What is the Artistic Congress

Long Wharf Theatre, in partnership with Yale Schwarzman Center, is calling on you—and ALL members of our community—to bring your hearts, minds, and imaginations to the second Artistic Congress in New Haven this October 25th -27th .

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The Artistic Congress is a weekend-long, conference-style event created by and for people from all walks of life to explore, discover, and galvanize all the ways in which theatre is essential to a thriving democracy.

At the Artistic Congress, you can attend panels, performances, and a keynote conversation on the themes of theatre and civic engagement, social change, and community care—with some of the most courageous thinkers, makers, and doers transforming the world today. While theatre is the way into the conversation, the Artistic Congress is not just for theatre people. Teachers, artists, activists, public servants, students, caregivers—this weekend is for everyone, and all are welcome. Especially in light of the upcoming Presidential election this November, we invite you (yes, you!) to play an essential role in creating the conversation at the Artistic Congress that will empower our democracy to thrive for generations to come.

While the Congress’s home base will be Yale Schwarzman Center, Friday and Sunday programming will take place at the New Haven Free Public Library and Gateway Community College, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the unique walkable city—listed among the New York Time’s “52 Places to Go” in 2023—and its academic and urban gems.

As leaders in the arts, we hold a profound responsibility to illuminate the human experience through our craft. Theater is essential to democracy, reflecting society's complexities, injustices and aspirations. Facilitating dialogue among industry leaders is not just an opportunity, but a duty to ensure that the future of theater remains a beacon of artistic expression and a catalyst for social change.

Jacob G. Padrón Long Wharf Theatre’s Artistic Director

The Artistic Congress will be an opportunity to gather creative advocates and spearhead change in this critical moment for the industry.

Collectively, the unique community approaches of the New Haven cultural institutions has centered our city as a cultural destination, as the Artistic Congress exemplifies a historic meeting of the minds at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Long Wharf Theatre and Yale Schwarzman Center are partnering with major stakeholders in its home city for the Artistic Congress because the theatre is centered on the belief that community-driven initiatives are what truly uphold democracy. New Haven is where people go to convene, learn and explore the arts–making it the perfect place for such a momentous occasion.

Creating a safe space for political advocacy in theater is essential; it allows voices to be heard, stories to be told, and change to be inspired, fostering a community in which diverse perspectives can flourish and spark meaningful dialogue. I am honored to collaborate with Long Wharf Theatre in continuing to center New Haven as a hub for political engagement, culture, and the arts.

Rachel Fine xecutive Director of the Yale Schwarzman Center’s Executive Director