The conference will examine the link between culture and community development. Panel discussions on October 21 will look at the role of the arts in communities in Arkansas. Arts administrators from around the state will speak on various types of interactions their organizations have with their cities. A second panel will address the economic benefit of the arts.

The sessions on October 22 will look at public value in creative and artistic planning. The workshops and presentation will provide opportunities to hear prominent keynote speakers, including Rebecca Anderson, CEO of HandMade in America and Jonathan Katz, CEO of National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

A two-part professional development workshop will also be offered to visual artists on the topic of creating a profession as an artist. Workshop leader will be Robert Ebendorf, craft artist and Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor at East Carolina University.