SAT-A08: Making Space for Culture: Strategies for Supporting Cultural Programming in Public Landscapes

Saturday, October 11, 2025

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

Speaker(s)

Michael J. Bobbitt (he/him/his)

Executive Director
Mass Cultural Council
Watertown, Massachusetts
Kara Elliott-Ortega (she/her/hers)

Senior Program Officer, Arts and Culture Program
Kresge Foundation
Detroit, Michigan
Anna Cawrse, ASLA

Principal, Denver Office Director
Sasaki
Denver, Colorado

Cultural programming plays an important role in public landscapes, but supporting and promoting those programs can often be challenging. This session will assist practitioners in understanding policies and strategies that can strengthen the future of culture in our public realm through the lens of government and private foundations.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the challenges facing cultural programming and how to address them through collaboration and policy.
Identify inclusive and equitable approaches that make cultural initiatives more accessible and community-driven.
Learn how to integrate DEI principles into public space planning to support a vibrant and sustainable arts and culture ecosystem.
Learn how interdisciplinary partnerships and effective procurement and funding strategies can strengthen arts and culture in public landscapes.