Experience the Future of Arts Leadership at AFTACON

Contact: Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, [email protected]

Experience the Future of Arts Leadership at AFTACON
National Arts Convening to Showcase Arts as a Catalyst for Community Change

Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2025) – Americans for the Arts (AFTA), the leading nonprofit for advancing the arts in America, announces its first wave of dynamic programming for AFTACON, taking place June 11-14, 2025 in Cincinnati. The national convention, presented in partnership with local host ArtsWave, will bring together arts leaders from across the nation to connect, share, and shape the future of arts leadership.

AFTACON marks an exciting new chapter as AFTA welcomes incoming CEO Erin Harkey, who brings her experience as a former local arts agency leader to the helm of the national organization. The convention will highlight innovative solutions to today’s most pressing community challenges, from public health to rural development, and social impact.

GROUNDBREAKING PROGRAMMING ACROSS FIVE PATHWAYS

AFTACON will feature innovative sessions spanning Cultural Impact, Educational Development, Economic Growth, Social Transformation, and Future Innovation. 

Highlights include:

• “Shifting the Narrative of the Arts: More than Economics” – exploring how ArtsFund’s groundbreaking Livability Impact Study captures the arts’ role in social cohesion, civic engagement, and community health
• “Arts, Creativity and Innovation as Change Agents in Reimagining Rural America” – revealing how communities of 2,000 or fewer are transforming through the arts
• “From Riverside to the World: The Cheech as a Hub for Chicano Art” – discovering how public-private partnerships can build transformative cultural spaces that serve and celebrate communities
• “Arts and Social Impact: Lessons from Engaging Military Veterans Across Borders” – demonstrating the arts’ power to heal and unite communities globally

These featured sessions offer just a glimpse of AFTACON’s comprehensive programming, which extends beyond breakouts to create a full spectrum of learning and engagement opportunities:

Wednesday, June 11:
AFTACON PRE-CON INTENSIVE TRACKS

AFTACON kicks off with four specialized, day-long intensive tracks designed for deep learning and peer connection. Each track offers unique opportunities for in-depth exploration:

• Art in the Public Realm explores how public art transforms shared spaces, featuring a morning panel at Memorial Hall Theater and an afternoon field experience with ArtWorks in Walnut Hills
• Assembly on Arts and Culture Policy, led by AFTA’s Government Affairs Department and Arts Action Fund, examines federal, state, and local policy development for the next 3-5 years
• Arts and Health: Exploring the Possibility of What If combines cutting-edge research with practical strategy development led by Dr. Jill Sonke, Dr. Nisha Sajnani, and Dr. Lisa Wong 
• Community Engagement focuses on connecting with arts and culture organizations that represent a breadth of community voices and experiences, including resource activation and an immersive visit to a local community arts hub

Pre-convention tracks require additional registration.

Thursday, June 12- Friday, June 13:
ARTVENTURES: EXPERIENCE CINCINNATI’S CULTURAL VIBRANCY

AFTACON attendees will explore Cincinnati’s dynamic arts scene through curated ARTventures – FREE afternoon field trips showcasing the region’s cultural treasures. Each attendee can select two different experiences, with options including:

• Cultural landmarks such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center,  and Black Music Walk of Fame, as well as Scribble Park, and The Carnegie in Covington KY
• Historic venues like the magnificent Cincinnati Music Hall and newly restored Emery Theater, the brand new home of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
• Premier institutions including the Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Museum of Art, and Cincinnati Ballet Center
• Artist Charles Gaines’ monumental work “Moving Chains” at the John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park

Thursday, June 12:
OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

AFTACON welcomes both convention attendees and the Cincinnati community for an unforgettable opening celebration. This special evening will feature spectacular performances including Arts Action Fund Board Member and renowned singer-songwriter-composer Ben Folds and showcase the vibrant spirit of Cincinnati’s arts scene. Additional details forthcoming.

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL FEATURES

Attendees will:

• Connect with AFTA’s new CEO Erin Harkey and engage with her vision for the nation’s leading arts and culture advocacy organization at her first public “State of AFTA” address during the closing plenary
• Learn from groundbreaking artist Charles Gaines in a mainstage session, whose revolutionary work challenges perceptions of identity and representation through conceptual art
• Join intimate peer groups and freeform networking sessions designed for meaningful connection with fellow arts leaders

To explore the full range of sessions and all AFTACON has to offer, visit AFTACON.org.

AFTACON serves as the premier gathering for the arts and culture community to share challenges, celebrate successes, and forge the connections that drive the field forward.

Conference registration discount is available through March 31, offering a $50 savings at AFTACON.org.

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About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization empowering Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) to become powerful community catalysts—driving both economic growth and social connection. Through its national network, trusted research, and advocacy resources, AFTA transforms local arts and culture victories into industry-wide advancement. Its commitment to professional development and connection opportunities ignites innovation across the arts sector. As a 501(c)(3) organization, AFTA focuses on research, education, and capacity-building, while its advocacy affiliate, the Arts Action Fund, advances direct political advocacy as a 501(c)(4). Discover the full scope of AFTA’s transformative work, and learn about the grassroots political impact of its affiliated Arts Action Fund, at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

About ArtsWave 
ArtsWave fuels the Cincinnati region’s arts, supporting 150+ organizations, projects and artists each year. Since 1927, it has been the primary way the region funds the arts, raising millions annually from tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and foundations to drive a more vibrant economy and connected community. Through the Blueprint for Collective Action, ArtsWave strategically makes investments that maximize the arts’ impact across the region. To learn more and give to the 2025 community campaign, visit artswave.org.