Department of State and Citizens for Florida Arts to Host Statewide Cultural Conference

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner is pleased to announce “Convening Culture 2015: Building a Healthier Florida through Arts and Culture,” a statewide cultural conference organized by the Florida Department of State, Division for Cultural Affairs and Citizens for Florida Arts, Inc. The event will take place February 8 and 9 at the newly-opened Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando.

"As Florida's Chief Cultural Officer, I recognize the vital role that arts and culture play in growing the state's economy and improving the quality of life for all Floridians," said Secretary Detzner. "Studies have also shown that engagement with the arts helps preserve and promote our health."

This statewide cultural conference will provide opportunities for meaningful professional development for Florida artists and individuals involved in Florida’s cultural organizations and will also offer specific opportunities for participants to learn about the potential long-term collaborations and new innovative programming between arts and community and healthcare initiatives. The event will feature a keynote presentation from Richard Blanco, the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. history and the first Floridian to serve in such a role. He will share elements of his personal narrative and describe how poetry gave him a deeper understanding of what it means to be American while emphasizing how the arts support Florida’s diverse communities.

Additionally, the conference will introduce the Division of Cultural Affairs’ new Strategic Plan and include a series of panels, performances and roundtable discussions in the inspiring setting of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Topics will cover capacity building for cultural organizations, the role of arts and culture in Florida’s tourism industry, arts education, and a variety of arts in healthcare initiatives. Artists in attendance will also be invited to participate in a pre-conference workshop on business basics and financial management for artists with the Creative Capital national foundation.

Sponsors include the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Health, United Arts of Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort, Visit Orlando, Mears Transportation Group, the I-Drive Improvement District, Hilton Orlando, the Orlando Magic, Greenberg Traurig, the Florida Humanities Council, Treasured Lands, Pegasus, The Bryce L. West Foundation, Tricia Earl, John and Joanne Payson, and Ogden and Bonnie White. More information about the conference including registration can be found at florida-arts.org/conveningculture.

Shareables:

Facebook: Build a healthier Florida through Arts and Culture with @Florida Division of Cultural Affairs' Convening Cultures Conference. http://dos.myflorida.com/cultural/conveningculture/

Twitter: Build a healthier Florida through Arts and Culture. @CultureBuildsFL Find out how: http://bit.ly/1x8GZbHx

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About Citizens for Florida Arts, Inc.

Citizens for Florida Arts, Inc. is a direct support organization created to partner with and enhance the efforts of the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, while helping to sustain and foster recognition of the arts in Florida. Citizens for Florida Arts, Inc. does not replace state funding of the arts but enhances current programs and creates new opportunities.

About the Division of Cultural Affairs

The Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information about the Division and its programs, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.