Grantmakers in the Arts 2012 Conference: Forging Connections

When asked what they value most about GIA membership, our members overwhelmingly say it is the annual conference. This year in Miami will not disappoint anyone!

This conference is about forging connections. In today’s complicated world, the connections that we forge can make the difference between success and failure. The planning committee for 2012 selected three themes to “connect” our educational and inspirational content: “Creating an equitable future... building livable communities.... providing effective leadership.” Educational sessions and keynote speakers will reflect these themes in ways that will help all participants forge better connections with other funders, grantees and the communities we serve.

Throughout the conference, artists will inform our work as speakers, panelists, and performers. Participants will explore the city in off-site sessions held in locations like the Little Haiti Cultural Center, the Light Box at Goldman Warehouse in the artist district of Wynwood and the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale.

Floridian demographics are reflected in the preconferences being offered this year. The Role of the Arts and Artists in Health across the Lifespan, Support for Individual Artists and Arts and Culture in Immigrant Communities will combine local and national artists, experts and funders to help us understand the opportunities in these areas. Details on all the artists, individuals and places can be found here on the 2012 conference website.

Welcome to GIA 2012 in Miami. The Eden Roc Hotel is a standing memorial to the glorious days of MiMo architecture, the rat pack, and Lucy and Desi on vacation. The beaches of white sand greeted by the bluest ocean are scenes out of movies for most of us. It is a beautiful, historically relevant and culturally stimulating city. The perfect place to “Forge Connections.”

With Gratitude to our 2012 Conference Committee