Earth) is a live audiovisual experience that combines NASA satellite imagery of Earth, time-lapse nature photography, and cultural heritage footage with live performances. Inspired by astronauts who speak of the life-changing power of seeing the Earth from space, BELLA GAIA explores the relationship between art and science, humans and nature, through time and space.

Museums are a cornerstone of the American educational experience. What strategies will be employed by successful museums of the future, given advances in technology, the public’s thirst for constant change, and America’s shifting demographics?

Five State of the Art artists share their stories of the many ways in which their lives inspire and influence their work, their involvement in their communities, and the distinctive decision-making that underpins their respective practices. Crystal Bridges Curator Chad Alligood moderates the panel, which includes State of the Art artists Mequitta Abuja, Zoe Charlton, Angela Ellsworth, Susie J. Lee, and Tim Liddy.

Digital technology now touches almost every aspect of our lives. With “everything” online, art is more available to more people than ever before. How do artists adapt and leverage the new tools and information at their disposal? How does the digital age benefit and expand art audiences? Will this new age impact what is considered enduring art? Yan Peel, CEO Intelligence Squared Group, moderates the panel, which includes Artist David Adey, Jim Breyer, Founder & CEO Breyer Capital, and Co-founder Quid Sean Gourley.

As education strategy adapts to accommodate the current and future needs of a population and a workforce, a variety of initiatives emphasize learning 21st-century skills. Many of these ideas embrace art’s integration into curricula, helping to build critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and other key skills. Is the American education system effectively creating innovative thinkers? How can the arts enhance these aspects of education and what is the role of museums in facilitating the process? Geoffrey Cowan, president of The Annenberg Foundation Trust, moderates the panel, which includes Windgate Foundation Executive Director John Brown, Tom Finkelpearl, Commissioner NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and Artist Hope Ginsburg.

Crystal Bridges President Don Bacigalupi and Board Chair Alice Walton welcome attendees to the summit.

President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, discusses the state of art in American culture and education.

This summer Art Everywhere created the largest public display of art in history by featuring 58 American masterworks on 50,000 outdoor billboards, bus shelters, and other sites across all 50 states. Founder Richard Reed discusses Art Everywhere’s origins, significance, and how it evolved into a global phenomenon.

As demonstrated by the State of the Art exhibition, American contemporary art is being created throughout the country, in every kind of setting, by every kind of artist—and for every community. What are the benefits for artists and audiences in this thriving regional art expansion? What does it mean for the way we think about today’s art and the traditions of American art history? Arianna Huffington, president & Editor-in-Chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, moderates the panel, which includes Crystal Bridges President Don Bacigalupi, Ruby Lerner, Executive Director & President of Creative Capital, and Artist John Riepenhoff.

Sculptor, performer, and founder of Love Front Porch Vanessa German speaks on the power of art at the intersection of tenderness, wonder, street violence, and trauma. Mining her sculptural work through performance, German speaks to the creative process and her work as a citizen artist.

Art has been a compelling and powerful advocate for social and political change. Contemporary artists are confronting some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our country, and the world. Maya Lin is such an artist. Her recent and on-going project, What is Missing, focuses on raising awareness about species and habitat loss. She discusses how her work as an artist intersects with her concerns about the environment.