arts & business council

MetLife Foundation National Arts Forums Series

Greater Hartford Arts Council
Hartford, Connecticut

Leadership: New Frameworks for the Changing Face of America
09/09/2008

Moderator: Mike Hydeck, News Anchor, CBS

Presentation by Patricia Martin

Panelists:
• Paul Pita, Principal, Pita Communications
• Robert Tierney, Manager, Business Development/Strategic Planning, UTC Power
• Will K. Wilkins, Executive Director, Real Art Ways

Patricia Martin opened the forum with a presentation on her book Renaissance Generation: The Rise of the Cultural Consumer and What It Means for Your Business. She elaborated on her theories of the RenGen, including the habits of cultural consumers and businesses need for innovation. Following her presentation, a Q&A session was opened between panelists and audience members.

A question was raised by an audience member that spurred much discussion amongst the panel. “How do we keep Gen Y here in Hartford?” Will Wilkins said that visual artists from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford are already staying in Hartford. However, places are needed for the artists to connect with each other. Will says an environment or events that foster interconnection is something that should be created. 

According to Patricia, a renaissance begins in second tier cities. With high costs in larger cities, artists are unable to afford living expenses. She thinks Hartford should offer its empty spaces as blank canvas to the artists. It would be a great opportunity for both the artists and the city. Paul Pita reacted by saying people need to feel part of something larger, then they will stay and make a difference.

The RenGen are a very eco-conscious group and they are also known for living their values. Companies such as UTC have been working on expanding their “Green Teams” and becoming more environmentally conscious. For example, UTC hires Gen X and Y professionals that want to work on cool products for now. They have had a 30 percent increase on their green team which includes engineers, marketers and business people. They also provide their employees 100 percent bus subsidies and 100 percent organic food in the cafeteria. UTC is making itself more appealing to the RenGen by catering to their ideals. 

In order for companies and organizations to stay relevant they must continually innovate. Panelist Paul Pita believes innovation is key to changing the experience for clients and it must be tied to the internal culture of the company. The company must be able to deliver something unique to their clients. The RenGen is looking to be part of a created experience.

Patricia’s presentation filled the room with thoughtful discussion and initiative. Moderator Mike Hydeck and panelists left feeling excited to elaborate on these topics at the upcoming forum in late October.