Special Conference Events

Opening Reception

Sunday, October 12, 6:00 — 8:30 pm
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Join us for the opening party! The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (formerly Nexus, Inc.) is an artist-led organization that has been in operation since 1973. The opening party will feature music, hors d’oeuvres and libations, an exhibition of photographs by Minneapolis artist Paul Shambroom, an opportunity to meet the current artists-in-residents in the Center’s fourteen studios, and a special gift for attendees from the former Nexus Press.

Shuttles will run continuously from the Omni hotel from 5:15 pm.

Newcomers Reception

Sunday, October 12, 5:30 pm
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

New participants are invited to meet GIA’s board, staff and other GIA members at a “newcomers Reception” beginning at 5:30 at the Contemporary Arts Center.

Shuttles will run continuously from the Omni hotel from 5:15 pm.

Dine-around Dinners

Monday, October 13, 6:30 pm
various locations

Monday night is dinner on your own. We have made reservations for groups of eight to ten at an eclectic mix of Atlanta restaurants and organized dinners at local artist’s studios. You can organize a group around a specific topic for discussion, or just go out for a relaxed dinner with some new colleagues. Sign up will be at the registration desk.

Corporate Grantmakers Institute

Tuesday, October 14 — 8:00 to 11:30
Walnut Room, M3/Upper Level

Sponsored by Bank of America
Organized by Beth Ree, Target Corporation

Join corporate giving colleagues in a broader discussion of “why arts” in the corporate philanthropy portfolio, discuss the changing landscape of arts philanthropy and the role of corporate funding, and participate in facilitated conversation on topics specific to corporate giving such as sponsorship marketing, in kind contribution, employee engagement, tax implications, measurement and evaluation.

This session is open only to corporate funders and separate registration is required.

Harnessing the Power of Art as a Force for Change: The Art and Social Change Funders Working Group Strategic Planning Session

Tuesday, October 14 — 8:00 to 11:30
Redwood, M1/Street Level

Does your foundation support art programs that encourage young people to abandon despair and aspire to greatness. Have you supported cultural programs that have transformed communities and galvanized neighbors to work collectively? Have you funded media and media outreach initiatives that have created understanding, where before there was confusion and misunderstanding? Does your work concretely bear witness to your commitment to justice, equity and fairness? If you believe in the power of art to change individuals, communities and even a nation; and you are willing to share your skills and experience, please come to The Art and Social Change Funders Working Group Strategic Planning session. Melinda Weekes of the Interaction Institute for Social Change will facilitate the development of an organizational plan and structure for the sustained efforts of the Working Group.

Special Plenary Presentation on the State of the U.S. Economy
by Jeremy Nowak

Tuesday, October 14, 6:15 pm
Woodruff Arts Center, Rich Auditorium
Cosponsored by Americans for the Arts

As this conference program goes to press, we find ourselves in the middle of a national economic crisis. Each day brings news of another bank failure or buyout. Wall street tumbles while congress and the White House wrangle over federal bailout proposals. Jeremy Nowak, president of The Redevelopment Fund and a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, will present an up-to-the minute assessment of the current economic situation and look ahead to what we might expect in the new year. He will be joined by moderator Ben Cameron, arts program director for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, to field questions from the audience.

Reception and Dinner at the High Museum of Art

Tuesday, October 14, 7:30 pm
Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art

Join your colleagues for cocktails and dinner in the Weiland Lobby of the High Museum of Art.