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Saturday, March 29, 2025 | Texas Wesleyan University
Arts Forward is a city-wide arts summit bringing together artists, performers, creatives, community advocates, and policymakers for an inspiring day of learning and connection. Whether you're looking to explore the impact of the arts on community, health, and education, gather resources from arts organizations, or simply immerse yourself in the arts, this is an event you won't want to miss. Be sure to secure your ticket today!
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With three concurrent tracks, you’ll have the flexibility to customize your experience and dive into the topics that matter most to you. You can stick with one track all day or mix and match sessions to build your perfect schedule.
PANEL ONE:
Innovation in Art Education
PANEL TWO:
Education in
Cultural Institutions
PANEL THREE:
Partnering with the Community
PANEL ONE:
Impacting Mental Health
PANEL TWO:
Making A Difference In Physical Health
PANEL THREE:
Utilizing the Arts for
Community Healing
COME LEARN, EXPERIENCE, AND CONNECT
Arts Fort Worth believes in making the arts accessible to everyone. Inspired by local and national arts organizations, the tiered ticketing system ensures that anyone who wants to attend can do so:
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Discount Ticket: $25 for those with limited financial means at the time of purchase.
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Standard Ticket: $50 helps cover the cost of the event.
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Pay-It-Forward Ticket: $100 allows you to contribute toward discounted tickets, helping others experience the summit.
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POINT/COUNTERPOINT:
AI and the Arts
PANEL TWO:
Innovative Arts
PANEL THREE:
The Challenges and Triumphs Across Texas
ARTS FORWARD SUMMIT AGENDA
With three concurrent tracks happening throughout the summit, you choose sessions that interest you. You can stick with one track all day or mix and match sessions.
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8:00 a.m. Registration, coffee, and networking*
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Ondas Rhythm and Dance Experience
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9:00 a.m. Summit Kick-off and Opening Remarks ​​
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​9:30 a.m. Panel One
ARTS & EDUCATION- Innovation in Art Education​
EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES- POINT/COUNTERPOINT: AI and the Arts
PRESCRIPTION: ARTS- Impacting Mental Health
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10:10 a.m. Transition/Break*
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10:25 a.m. Panel Two
ARTS & EDUCATION- Education in Cultural Institutions
EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES- Innovative Arts: Creative Solutions
PRESCRIPTION: ARTS- Making A Difference In Physical Health
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11:05 a.m. Transition/Break*
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​11:25 a.m. Panel Three
ARTS & EDUCATION- Partnering with the Community
EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES- The Challenges and Triumphs Across Texas
PRESCRIPTION: ARTS- Utilizing the Arts for Community Healing
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12:05 p.m. Lunch*​
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1:00 p.m. Keynote
Keynote Speaker: Randy Cohen, President of Research at American for the Arts Vice President
Sponsored by Visit Fort Worth
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2:00 p.m. Special Announcement
With introduction by Mayor Mattie Parker
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2:30 p.m. Closing Remarks & Presentation of Community Art Project
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3:00 p.m. Enjoy Fort Worth Arts Dealers Spring Gallery Night
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* Ongoing throughout the day:
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Visit the partner booths and get to know more local arts organizations.
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Add your piece to the Collaborative Art Project with Kirsten Maiwald.
Meet Keynote Speaker Randy Cohen
Randy Cohen is Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts—the national advocacy organization for the arts—where he has been empowering arts advocates since 1991. A sought-after speaker, Randy has presented in all 50 states, and regularly appears in the news media—including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and on C-SPAN, CNN, CNBC, and NPR. 
Cohen is known for balancing rigorous research methods with accessible and actionable results. His work at Americans for the Arts has provided new perspectives on the nonprofit arts. He recently published Arts & Economic Prosperity 6: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts & Culture Organizations and their Audiences and Americans Speak Out About the Arts in 2023, a national public opinion study about the arts. Randy led the development of The National Arts Index, the annual measure of the health and vitality of arts in the U.S., and the National Arts Policy Roundtable, an annual convening of leaders who focus on the advancement of American culture—launched in partnership with Robert Redford and the Sundance Institute.
Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m. | Texas Wesleyan University
​The Heart of Gold Awards is special event to honor community leaders who have made significant contributions to the arts. Each honoree shares our values of integrity and inclusivity, and their impact through the arts helps make Fort Worth a vibrant and welcoming community. 
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This celebratory evening will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres, a hosted selection of beer and wine and live music.
Meet the Collaborative Project Artist Kirsten Maiwald
At this year’s Arts Forward Summit, we invite you to be part of a special community art activity led by artist Kirsten Maiwald. ​Throughout the summit, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, evolving artwork that reflects our shared experiences, perspectives, and aspirations for the future of the arts. No prior art experience is needed! Drop in at any time during the event to leave your mark on this collective piece.
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Meet the Artist: Kirsten Maiwald
Maiwald is a multidisciplinary artist known for her immersive installations and interactive art projects that foster community engagement. Her approach to art-making is rooted in the belief that art can have a positive impact and transform the way in which we live our lives and see the world. Through large-scale murals, collaborative installations, or experimental mixed-media pieces, Kirsten invites audiences to take an active role in shaping the artistic process.
Would your organization like to be a part of Arts Forward? Sponsorships and partner opportunities are still available! Email us or click the link below for more information.
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