Northern Lights Art Summit virtual event taking place Feb. 24

The Northwest Institute for Creative Placemaking has announced the inaugural North Lights Art Summit, a dynamic new gathering for arts organizations, creatives and community leaders across North Idaho.

The virtual event will take place via Zoom at 9 a.m. Feb. 24, offering a unique opportunity for regional arts organizations to network, exchange ideas and explore collaborative efforts within the ever-growing local arts community.

The North Lights Art Summit aims to bring together arts organizations, nonprofits, artists and stakeholders from across the region to discuss the current state of the arts industry, share what’s working and explore innovative solutions for common challenges. The focus will be on fostering collaboration, inclusion and sustainability — key pillars to advancing the arts.

Blair Williams, founder and director of the Northwest Institute for Creative Placemaking, will lead the summit, which will feature a series of interactive discussions on topics such as:

• Innovative funding models for arts organizations
• Building inclusive and accessible arts programs
• Strategies for growing audience engagement and support
• Addressing the challenges faced by rural arts organizations
• Best practices for community-driven, collaborative arts projects

“While this first summit will be virtual, our vision is to eventually make the North Lights Art Summit an in-person event in the years to follow,” Williams said in a Jan. 21 news release. "The arts have a unique ability to bring people together, and it’s important to have a face-to-face gathering where we can share experiences, build relationships and forge partnerships that will make a lasting impact on our region.”

The summit’s virtual platform allows for wider participation from arts organizations across North Idaho, regardless of geographic location. By creating an accessible, open space for collaboration, the North Lights Art Summit sets the stage for a vibrant, interconnected arts community in the region.

The virtual event is free to attend, but advance registration is required.

Visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SJXIiaI0QOG2NuskqyOdcg to register.

The North Lights Art Summit is open to all arts organizations, artists and creatives in North Idaho. Whether an established arts nonprofit, a new artist or a community member interested in fostering arts initiatives, this summit will provide a collaborative environment for discussion and growth.