Two Day Program Will Help Emerging Leaders Learn About Business of Arts and Culture


Little Rock, AR (3 February 2006) Emerging leaders in Little Rock who wish to learn more about the business of arts and culture will now have the opportunity to do so. The Little Rock Arts & Culture Commission (ACC) announces the creation of áccent which will have its first session on April 7 and 8, 2006.

“áccent is a program specifically designed for emerging leaders in Little Rock. It focuses upon the opportunities and challenges facing cultural organizations in the economic, political, and artistic realities of today,” according to ACC Chair Carolyn Lindsey Polk, a local architect. “Little Rock has so much to offer in the arts, museums, music, and history. In order for this to continue, it is important to understand the business of arts and culture,” Polk continued. “The Commission felt áccent was a way to ensure that the next generations of community leaders were given the tools to make informed decisions.”

áccent consists of a seminar over a Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with optional-but encouraged attendance at a cultural event on Friday evening. A class of twenty-five (25) will be selected from a pool of qualified candidates. Speakers will include civic and community leaders, educators, members of the Little Rock Arts & Culture Commission, and visiting artists.

Among the areas to be covered in áccent:

*An overview of Little Rock’s cultural landscape
*The economic impact of arts and culture
*Working in the arts and culture
*Service on a cultural board
*Government support of arts and culture
*Public art
*Marketing and resource development.

There is no cost to participate in áccent, but class size is limited. According to Polk, “We anticipate this will be an annual program. Though not everyone will get to participate in this year’s program, they should have the opportunity in the future.”

Applications for áccent are available from the Arts & Culture Commission. To obtain one, call 501-371-4421 or email scarter@littlerock.gov. The deadline to apply is February 21.

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