A broad array of arts scholars, cultural leaders and audience members participated in in-depth discussions at the June, 2011, "Future of the City: The Arts Symposium" a gathering that charted the community-building role that the arts can play in Chicago and beyond. Five of the sessions are archived on YouTube.

Session 1: Valuing Culture in the Global City

Session 2: Cities and Their Citizens: Fostering Civic Engagement through the Arts

Lunch: David Simon and Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme) Discuss Art and Urban Drama

Session 3: Art Influences Lives: Why Participation Matters

Session 4: Art, Architecture and Design: Transforming Place in Global Cities