CREATIVE IMPACT OF THE ARTS

The Orange County New York Arts Council, New Windsor, New York, presented its 2024 Creative Impact Conference Tuesday, May 14, to nearly 200 guests. The conference, a full day of speakers, panels, networking and conversations around how arts and culture can serve as key drivers in the success of our communities was held at the Storm King Art Center. It attracted business leaders, cultural organizations, artists and creative entrepreneurs from across the region. The event was presented in partnership with Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Arts Mid-Hudson.
Michael Bruno, founder of 1stdibs.com and owner of Valley Rock Inn in Sloatsburg, delivered the keynote address, sharing his experiences as a creative business professional and sharing his belief that the connection between business and creativity, including his spiritual journey has helped guide him on his path to success.
OCNY Arts Council Executive Director Todd Hulet, said, “This conference is designed to give back to our business community. We spend much of our year asking for their support of our arts community and today is a reminder of why we do this work. Research continues to show that engagement with the arts creates a stronger economy and benefits the quality of life for all.”
Additional presenters included John Cimino, an arts entrepreneur and corporate consultant; Amy Weisser, strategic and project planning at Storm King Art Center; Gilbert Guaring, global head of marketing and strategic planning at Urban Arts Projects; and Patricia Walsh, founder of PAW Arts. A panel was also held on the utilization of design in the user and customer experience with Susan Moller, product strategist, researcher and designer, Makermoto Labs; Bronwyn Whittle, independent UX/UI designe; and Joseph Minuta Jr., principal architect, Minuta Architecture.
The Orange County Arts Council is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the Orange County Executive’s Office and Orange County Legislature.
This event was a tremendous success and is made possible by the support of our partners and sponsors.