Mountains and Big Ideas

I returned last Wed. from a week on the road where I had what was for me a peak experience. I was not only in the mountains of Sundance, Utah, but I participated in a gathering of lofty thinkers at the National Arts Policy Roundtable that was organized by Americans for the Arts. The gathering was hosted by Robert Redford who spent almost two full days with about 30 of us contemplating the role of music and the arts in our changing world and especially, its power to contribute to a global dialogue and exchange among nations.

One great presentation was offered by retired Brigadier General Nolen Bivens, US Army, who outlined views of the military about the needs of American defense and security and the importance of cultural understanding – and – tolerance. He described the need for cultural understanding to help deter military intervention and the role that music and the arts can have in cultural exchange; it appeared to me that there may exist a revitalized commitment to pre-emptive cultural diplomacy.

I was reminded of the drum circle project that Christine Stevens lead in Iraq with NAMM support.

Music is a healing and revitalizing force – just the beginning, lots to do.

More soon – would love to hear from you.

MaryL

NAMM/NAMM Foundation