Michael Kaiser, director of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, is making a 50-state tour this year to speak on the “Arts in Crisis” – what’s happening to the arts sector in these difficult economic times, and recommendations for action.

Mr. Kaiser will be in Madison on Monday, August 24, 2-5 pm, at the Overture Center for the Arts – his only stop in Wisconsin. This event is free and open to the public. (RSVP your attendance at info@overturecenter.com.)

I encourage every arts leader in Wisconsin (that would be all of us) to attend this presentation, as much for the opportunity to come together as a community as for what Mr. Kaiser has to say. I don’t like the use of the word crisis, because it has negative connotations, but if it’s going to be used, we need to think of it in the Chinese way -the characters commonly associated with that word are translated as “danger” and “opportunity” – and use it as a motivation for positive change.

We need more opportunities to talk and to share our ideas.  It’s always cathartic to vent a bit with your colleagues.  I expect a large crowd – 50 people registered already, and it’s a month away – and a lot of camaraderie and inspiration.

The Chines.