On Thursday, October 1st, The Luminary Center for the Arts hosted the first Arts and Activism in the Midwest Panel Discussion from 7-9pm. We connected to panelists in Chicago and Detroit for this exciting and enlightening opportunity.

“Arts and Activism in the Midwest” is an ongoing forum which happens four times in 2009 and 2010. Each event involves Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit. The purposes of the “Arts & Activism in the Midwest” series include:

• discussion about strengths and challenges regarding independently run arts, education, and activism efforts throughout the Midwest region — in relation to the cities, towns, and rural areas in which they exist
• ideas about opening up more communication & setting up possible collaborations between organizations and individual artists living in different Midwestern cities
• discussion regarding cultural dynamics in Midwestern cities (relations with legislators, community involvement, funding opportunities, etc.)