How does art, and in particular the performing arts, transform the world around us? Contemporary examples of transformative experiences abound from Jose Abreu's ground breaking work with the Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela (El Sistema) to Richard Florida's positing on The Creative City. In New York from January 13-15, 2009 we encourage you to explore the many elements of this theme -- social/political, economic, personal and technological change as they relate to the performing arts. The individual sessions will be diverse in their structure and approach and reflect an international perspective.

The International Society for the Performing Arts' (ISPA) 61st Annual Congress will be held in New York's theatre district, with the first day at the Celeste Bartos Forum in the New York Public Library's celebrated 42nd Street location and days two and three will be held in the new and already iconic Times Center on 41st Street. Not to be missed will be the annual awards dinner, this year to be held in the Rainbow Room, the crown jewel of Rockefeller Center.

Co-Chairs Ella Baff and Jacqueline Davis invite you to join us this January in what will be both an exploration and celebration of the performing arts in society!