The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Annenberg Foundation, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the Aspen Institute Arts Program, and Citizen University, presents the 2019 Kennedy Center Arts Summit: The Human Journey:
Creating the Story of US. The summit will be held on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the Kennedy Center, the annual spring convening brings thought leaders from the arts and related fields together for conversation and connection.
This year’s Arts Summit, “The Human Journey: Creating the Story of US,” explores how stories— especially more inclusive stories beyond the dominant narrative—can reframe world views, foster empathy, and build a more equitable society. The theme is tied to the Kennedy Center’s season–long exploration of The Human Journey, which seeks to promote deeper understanding of identity and the resilience of humankind to overcome conflict, adversity, prejudice, and injustices.
The day-long convening of experts, thought leaders, and masterful storytellers from numerous fields features curated panel presentations and breakout sessions centered on this year’s theme of storytelling
as an art, a tool, and a strategy for moving forward. These discussions are designed to challenge old ideas, spark new ones, and catalyze potent partnerships across disciplines. Performances and networking
opportunities are interspersed throughout the day.
Participants will include: New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds; writer, executive producer, and actor Ryan O’Connell; representatives of the Carnegie Hall Lullaby Project; producer
of This American Life Stephanie Foo; members of The Moth, including Supervisor for Higher Education Initiatives Hanna Campbell; founder of StoryCorps and Sound Portraits Production Dave Isay;
professor of psychology at Princeton University and 2017 MacArthur Fellow Betsy Levy Paluck.
Rounding out the participants are violinist and Citizen Artist Fellow Vijay Gupta; producer of Radiotopia and Ear Hustle Julie Shapiro; pianist, vocalist, and composer Amy K. Bormet; Social Impact Design Principal of Civic Creatives De Nichols; hip hop artist Mic Jordan; founder and CEO of Citizen University and executive director of the Aspen Institute Citizenship and American Identity Program Eric Liu; artist, photographer, and member of the San Quentin Prison Report Collective Nigel Poor; Co-Producer of Ear Hustle Earlonne Woods; Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein; Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.
Registration Fees
Early Bird Registration Fee: $150 until February 15, 2019
Regular Registration Fee: $175 from February 15 – April 29, 2019. Onsite registration will be available April 29.
For more information, please visit the Kennedy Center Arts Summit website.
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