Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
The Aspen Institute was founded as a place to meld art, philosophy, and civil dialogue to promote a free, just, and equitable society. From the Aspen, Colorado campus designed by artist Herbert Bayer in 1954 to today’s Artist in Residence and Art and Diplomacy work, Arts at the Aspen Institute champions the role of artists and cultural leaders as critical thought leaders, futurists and changemakers. Through its programs, the Institute’s well-known convening power and its vast network, the Aspen Institute connects artists and leaders across all fields to enlighten and to inspire us to face some of our greatest challenges.
In furtherance of the Institute’s commitment to drive change through dialogue, leadership and action, Arts at the Aspen Institute is inspired to drive inclusion of artists in addressing some of society’s most complex problems. Arts programs are both centrally managed through the Institute and sponsored by individual policy programs or public events. Examples of centrally managed programs include the Arts Track at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Eisner/Lauder New Views Documentaries and Dialogue Series, Arts and Diplomacy work, and the year-long Harman/Eisner Artist in Residence Program. This work also supports the inclusion of performance, artist perspectives, or visual artistic works within the Aspen Institute’s Policy Programs, Public Programs, and International Partners.
Leadership
The Arts Program is managed by Elliot Gerson, Executive Vice President Policy Programs and International Partners, Danielle Baussan, Vice President of Policy Programs and the Director of the Arts Program, and Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell, Senior Program Manager. This work is also supported by the Committee on the Arts and Culture of the Board of Trustees of the Aspen Institute, comprised of passionately driven business and civic leaders, accomplished artists and philanthropists.
