This year, AFTACon—the national convention presented by Americans for the Arts, the country’s preeminent nonprofit advancing the arts—brought together cultural leaders, change-makers, and creative visionaries from across the nation. Held in Cincinnati in partnership with ArtsWave, the convening provided a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and ideation around the evolving role of the arts in society.
The programming was organized across five key pathways: cultural impact, educational development, economic growth, social transformation, and future innovation—each offering a lens into how the arts can drive meaningful change in our communities and institutions.
Below, we’ve captured three standout sessions and the thought-provoking insights that continue to resonate with us.
Session 1: The Art in the Public Realm
This panel explored the power of public art to shape not only space—but also identity, belonging, and civic life. From transforming underutilized infrastructure to enhancing shared environments, speakers shared how art can activate the public realm in ways that are both aesthetically powerful and socially impactful. Strategies for scaling public art initiatives were grounded in community engagement, cultural storytelling, and place-based design.
Key Takeaway:
Public art is more than decoration—it’s a catalyst for building belonging. When integrated thoughtfully, it becomes part of the everyday landscape, offering moments of wonder, reflection, and shared meaning. It fosters neighborhood pride, invites broader participation, and creates cultural access that isn’t limited by ticket prices or gallery hours. In doing so, public art helps build a more inclusive and connected society.
Session 2: The Intersection of Arts, Sports, and Consumer Behavior
This cross-sector dialogue revealed the untapped potential of aligning cultural and athletic experiences. Panelists highlighted case studies where festivals, public installations, and live sporting events were combined to drive foot traffic, spark creative energy, and build local economies. When arts and sports converge, they expand audience reach and amplify regional identity—turning passive consumption into active cultural participation.
Key Takeaway:
By uniting the emotion of the arts with the energy of sports, communities can unlock new models for engagement, economic development, and storytelling. These interdisciplinary partnerships invite new audiences into cultural experiences—and demonstrate that creativity belongs everywhere, not just in traditional venues.
Session 3: Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Arts and Health
This session highlighted the critical role of the arts in promoting wellness, healing, and community care. From artist residencies in hospitals to trauma-informed arts programs in underserved neighborhoods, the panel explored how creative interventions are reshaping health outcomes. Discussions also centered on the importance of data collection, impact measurement, and cross-sector language to advocate for continued investment in arts-in-health initiatives.
Key Takeaway:
The arts are not ancillary to health—they are essential. By partnering with the medical and scientific communities, artists can help address complex social determinants of health, support mental well-being, and humanize the care experience. Sustaining this work requires both rigorous evaluation and an empathetic, community-driven approach.
AFTACon 2025 underscored what we at AGAR believe deeply: that the arts are not siloed, but central—to how we connect, evolve, and reimagine the world around us. From the public square to the playing field, creativity remains a powerful driver of transformation. We’re inspired by the conversations that took place and energized to continue shaping bold, human-centered experiences that matter.