(517) Not the Same Old Song and Dance: Why Culture, Arts and History Should Be a Strategic Focus

Parks and recreation has, at times, been type cast as having largely sports-oriented programming. While arts and culture are not new to many programming staff, it is an area of growth for our field; we can professionalize this within our organizations, from museum exhibits to public art installations to theater offerings. Arts-, culture- and history-focused programming allows your organization to reach an entirely new audience segment, build 21st century skillsets, and build bridges and trust within diverse populations. This session will share some ways you can be more strategic as a provider of arts and cultural programming. This session will include one organization's journey to demonstrate a focused commitment through organizational structure, staff expertise, and partnership development to build trust in the community. The session will also highlight the role of arts and culture as a catalyst for diversity and inclusion, resiliency and creative placemaking.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will learn about the role arts, history and culture plays as a catalyst for diversity and inclusion efforts within communities.
2. Participants will explore how the integration of arts, culture and history programming strengthens larger park and recreation initiatives.
3. Participants will identify key strategies to strengthen their commitment, visibility and identity as an arts and cultural organization within their community.