The summit focuses on the best practices and ramifications of audience engagement initiatives that move the arts from a transactional exchange to a long-term stewardship model. With the shifts in demographics, technology, funding streams and an increase in "competition," many organizations nationwide are attempting a broader array of tools to engage audiences.

Efforts range from increased artist engagement, marketing efforts, technology-initiatives, advisory groups and special event programming. These initiatives call for new competencies, new levels of partnership and working outside of comfort zones. 

Featured speakers include Sandra Bernhard, director of Houston Grand Opera Community Outreach; Robin Reagler, executive director of Writers in the Schools; Shannon Buggs, director of communications for UH's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and board member for Writers in the Schools; Reginald Adams, public artist and community developer; Annie Arnoult, independent choreographer; Jon Deal, developer and owner of Deal Company; Rachel Hull, director of education and community enrichment, Dallas Theater Center; Marian Luntz, director of Film at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Debbie McNulty, lead consultant to Houston's Arts and Culture Plan; Michelle Mower, filmmaker, writer and producer; Susan Rogers, UH assistant professor and director of the Community Design Resource Center; and Sandra Zalman, UH assistant professor of art history.

The event will be held in the University Center Ballroom, accessible from Entrance 1 off University Drive.