Why are the arts the best kept secret when it comes to building healthy, diverse, and engaged communities?
We know that they spur economic growth, connect citizens, improve education, and are key to quality of life.
City of Asylum/Pittsburgh's Jazz Poetry Concert |
Join more than 1,000 arts and community leaders at the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention as we share innovative ways leaders are using the arts to build communities. Strategize how we can better communicate the essential impact that the arts offer to generate understanding and support for years to come.
Our Host City
With Pittsburgh’s mix of public and private partnerships, an atmosphere of invention and collaboration, and the desire for artists and organizations to see art as an essential component of creating the character of 90 distinct neighborhoods, it’s no wonder that National Geographic Traveler named Pittsburgh among the best places in the world to experience in 2012. It’s the perfect host city for the 2013 Annual Convention, a place where we will explore how the arts clearly create thriving communities.
Preconferences
This year, you will also have the chance to discover key arts strategies during three preconferences focusing on public art, emerging leaders, and cultural districts taking place June 13–14.
2013 Annual Convention News
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 - 2:24pm
Due to the popularity of the convention program, our preconferences, USUAF meeting, various council activities, and many other events being held in Pittsburgh June 12–16, the Westin Hotel is currently sold out of rooms.
Americans for the Arts has confirmed additional hotel rooms at the Wyndham Grand Hotel. The room rate is $169 a night single or double occupancy and is valid during our preconference and main convention dates.
The Wyndham Grand Hotel is about a 10-15 minute walk from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and offers a complimentary shuttle throughout downtown Pittsburgh.
For reservations, book online or call 1.888.317.0197 and reference the Americans for the Arts room block or booking code 06086781AM.
Monday, April 29, 2013 - 10:21am
It just so happens that there is a lot going on in Pittsburgh when we are there for the Americans for the Arts 2013 Annual Convention. There’s the Three River Arts Festival. There’s Gay Pride March and Festival. And there’s all there is to see at The Andy Warhol Museum, The Carnegie Museum of Art, The Mattress Factory, and The ToonSeum. As you descend on our host city this June, these are just a few of the exuberant arts and cultural activities and institutions that you and other conference attendees will experience in a city bursting with natural and cultural amenities. You’ll see that Pittsburgh is just right in discussing how the arts are creating thriving communities - a city that has been reinvented and redefined by its bold cultural assets.
Monday, April 15, 2013 - 10:31am
April 26 marks the deadline for the discounted early-bird registration rate for the 2013 Annual Convention. This is the best registration rate available, so be sure to register today and save!
Want to get even more bang for your buck? Become a member of Americans for the Arts today to save $80 and receive benefits throughout the year!
Please note that you will not be able to purchase a membership and register online with the member benefit in the same transaction. Please purchase a membership in advance, or register via our hard-copy registration form. More information.
Monday, April 8, 2013 - 11:12am
Friday, June 14, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Jim Messina, the man behind the successful re-election campaign of President Barack Obama, and Manuel Pastor, acclaimed demographer and community empowerment expert, kick off an overarching topic of this year’s convention: messaging and storytelling. Learn different strategies to help us inspire others and transform how we talk about the arts.
Featuring Jim Messina, National Chair of Organizing for Action, Campaign Manager for 2012 Obama Re-Election Campaign, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations under President Barack Obama (2009-2011) and Dr. Manuel Pastor, University of Southern California, Program for Environmental and Regional Equity, Los Angeles, CA
Convention 2013 ARTSblog Posts
- Treading Art Team Suggests You Keep an Eye on Pittsburgh
- Wonky In Pittsburgh
- 2013 Annual Convention Spotlight: Won’t You Be My…Partner or Collaborator?
- 2013 Annual Convention Spotlight: Pittsburgh’s Persistent Courtship
- Can Art and Culture Districts Shape the Cities of the Future?
- The Emerging Leader Vision of Moving Communities to the Next Level
- 2013 Annual Convention Spotlight: Exploring Pittsburgh’s Art Community
