arts & business council®

MetLife Foundation National Arts Forum Series

2008 - 2009 Series: New Frameworks for The Changing Face of America

This year, our series examines models that provide a new way to look at diversity in the United States and how it is reshaping our culture. 

In particular we will look at how both arts and business are addressing the issue of increasing diversity in this country as it relates to workforce development, leadership and management and product offerings through a new theory being advanced by author and cultural analyst Patricia Martin.

Martin's theory says that the "RenGen," or renaissance generation, is a cultural movement created by the confluence of art, education, entertainment, and business that has as its center a powerful new player: the cultural consumer. It defines a growing stratum of Americans who thrive on information and ideas to fuel their creativity and shows how it will drive the next wave of innovation. Most importantly, the RenGen is a way of seeing how the issue of diversity has evolved from statistics and quotas to a new reality reflected in this new trend that crosses race, class, age and ethnicity.

Since May, Martin has been presenting in each of the 10 cities participating in this year's series, as well as at the Annual Convention in Philadelphia. A second forum will take place in each city where local participants will continue the conversation.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Greater Hartford Arts Council, Hartford, CT

Thursday, November 6, 2008
Arts & Business Council of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Houston Arts Alliance, Houston, TX

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Boston, MA
Click here for more information.

This program is made possible through the generous support of MetLife Foundation.