2026 Featured Speakers Michael J. Bobbitt, Erika Mallin & Yancy Strickler
Leading Artists & Visionary Thinkers to Gather for a Dynamic & Enlightening Summit
The Empire Arts Summit stands as the top statewide event uniting New York’s arts and cultural leaders, policymakers, and creative professionals, and this year it runs from October 14 to 15, 2026. With the theme “Arts at the Heart of Healthy Communities,” the Summit will highlight how artistic initiatives contribute to thriving communities. The 2026 Summit will feature an impressive roster of speakers, including Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Michael J. Bobbitt, President & CEO of OPERA America, and Yancy Strickler, a multi-book author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Kickstarter and Metalabel.
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This year’s sessions and dialogues will delve into subjects such as health and wellness, economic vitality, social inclusion, heritage preservation, and civic engagement. The Summit places arts and health at the forefront, examining how creativity boosts community well-being and how partnerships between the arts and public health sectors can be strengthened statewide.
“Each year, the Summit reinforces my appreciation for the immense talent and dedication within New York State’s creative community,” said Elizabeth Lane, Executive Director of ArtsNYS. “The Summit unites artists and cultural leaders from every corner of the state to address real, shared challenges—from community health and wellness to the loneliness epidemic and local economic growth—using arts, culture, and creativity as our tools. We’re excited to see what emerges from these two days.”
The 2026 ArtsNYS Empire Arts Summit kicks off with a Welcome and Networking Cocktail Hour on the evening of Tuesday, October 13th, at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, located at 79 North Pearl Street in Albany. Following that event, the Summit officially opens the next morning at 8:00am with breakfast at The Egg on Empire State Plaza in Downtown Albany, leading into an opening plenary and workshop breakout sessions at 9:00AM.
Later, ahead of the Networking Reception at The Albany Institute of History and Art from 6-8 pm, the day’s final session, “Listen, Tell Decide,” will be presented by Sergei Burbank, Literary Manager / Resident Playwright of the Quick Silver Theater Company, alongside Nikki Ronan, Principal Consultant of City of Light Creative & Consulting, and Tanya Roy, Storyteller, Professional Developer & Owner of Third Places.
On Thursday, October 15, following a 10 am breakfast, the morning Workshop Breakout sessions commence with “Art in the Places We Share,” featuring several key presenters. This session includes José Tutiven, Founder/CEO of Colored Colors, Shasti O’Leary-Soudant, Assistant Professor of Design and Professional Practice at Buffalo State University, Judith Modrak, Public Artist / Arts Teacher, and Trenton Price, Executive Director of the Salvadori Center.
That morning also features the “NYS Creative Economy Plan Presentation” delivered by Mauricio Delfin, Co-Director of the Culture and Arts Policy Institute & UNESCO; Martikah Williams, Performing Artist, Writer/Director, Founder and Builder; and Voices for Creative New York (VCNY).
The Summit’s concluding session, “The Human Work,” will feature Michelle Dinsmore, Partner/Creative Strategist from Overit; Tony Mazzocchi, President & CEO at the Kaufman Music Center; and Dre Steinberg, Founder and Creative Director of Designed to Conquer.
The Closing Plenary is scheduled from 11:30 am to 12 noon.
Registration is now open. ArtsNYS members can register for $150, while general admission is $200; this fee includes summit sessions, meals, and the Wednesday evening reception. ArtsNYS members also receive a $50 discount on general registration.
The Empire Arts Summit offers New York’s creative sector a chance to unite around a central question: How can the arts foster healthier, more connected, and more vibrant communities? For registration and further details, visit artsnys.org/home/empire-arts-summit/.
About ArtsNYS
ArtsNYS is a statewide organization committed to advancing and supporting New York’s arts and cultural sector. Through advocacy, professional development, networking, and resources, ArtsNYS aims to bolster the creative ecosystem and enhance the arts’ impact on communities across New York State.
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Jeff Jacomowitz
Events to Remember Marketing 360
+1 845-269-2893
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