Sixty arts presenters and artists from around the nation gathered at the Hopkins Center for the Arts on June 23 and 24 for “The Arts Center of the 21st Century” symposium.

In his remarks at the event (see video below), President Jim Yong Kim spoke compellingly about the importance of arts participation for people of all ages, particularly college students. Not only are the arts “joyous and fun,” he said they are a force for unifying communities and connecting to the origins of human civilization. Additionally, Kim cited mounting evidence that points to the power of the arts to develop the brain’s ability to think and learn.

Jeff James, the Howard Gilman Director of the Hop, oversaw the organization of the symposium. He said that President Kim’s remarks were “an inspiring call to action in a national conversation about future facilities and programs at campus-based arts centers.”

By Rebecca Bailey