OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

A memorable plenary discussion on contemporary challenges in the field: Are the Arts Essential?

Name: Sarah Singletary

Degree Program: EXECUTIVE MPA-PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERS

Specialization:

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Association of Performing Arts Professionals

Conference/Competition Name: APAP|NYC 2024

Conference Term: January Conference Start Date: 2024-01-12 Conference End Date: 2024-01-16

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
I learned so much at the Association for Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) annual conference, a major event for presenting organizations, artists, and other stakeholders in the performing arts industry. I was struck by the ongoing evolution in the field, as artists and presenters adapt to post-pandemic operational challenges, shifting cultural constraints in parts of the country, navigating global events within local and institutional contexts, and the impetus to improve accessibility for all, among other hot issues. I appreciated how participants sought the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm on addressing these challenges together.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
While I do not currently work in this field, I have been interested in pivoting into arts administration, so it was enormously useful to be among current practitioners with diverse focus areas to help broaden my perspective about potential career paths. In Wagner’s “Composing Your Career” module, we talk about the importance of understanding the language and key issues of a field you are seeking to move into. This conference increased my awareness of contemporary challenges and opportunities in the performing arts, adding a practical perspective to some topics I may have only read about.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
I am looking forward to following up with the professional contacts I made at the conference, including a few panelists whose comments I found compelling. I have also made note of several institutions, programs, and studies to research further. Some of the topics discussed may inspire communications and/or programming to members of the NYU Arts & Culture Network student group, of which I am one of the leaders. I was also able to make some timely connections between certain panels and material in one of my courses about the role of arts in engaging and mobilizing the community.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Stretch yourself! Talk to strangers, go to events that are totally outside of your frame of reference, and don’t feel afraid to position yourself as a student and a learner even if you don’t have direct experience in the field you are exploring. Minimize other distractions so you can immerse yourself as much as possible in the conference experience.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Leadership, Nonprofits, Social Innovation