Department of State to Host Statewide Cultural Conference Celebrating Florida’s Diversity

Tallahassee –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner is pleased to announce “Convening Culture 2016: Celebrating Diversity through Florida’s 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 1-2 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

“As Florida’s chief cultural officer, I know firsthand the significant contributions the arts and cultural industries make to our economy and to the future of our state,” said Secretary Detzner. “The Convening Culture conference is a great opportunity for professional development and collaboration for Florida’s vibrant arts and cultural community.”

The statewide cultural conference will offer informative sessions, discussions and networking opportunities for individuals working in arts and culture in Florida, artists, and those interested in arts and culture. Session topics will range from diversifying arts and cultural programming to collaborating with Florida’s sports and entertainment industries.

This year’s conference will also feature a discussion on creating a cohesive vison to advance arts education in Florida. Last year, the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs reported that more than 6.8 million school-aged children benefitted from arts and cultural programs administered by the state.

Several honors will be presented at the conference, including the induction of Romero Britto and Jane Davis Doggett into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, joining such luminaries as Ernest Hemingway, Zora Neale Hurston, and Robert Rauschenberg. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon artists by the State of Florida. Florida Artists Hall of Fame awardees demonstrate the diversity of artistic accomplishment that comprises the rich cultural tapestry of Florida. The Division of Cultural Affairs will also present its inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Awards at the conference, which recognize innovative and exceptional efforts that promote diversity in arts and cultural programming.

For more information or to register for Convening Culture 2016, please visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural/programs/convening-culture-conference.

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About the Division of Cultural Affairs

The Florida Department of State’s 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, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.