Here’s the origin story and inspiration behind EmcArts’ new Community Innovation Labs program, which will pilot in two U.S communities in 2015. Community Innovation Labs is a new approach to solving tough social challenges by bringing together a diverse, cross-sector group of stakeholders, and deeply integrating artists and artistic experiences into rigorously designed and facilitated change processes.
Community Innovation Labs offer the opportunity for the cultural sector to play a vital role in community change, using artistic practices to build a shared vision, explore new possibilities, and advance adaptive solutions.
The Anchorage Concert Association (ACA) is the largest nonprofit presenting organization in Alaska, presenting everything from Broadway shows to Americana to spoken word. In 2014, ACA … Continue reading
EmcArts is delighted to announce the first three locations for our two new workshop programs in pursuing community change through … Continue reading
In 2010, San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse already had a stellar reputation. They were (and still are) known for producing world premieres … Continue reading
On April 24th, participants in the New Pathways | Houston program gathered at Houston’s Ensemble Theatre for the third and final … Continue reading
Over the course of ten years, the EmcArts Innovation Labs for the Performing Arts and Innovation Labs for Arts Development Agencies created spaces … Continue reading
Expanding on the system change work begun through our Community Innovation Labs, EmcArts is excited to announce two new workshop … Continue reading
“How do we get this work to stick?” This is one of the questions that EmcArts facilitators get most often … Continue reading
In February 2017, we profiled the efforts of Alaska’s Alutiiq Museum as it worked to reach beyond its core group … Continue reading
On December 6th, the conveners and participants in the Dallas Community Innovation Lab gathered together to celebrate the conclusion of the … Continue reading
Part 2: Implications & Connections What are the adaptive muscles needed to respond nimbly and efficiently to complex challenges? Instilling … Continue reading
Context In 2014, I was working at Pillsbury House + Theatre in Minneapolis, MN, when we were selected to participate … Continue reading
. . . The small group I was in spent time discussing the suggestion that we “come together to dismantle and kill ideas.” Like how some carnivores work in packs to bring down big animals, we would collaborate to tackle our biggest challenges . . .
This is Part 3 of a series of three posts by Working Open Fellow, Sherrine Azab. This post reflects on learning and changes spurred by the three experiments NET conducted through the Innovation Lab for Arts Development Agencies.