As catalysts for innovation, education, and economic development, cultural institutions play a powerful role in creating vibrant communities. Through exhibitions, theater and opera productions, dance and music performances, creativity prospers, diversity is celebrated, and local businesses and economies are supported. As societies and forms of cultural expression evolve, however, it is important that the relationships between cultural institutions and their communities evolve as well and keep pace with the times. The purpose of this session is to identify particularly imaginative and effective new models of arts and community interaction and identify ways in which these models might be replicated elsewhere or adapted to other contexts. To this end, this session will bring together an international group of artists, cultural managers, public sector representatives working in the areas of culture, education, tourism, and economic development, arts educators, cultural scholars, and journalists to examine unusual and successful examples of arts-community interactions to understand better how cultural institutions can: play an even more vital role in their communities; adapt to the information age and employ new technologies in more creative and effective ways; reach out to new, diverse audiences; foster a lively cultural dialogue; and enhance their impact and relevance in communities around the world. For more information, CLICK HERE