Empire Arts Summit strengthens New York’s creative sector

ArtsNYS convenes statewide leaders at Proctors for a powerful exchange of ideas, strategies, and inspiration

SCHENCTADY—Proctors is a cultural cornerstone in downtown Schenectady, and in October, became a cultural hub for New York State’s arts community.

ArtsNYS held the inaugural Empire Arts Summit Oct. 15-16 in the historic venue, bringing artists, administrators, educators, policymakers, and advocates from across the state all sharing the same mission: to envision and strengthen the future of the arts in New York.

The state-wide service organization’s primary purpose is to strengthen the arts throughout New York by building the visibility of the arts as a key industry, providing technical assistance and professional opportunities to administrators, marketing, leading efforts to increase funding, and to strengthen the role of the arts in civic life.

“We often have the opportunity to host conferences,” said Jean Leonard, Proctors President and ArtsNYS board member. “To have the chance to host a convening of our industry, to ‘show off’ Proctors and downtown Schenectady to this particular group of people was especially rewarding!” 

The summit included breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and workshops focusing on policy and advocacy, economic development and revitalization, and social impact and innovation. Keynote speakers included Erika Mallin, Executive Director, NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts (AFTA).

In the closing moments of the summit, Harkey reminded us “In dark, uncertain moments, we — the arts — we are the light,’” remembers Leonard. “What timely encouragement for us all.”