Washington, DC—The NEA and California Arts Council will host From Surveys to Solutions: Engaging Audiences in the Arts on Monday, January 12, 2015 from 11:00am–12:15pm. This event will include an announcement by Chairman Chu of three new NEA research reports that explore who participates in the arts and why, as well as the arts as an economic engine. Following this announcement, Chairman Chu will participate in a panel discussion about how this new information can enable arts organizations to effectively understand their audiences and develop strategies to engage them. Beth Ruyak of Capital Public Radio's Insight will moderate the panel discussion. In addition to Jane Chu, the panel will include Jaime Austin (ZERO1), Deborah Cullinan (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts), Josephine Ramirez (James Irvine Foundation), and Jody Ulich (City of Sacramento).   Following this event, Chairman Chu will have a brief media availability. Those who wish to interview Chairman Chu separately at a later time should send a request to NEA Public Affairs at auclaire@arts.gov. Members of the media who wish to attend this event should RSVP to Caitlin Fitzwater at caitlin.fitzwater@arts.ca.gov. Members of the public who would like to attend should register at arts.ca.gov/nea. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Additional information about arts organizations Chairman Chu will visit in Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco January 12–14, 2015 will be announced in the new year.

WHAT: From Surveys to Solutions: Engaging Audiences in the Arts, a research announcement and panel discussion

WHO:  Jane Chu, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts (remarks and panelist)

          Beth Ruyak, host of Capital Public Radio's Insight (moderator)

          Jaime Austin, curator & director of programs, ZERO1 (panelist)           Deborah Cullinan, executive director, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (panelist)           Josephine Ramirez, program director,  James Irvine Foundation (panelist)           Jody Ulich, convention & cultural services director, city of Sacramento (panelist)           Craig Watson, director, California Arts Council (opening remarks)

WHEN: Monday, January 12, 2015 from 11:00am–12:15pm. Media availability to follow immediately on the stage.

WHERE: Capital Stage, 2215 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

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