sing the arts to create better communities takes more than artists and strengthening communities through the arts is dependent upon more than the arts professionals - leaders, administrators, and workers. All kinds of citizens have a role to play in improving the quality of life for the community and what better way to do it than through the arts. In our schools, we cannot rely on arts specialists alone to carry the torch. Arts infusion benefits basic curriculum teachers and administrators in achieving high benchmarks of academic success for Kentucky's children. Social service providers are finding that the arts are key to reaching at-risk youth, fostering conflict resolution and building self-esteem. The arts renew life to the elderly and health care providers have discovered the power of healing in the arts. Local government administrators and elected officials use the arts for tourism and economic development. The role of the arts in churches and synagogues continue the long historical tradition of expression of faith. Businesses, advertising and media are all dependent on the arts in ways big and small and in some cases the arts are their business. No matter what your role in the community, this conference will give you tools to make a difference in the future through the arts.

Professional Development for Teachers
The two pre-conference topics and all four themes of the conference will provide a track relevant to teachers in the schools. Although this is a statewide arts conference, the interactive exploration of such broad issues can be beneficial to the generalist as well as the arts specialist.