Arts leaders from across Washington County will gather at St. George City Hall on Aug. 28 as the St. George Arts Commission hosts its 10th annual Arts Summit, a one-day conference centered on networking, professional development and strengthening the local arts community.
This year’s theme, “Art at the Heart,” will bring together artists, arts organizations and community leaders for keynote presentations, breakout sessions and the annual Excellence in the Arts awards.
“The Arts Summit is a special opportunity to bring so many people who care about the arts together in one room with the shared goal of making our community more creative and connected,” said Commission President-Elect Sarah Reynolds. “We are very excited for the incredible lineup of guest presenters this year. We also have a few new things planned, and we’re positive attendees will gain expert insights and practical tools, and leave with new connections, renewed energy and inspiration that will strengthen the arts in our beautiful city.”
The summit is open to all interested participants, with attendance required for organizations that have received RAP Tax grants from the St. George Arts Commission.
Registration and a welcome breakfast begin at 8:30 AM in the Civic Room and Atrium at St. George City Hall, 61 S. Main Street. Lunch is also included.
Arts Leadership and the Creative Economy
Keynote speakers Summerisa Bell Stevens and Spencer Stevens, president and vice president of the Harrison Center for the Arts in American Fork, will lead off the day’s program.
After studying in BYU’s Music Dance Theatre program, the couple embarked on performance careers that took them to New York, where they founded the Stevens Performing Academy in Manhattan. Today, they oversee the Harrison Center for the Arts, using their performance and leadership experience to create opportunities for artists and enrich their community.
The summit will also include two breakout sessions focused on the work that happens both onstage and behind the scenes.
Melinda Pfundstein, Executive Director of Community and Workforce Development at Southern Utah University, will present “Same Muscle, Different Room: Arts Leadership & the Creative Economy.”
Amy Gold, Business Operations Assistant for the Utah Shakespeare Festival, will present “The Art Behind the Art: Building Systems That Help Arts Organizations Thrive.”
Excellence in the Arts Awards
A highlight of the annual summit is the presentation of the St. George Arts Commission’s Excellence in the Arts awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the local arts community.
This year, the commission will honor former St. George City Attorney Shawn Guzman and former St. George Arts Commission Chair John Kessler. Kessler will receive the honor posthumously.
The 10th annual St. George Arts Summit takes place Aug. 28 at St. George City Hall. Registration and additional information are available through the City of St. George Arts Summit webpage.
