Politics & Government

'Arts Means Business' Forum Headed to Riverhead

Focus will be on partnering with arts to boost economic vitality on Long Island.

Art is serious business.

And in Riverhead, local officials are eyeing the arts as a way to boost ecomonic vitality.

To that end, East End Arts will host a forum, "Arts Means Business," on September 20 at the Suffolk Theater on East Main Street in downtown Riverhead from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.

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"Understanding and acknowledging the incredible economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry, we must always remember their fundamental value. They foster beauty, creativity, originality, and vitality. The arts inspire us, soothe us, provoke us, involve us, and connect us. But they also create jobs and contribute to the economy," said Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts.

A lineup of expected speakers includes Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter, Bob Spiotto, the new executive director of the Suffolk Theater, Emily Peck, director of private sector initiatives at Americans for the Arts, a non-profit organization aimed at advancing the arts nationwide, Michelle Isabelle-Stark, director of film and cultural affairs for the Suffolk County Office of Economic Development, and others.

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The goal of the event is to bring together business owners, artists, elected officials, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and community members to discuss the critical importance of partnering with the arts to foster economic vitality, boost revitalization, and build competitive advantage.

Registration is $25 in advance and $30 at the door; to register, go to  http://eastendarts.org/events/index.html#ArtsBusiness or call 631-727-0900.

The forum is sponsored by the Long Island Community Foundation in partnership with the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce.


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