Media in the Community: A Concept of Public Culture aims to begin a conversation about the dynamic role that art, culture and media play in communities throughout the Hudson Valley. Defined as a community conversation, the event invites local artists, academics, and the public to open a discussion about the roles, strategies and processes that are being used to build greater connectivity through culture. Organized by artist Matthew Slaats and supported by the Media Studies Department at Vassar College, the talk wishes to show the vital ways that art and culture are catalysts for vibrant dialogue throughout our local communities.

The talk is free and open to the public.

Pursued through a series of short presentations, Media in the Community looks to frame the variety of ways that culture is considered, from economic developer to tourism, media education to community radio. The talk sees culture as a social glue that defines our community and our identity. In a world dominated by virtuality and forms of pop culture, the importance of these practices remains ever important. Speakers include Decora of Readnex Poetry Squad, Matthew Slaats of PAUSE, Karen Michel of Marist College and the Dutchess County Arts Council, Edward Summers of Marist College, Kiese Laymon of Vassar College, Maria Marewski and Nicole Fenichel Hewitt of the Childrens Media Project, and others.