Women in the Arts:

The Transformative Role of Art in Culture and the Economy

Friday, November 12, 2021

9 am - noon

Check-in, networking, and breakfast begin at 8:15 a.m.

Casa Manana

3101 West Lancaster Avenue

Fort Worth, TX 76107

The Women's Policy Forum 8th Annual Emerging Issues Symposium presented in collaboration with Amphibian Stage brings a timely and vital conversation on the role of women in the arts, and importance of arts in community building and the economy. Fort Worth is experiencing exponential growth and prosperity. Art is part of the key foundation of a healthy, productive, and inclusive city where creativity is valued.

Hear from our keynote speaker Philippa Hughes, a noted social sculptor and cultural strategist leading creative placemaking projects across the US and overseas. Followed by Heidi Marquez Smith with the Texas Cultural Trust presenting information and findings from the 2021 State of the Arts Economic Impact Study. A panel of women arts leaders moderated by Jessica Fuentes, arts educator, community advocate, and artist, share their challenges and successes, both personal and in their role as community builders. In conclusion, our final panel discusses arts advocacy and growing dedicated arts support, highlighting Houston’s Project Row Houses and Fort Worth’s Near Southside.

Our goal is to demonstrate how powerful women use their creativity to improve their communities, provide data-driven evidence of the economic and social value of the arts, and highlight strategies used by women in the arts to overcome challenges. We will end the morning with examples of successful public and private sector investment in the arts and a call to action for leaders in Tarrant County dedicated to making positive changes in their community.

This event is made possible through the generous partnership of sponsors and underwriters. Proceeds from the Symposium benefit Women's Policy Forum Foundation. We are expecting an audience of more than 200 thought leaders, including representatives of leading private and public sector organizations throughout Tarrant County who are dedicated to making positive changes in their community. 

We strongly recommend that attendees wear a face mask when not seated at their table eating or drinking. Masks will be available if needed. Tables will be spaced out and fewer attendees seated at each table.

Please join us for an evening reception at Amphibian Stage at 6:30 pm. Plan to stay for the world premiere performance of Egress! Ticket price includes evening reception. Due to social distancing, tickets to the performance are extremely limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Additional reception tickets for guests are available at $15 each. Masks will be required at the performance.

About Women’s Policy Forum 
The Women's Policy Forum of Tarrant County is an organization of influential women who investigate and support policies and initiatives that will effect positive change for Tarrant County women and our community. Objectives are to increase the visibility of women in Tarrant County, foster relationships with others and assist in agenda building of our community and country.  

About Amphibian Stage 
Amphibian Stage is a non profit professional theater based in the vibrant South Main Village neighborhood of Fort Worth. Founded in 2000, Amphibian Stage‘s programming includes main stage plays, new play readings, stand-up comedy residencies, arts education for youth and veterans, as well as screenings of National Theater Live broadcasts from London.