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HIGHLIGHTS
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 19 - 23, 2004
The largest number of ICFAD members at a conference in five years gathered in Philadelphia at the Westin Hotel to celebrate our 41st year as an organization. Anecdotal comments suggest this was the loveliest venue in years – superb food, great meeting spaces, and close proximity to the old center of arguably America’s most historic city.
Continuing the tradition begun in Long Beach, Dean Robert Wills and an impressive cadre of colleagues kicked off the activities with a pre-conference event on development and fundraising for deans, with special emphasis given to differing sizes of programs.  Seventy-two registrants for the pre-conference included several new deans and collegiate development officers.
ICFAD featured an all-morning session for “new and early career” deans to begin the programming.  Under the guidance of the Executive Development and Leadership Committee, several colleagues led discussions on a wide variety of topics from hiring to budget to planning. Many agreed that making contacts with other deans facing similar challenges makes the conference even more worthwhile.
 Representative and former presidential nomination candidate Dick Gephardt served as keynote speaker for the opening luncheon, reaffirming the role and importance of the arts in our society in his presentation.
Wednesday’s conference sessions included hands-on programs demonstrating the capabilities of Internet2 and inexpensive cameras for videoconferencing and instruction;  information on ArtsBridge America; and a stimulating session on emotional intelligence hosted by Geri Grossman,  which several said was an important concept that is applicable to the work of all deans.
Thursday brought the first of two sessions on grants and granting agencies for the arts as well as two sessions on arts projects and charter/magnet schools in Philadelphia, as potential stimuli for similar programs elsewhere.
ICFAD continued the tradition of breakfast meetings and lunches where colleagues from similar programs and responsibilities meet to discuss mutual challenges and expectations.  Graduate students in public policy from The Ohio State University presented findings and suggestions from the Barnett Symposium on “Educating Artist in the 21st Century.”
Thursday afternoon featured tours of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, said to house the finest acoustics of any hall in America, a superb new facility designed by Rafael Viñoly.  The tours of Verizon Hall and the rest of the facility were followed by a talkback session with Kimmel’s theatre consultant Richard Pilbrow and executive director Janice Price. Rowan University hosted a lovely reception honoring Dean Don Gephardt as he finishes his term as president of ICFAD.
As a precursor to next year’s pre-conference event in Scottsdale, members Gary Reetz and Gerald McKenna joined Mr. Pilbrow in a program dealing with planning/renovating arts spaces and talking with architects and consultants.  Several attendees expressed interest in an expanded session on this topic at the next conference.
The organization honored artist, activist, and community leader Lily Yeh with the first ICFAD Award, created to honor those regional or national figures for their work in support of the arts. Ms. Yeh, through her pioneering work in community rehabilitation through the arts,  was recognized for her innovation in building the Village of the Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia.
Our traditional “afternoon out” featured tours of the Barnes Collection, described by many as the finest Impressionist collection in the world;  and a corresponding tour of Winterthur, one of the du Pont mansions housing a superb collection of Americana. All registrants then met at another du Pont legacy, Longwood Gardens, for a tour and reception.
After the requisite business meetings and Voice of the Membership,  many registrants visited Philadelphia’s historic district, then reconvened for the annual banquet, with performances by the Gifted Young Musicians from the Temple University Music Preparatory program. Incoming president Maurice Sevigny was honored by the passing of the ICFAD gavel as he assumed office. Outgoing president Don Gephardt and Board members whose terms expired (Haskell, Sargent, and Vasquez) were presented plaques honoring their dedicated service.
All week, several spouses and guests joined Zenaida Gephardt and Karen Durst for walking tours of Philadelphia.
See you in Scottsdale on October 18-22, 2005!
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