Looking Forward: Demographic Change, Economic Shifts, and the Role of the Arts

Looking Forward: Demographic Change, Economic Shifts, and the Role of the Arts
a conversation with Manuel Pastor

Denver—like much of the metropolitan United States—is experiencing a combination of demographic and economic change. While increasing diversity is welcomed by many, it is feared by others. These diverging views are playing out against a backdrop of growing income segregation and inequality, which seeds economic despair, increases tensions and isolates communities. and enjoyment. The arts can be an important tool to address these broader social dynamics – art can advance inclusivity and equity, and promote community empowerment, inter-group understanding and metropolitan prosperity. This speaker series will bring into focus how these dynamics are playing out in both Denver and across the United States, and highlight how the arts can support community inclusion and advance organizations’ goals.This presentation will lift up how these dynamics are playing out in both Denver and the United States and highlight how a nation that is itself facing sharp generational, and racial divisions—as well as proposals to eliminate national arts funding—can center equity as part of arts programming.

Dr. Manuel Pastor is Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. He currently directs the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) at USC and USC’s Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII). Pastor holds an economics Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is the inaugural holder of the Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change at USC.

[Free]

More info and Registration

Schedule At-A-Glance
8 a.m. — Check in: Coffee, light breakfast, and networking
8:30 a.m. — Welcome and presentation
10:00 a.m. — Q&A