Gain insight on developing arts participation at the free forum and workshop “Innovation: Connecting to a New Era of Arts Participation.” The forum will be 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, Oct. 3, at Nesholm Lecture Hall (SIFF Cinema) at McCaw Hall. A free workshop, “Roots of Innovation,” will follow, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Richard Evans, president of arts service organization EmcArts, will speak at the forum about making new connections – within our organizations, between our organizations and with our communities– to increase arts participation. He will focus on new approaches to organizational structure and programming, with examples of how organizations have implemented effective change. Arts consultant Jerry Yoshitomi of Meaning Matters will facilitate the event.

At the workshop, Evans will guide participants through fundamental steps to stimulate organizational vitality and innovation. Leadership teams of three people from each participating organization’s management, artistic direction and board are suggested to attend. Space is limited to 20 teams.

The event is part of the Washington State Arts Commission’s Arts Participation Leadership Initiative free learning events, co-sponsored by The Wallace Foundation.

Registration is required for both the forum and workshop. For more information on the events, go here.