Mountain West Arts Conference on May 3
One of the largest gatherings of the Utah arts community — including artists, administrators, educators, students, and supporters — will come together at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on Thursday, May 3, for a day of networking, workshops, and performances at the 6th annual Mountain West Arts Conference. Registration, $95, is now open at artsandmuseums.utah.gov and includes the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards, presented by Governor Gary R. Herbert.
Keynote speaker Mary Helen Immordino-Yang will address the emotional origins of creativity. Immordino-Yang is an affective neuroscientist and human development psychologist who has studied the emotions we feel in social contexts and how they shape how we feel about ourselves, how we experience our own lives, and how we create art that reflects and represents these experiences.
The 2012 conference will feature workshops on more than a dozen topics, including fundraising, research and trends, artist opportunities, accessibility, and hands-on art sessions. In keeping with the keynote, several sessions will explore the unique relationship between science and art. Topics will range from what science teaches us about emotion and creativity, to how art is being used in strategic planning and conflict resolution, to how data are being used to measure the impact of the arts, to the artistic expression of scientific discovery.
Presenters and speakers with regional and national expertise will be on hand to share inspiration, including Bryce Merrill from the Western States Arts Federation, Utah’s Poet Laureate Katharine Coles, Robert McNulty from Partners for Livable Communities in Denver, and artist Jan Dworkin from Process Work in Portland. Performances will be given throughout the day from artists such as the University of Utah’s Crimson Harps and Aerial Artists of Utah.
“The Mountain West Arts Conference is an opportunity to gather, network, celebrate accomplishments, gain new skills, enjoy artistic experiences, and get up to speed on regional and national issues,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of Utah Arts & Museums. “Each year we look forward to it, and each year we gain new perspective and come away with renewed energy.”
The Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards honor educators, individuals, organizations, and municipalities that encourage and support arts and culture in Utah. More than 150 awards have been given since 1980.
Group and student rates are available. Educators can receive points toward Utah Educator’s License recertification. For more information, visit the Utah Arts & Museums website at artsandmuseums.utah.gov or call 801-236-7555.
