Conference Events
Sunday, October 17
Newcomers Reception
First time at a GIA conference? Join us at this informal event to meet GIA’s board and learn about our programs, interest groups, and services.
Opening Reception
Join us Sunday evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago for the opening party, featuring Peter Sagal, author, humorist, and host of NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.
Monday, October 18
Opening Plenary
Marc Kelly Smith and the Chicago Poetry Slam will open the conference with a special poetry performance of verse assembled from comments and observations made by 2009 Brooklyn conference participants during the funder peer-group sessions.
NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman will follow this presentation and provide his perspective, based on his travels throughout the country this past year. What is the state of the arts? What has changed since October 2009? This presentation will begin an arc of inquiry that will flow through the entire conference as we negotiate Navigating the Art of Change 2.0.
National Capitalization Project. GIA convened a group of thirty national and regional funders over fours days between April and July to tackle the under-capitalized nature of the field and how funders might, in the long-view, change practices to reverse this chronic situation. A draft of principles developed in these meetings will be rolled out in this plenary session.
Funder Peer Group Discussions will follow the opening plenary, providing an opportunity to reflect on the changes we’ve seen in the past year and respond to the National Capitalization Project draft, providing further input as this work moves forward.
Luncheon Plenary
Joi Ito, futurist, CEO of Creative Commons, and founder of PSINet Japan, Digital Garage, and Infoseek Japan, among others, is Monday’s keynote speaker. Ito will bring his experience as a creative leader in the digital communication field—where rapid change is the norm—to bear on arts philanthropy, as well as give us a peek at what is to come.
Monday Evening Dine-Arounds
Dine-Arounds, organized by Chicago-area grantmakers, will include a variety of cuisines and experiences. These no-host, informal dinners provide a chance to socialize with colleagues. Some will include visits to artist studios or art venues, while others will be neighborhood tours ending with a restaurant dinner. Sign-up will be onsite at conference registration.
Pizza and a Movie with Grantmakers in Film + Electronic Media
Join GFEM for a Dine-Around featuring Thunder Soul, an inspiring documentary film that movingly underscores the power of arts education to transform individuals and entire communities. After the film, stay for a provocative discussion of arts, education, and community development lead by Nick Rabkin, research scientist and co-author of Putting the Arts in the Picture: Reframing Education in the 21st Century. This dine-around will stay at the conference hotel in the Buckingham room. Dinner price point is $10.
Grantmakers Cabaret
Back by popular demand is the Grantmakers Cabaret hosted by Grammy-nominated performing artist and grantmaker Diem Jones of the Arts Council of Silicon Valley. This is your chance to dust off your act and perform for your colleagues. If you are interested in performing, you can so indicate on your registration form and we’ll contact you with details.
Tuesday, October 19
GIA President’s Circle Members’ Breakfast
Breakfast with GIA President Vickie Benson for Funding Partners who have made contributions of $10,000 and above to GIA.
Luncheon Plenary
Aaron Dworkin, MacArthur fellow and founder and president of Detroit’s Sphinx Organization, the groundbreaking school that prepares Black and Latino youth for professional careers in classical music and composition, will be today’s keynote speaker.
Following this presentation we will enjoy a performance by Sphinx Organization musicians, the Catalyst Quartet.
Party Time at the National Museum of Mexican Art!
Tuesday evening we’ll venture across town for margaritas, music, performances, craft demonstrations, and a Mexican dinner hosted by the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Wednesday, October 20
Brunch Plenary
Artist, performer, philanthropist, and social activist Buffy Sainte-Marie will deliver the keynote speech at the closing brunch plenary.
