ARTISTS THR!VE SUMMIT 2026
NATIONAL REACH – LOCAL IMPACT
March 24-26, 2026
Energize Your Creative Practice at the 2026 Artists Thrive Summit!
Calling all artists, arts administrators, educators, and funders! Get ready to energize your creative practice and cultivate meaningful connections at the 2026 Artists Thrive Summit, taking place from March 24-26, 2026. This unique event is designed for everyone, from first-timers eager to explore new avenues to seasoned professionals looking to deepen their impact. It’s your chance to collaborate with peers, gain fresh inspiration, and make a real difference for artists in your community.
The Summit will be held concurrently across six vibrant locations, each offering its own unique local theme to enrich your experience: Lowell, MA, Nashville, TN, Kansas City, MO, San Antonio, TX, Billings, MT, and Las Vegas, NV!
While each site offers a distinct local focus, all six locations will unite for shared sessions, fostering a truly collaborative and expansive experience. Imagine the power of simultaneous discussions and shared learning across the country! This unique format ensures a rich, diverse program that blends local insights with national perspectives.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what past attendees say: “The Artists Thrive Summit was a goldmine for networking. I made invaluable connections that have propelled my career forward.” Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with your peers, fuel your passion, and contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem.
Third Spaces: Community and Connection
Dive into the unique challenge and opportunity of creating community in a city built on transience. We will explore the concept of “third places” – the vital, informal hubs of community that exist outside of home and work – and examine their significance in a dynamic, rapidly evolving city like Las Vegas. We’ll look beyond the bright lights of the Strip to discuss how local establishments, public parks, and neighborhood spaces are fostering genuine connection and social well-being for residents.
Billings Theme
Rooted in Place: Arts and Community in Conversation
What grounds you in a place and makes you choose it as home? Join us as we delve into what it means to build and nurture a sense of belonging, especially in remote, rural and Tribal landscapes. We’ll explore how artists can build relationships across distances, and identify opportunities and collaborations in their own hometowns to better help build thriving communities.
San Antonio Theme
Arts and Mental Health & Wellbeing
Given San Antonio’s unique context is a major military hub and home to the recently expanded UT Health Systems, conversations will focus how the tangible impact of creative expression on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and social connection. This is a unique opportunity to secure innovative strategies for integrating arts-based programs directly into community and institutional wellbeing frameworks.
Kansas City Theme
Artist-Led Spaces
Artist-Led Spaces, run by local artists, are dynamic hubs for creativity. They empower underrepresented voices, foster new ideas, community, collaboration, and experimentation, and champion alternative approaches to art-making. Rooted in autonomy and DIY methods, these spaces allow artists to directly shape their cultural landscape. Attendees will learn from innovative leaders, witness flourishing start-up organizations, and connect with peers.
Nashville Theme
Community Partnerships & Collaborations
Nashville’s creative scene is an explosion of talent that goes far beyond Music City, encompassing everything from innovative fine art and captivating theater to vibrant poetry and diverse dance. What truly makes this community unique is the powerful spirit of ubiquitous partnership and collaboration that fuels every endeavor. Come experience the energy of a city where artistic disciplines thrives together, creating an unforgettable and uniquely collaborative cultural landscape you won’t find anywhere else.
Lowell Theme
Spatial Justice
Space is power. This location examines the fundamental questions: Who has control of a space? Who belongs in a space? By weaving together the overlapping lenses of real estate ownership, grassroots civic action, and deep community connection, we will dissect systematic challenges. Hear powerful stories of transformation, learn from setbacks, and gain actionable insights into how to creatively transform the use of space to advance equity and belonging for all.