Randy Cohen is Vice President of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts, the nation's advocacy organization for the arts. A member of the staff since 1991, Randy is among the most noted experts in the field of arts funding, research, policy, and using the arts to address community development issues. He publishes The National Arts Index, the annual measure of the health and vitality of arts as well as the two premier economic studies of the arts industry--Arts & Economic Prosperity, the national impact study of nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences; and Creative Industries, an annual mapping study of the nation's 760,000 arts establishments and their employees. Randy led the development of the National Arts Policy Roundtable, an annual convening of leaders who focus on the advancement of American culture, launched in 2006 in partnership with Robert Redford and the Sundance Preserve. Randy is a sought after speaker who has given speeches in 48 states, and regularly appears in the news media—including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and on CNN, CNBC, and NPR.

Session(s):
Opening Keynote Luncheon and Arts & Economic Prosperity IV LaunchUsing Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Research in Your Community

Jeff Hawthorne is responsible for raising a large portion of RACC’s $7 million annual budget from both the public and private sectors, and oversees research projects and advocacy efforts that support annual funding increases. In 2005, he designed and implemented Oregon’s first united arts fund, Work for Art, and in 2009 he co-authored the region’s new action plan for arts and culture, Act for Art.

Session(s):
Using Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Research in Your Community

At ArtServe Michigan, Mike Latvis provids leadership, strategic direction, management, and implementation of arts, culture and arts education advocacy efforts. Broadly, he develops advocacy campaigns and public policy designed to build support for the arts, artists, arts education, and cultural activities within the Michigan Legislature, State Executive Office, and U.S. Congress. He also regularly contributes to discussions, forums, and texts that promote the impact, value, breadth, and depth of the quality and diversity of cultural activities in Michigan communities. Latvis serves as Americans for the Arts state advocacy captain in Michigan and is currently serving as the Vice President of its nationwide State Arts Action Network Council. Latvis received his bachelor's degree in political science/pre-law from Michigan State University.

Session(s):

Using Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Research in Your Community

Lynne McCormack serves as the director of Art, Culture + Tourism for the City of Providence, RI. Since assuming the director position in 2006, Ms. McCormack has successfully transitioned the department from an office of cultural affairs focused on public programming to a community and economic development agency. She forged a series of partnerships that have resulted in a destination branding campaign, a summer workforce development program for youth, citywide arts festivals, and increased funding for artists and organizations through CDBG, HUD, transit and city economic development funds.

A leader in community engagement, Ms. McCormack and her staff spearheaded a cultural planning process that included more than 2,500 participants and was endorsed by the city council as part of the city's comprehensive plan. Serving four mayors, Ms. McCormack is keenly aware of the power of engaging political leadership in creative placemaking. She is privileged to serve in a city where outstanding arts organizations are truly recognized and supported by city government. This work was recently highlighted in the NEA publication, Creative Placemaking.

Session(s): Using Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Research in Your Community

Bill Nix is responsible for planning and managing programs in marketing, public relations, and advocacy on behalf of the cultural industry. As part of the Tourist Development Council, Bill is responsible for promoting cultural tourism on a local, regional, and national basis. His advocacy work covers local, state, and federal issues. Bill is producer/host of Cultural Capital, a weekly television program on arts and culture in Palm Beach County which has won an OVATION TV award for best performing arts show. He is also an on-air commentator for Arts Beat, heard on NPR’s WLRN in Miami.

Bill has served on a number of regional and national committees including the South Florida Cultural Consortium, Florida Association of Local Arts Agencies, the Cultural and Heritage Tourism Committee of Visit Florida; is a member of the national steering committee of the Cultural and Heritage Tourism Alliance; and serves on the board of South Arts. Bill is a graduate of Morehouse College, holds an M.B.A. degree in finance from Northwestern University, and additional executive education at Cornell University.

Session(s):

Using Arts & Economic Prosperity IV Research in Your Community