CODA Symposium '07

This past Thursday October, 25th 2007 The Center Outreach in the Development of the Arts at Rhodes College put on their second annual “Arts Leadership New Direction Conference.” Put simply, the CODA symposium was one of the most meaningful and special events that the Rhodes arts scene has ever had. Speakers from all over the country as well as the Memphis community shared their brilliant knowledge and insight on their beliefs on the direction the arts are heading in the country. It was truly an amazing event, and anyone who did not attend at least one of the parts of the day truly missed out. Those who were unable to attend should be made aware of the importance the arts hold in our society. Included in the day was an arts information fair and a concluding banquet. At the arts information fair, different prominent arts organizations from throughout Memphis were presented, such as the Brooks Museum, The Memphis Symphony, Opera Memphis, Live from Memphis, and many more fantastic organizations. Everyone attending seemed to enjoy their experience. The organizations truly did a great job sharing the upcoming events they had to offer. The evening ended with a delicious banquet in McCallum Ballroom. In started off with a fun cocktail hour in which professionals in the arts world and arts students mingled with one another to learn about upcoming events. At this banquet “Live from Memphis” was awarded with CODA’s award for outstanding arts service to the Memphis community. They were thrilled to win such a prestigious award. The evening commenced with an address from the keynote speaker Stephen Tepper who works at the Curb Institute at Vanderbilt University. He delivered a brilliant lecture about the current arts situation. He talked about our cultures reaction to different forms of art and how art in general is on the rise. The Art’s Leadership New Directions Conference was a success. For those who missed it this year, do not worry there will be another next year which is guaranteed to be bigger and better!