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We are often told great art speaks for itself. In practice, though, helping visual art find an audience usually requires a skillful narrative. How should we understand this use of storytelling, and who does it best? Does surging interest in contemporary art present special opportunities and responsibilities for developing appreciative audiences? What are key strategies and...
The search for meaning is at the crux of the human condition and the basis of Life Worth Living, a new book emulating one of Yale’s most popular courses. In this lively “hot seat” discussion, professor Miroslav Volf discusses the book’s framework with host Kelly Corrigan. Afterwards, distinguished guests join in contemplating key questions such as: what’s worth doing, who...
Why is there resistance to the idea that public funds should be used for art? What does it mean for the stewardship of cultural and educational organizations and the support of individual artists? And how does the relationship between non-profit and commercial culture impact how we value the creative sector?
How do we create a culture that brings out the best in our personal and professional lives? Rituals are powerful tools for building a culture that better aligns your values and priorities with your everyday practices. Our work shows how rituals help people bridge transitions, get to flow, deal with conflict, and increase bonding. In this session, we’ll share some of the...
In Palaces for the People, New York Times best-selling author Eric Klinenberg believes that the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values but on shared spaces: the libraries, childcare centers, bookstores, churches, synagogues, and parks where crucial, sometimes life-saving connections, are formed. In this eye-opening and uplifting session, Klinenber...
During a personal low point of loneliness and pain, David Brooks wanted to write his way to a better life. For five years, he did just that, researching and writing about people who’ve lived joyous and committed lives, exploring the wisdom they offer on finding purpose and living well. The result is his latest book, The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. Brooks s...
Artist Dustin Yellin spins tales about how the human world and the worlds of critters, plants, and rocks have always been a collection of enmeshed networks, some hidden. Touching on his multidisciplinary approach, which crosses several traditionally siloed fields, he draws attention to the ways in which everyone and everything is interconnected despite various physical, ec...
Join Public Theater Artistic Director and Aspen Institute Harman/Eisner Artist in Residence Oskar Eustis and Saheem Ali, The Public’s associate artistic director and resident director, as they mark the reopening of one of its most storied venues — the Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park — for The Public’s Free Shakespeare in the Park. Speaking from the Delaco...
The advent of NFTs as a means of selling artwork raises many questions about creative practice and the marketplace. Do NFTs as a category of collectables work in tandem with or replace three-dimensional art objects? What does it mean for traditional gatekeepers of artistic value, including art dealers and museum curators, to be faced with a new means of conveying work from...
Women's History Month is an opportunity to honor the indelible contributions women have made in societies around the world. But don't wait until remarkable women are in history books to celebrate them! Learn about contemporary women making their mark on the world.
Raised by uncompromising survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover survived extreme adversity, from never being allowed to go to school, to suffering serious physical injuries (and a dad that prohibited doctors or hospitals), to being at the mercy of a volatile and often abusive older brother. How did she not only make it through this childhood, but ultimately...
The Aspen Ideas Festival team is proud to showcase the diverse writing of our speakers. Their books will be highlighted in talks at the Festival and available at the campus bookstore.
Aspen Ideas: Health is where the arts meet health. Ahead of the 10th annual event this summer, we're looking back at some of the innovative artists, musicians, actors, filmmakers, playwrights, and dancers who have shared their creative expressions of the mind, body, and spirit on our stages. Explore how the arts help expand our understanding of health and well-being.
Professor, Department of African American Studies, Yale University; Author