Moderator: Anne L'Ecuyer, American University Panelists: Ximena Varela, American University John Borstel, Dance Exchange Shahin Shikhaliyev, Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts Program On September 20, 2012, the National Endowment for the Arts released a new report, based on research commissioned from the Monitor Institute, entitled How Art Works. Built upon a wide-ranging literature review, and extensive interviews, workshops, webinars, and exchanges with arts leaders, community leaders, thought leaders, and policy makers around the country, the report suggests a framework and a "system map" to guide research, policy, and strategy for the agency. A public forum, hosted by the Arts Management program at American University, explored this new report, its implications for the NEA's strategy and research, and its resonance or potential for the larger fields of arts, culture, heritage, and humanities.