City Club Missoula December Forum-"Art In Missoula: Left Brain – Right Brain", 12/21, Missoula, Montana

December 5, 2007

City Club Missoula’s http://www.cityclubmissoula.org December forum promises to educate and intrigue you with a discussion of the left brain (economic values) and the right brain (intrinsic values) of art in our community.

Tom Bensen, director of the Missoula Cultural Council, will report the findings of a national study, Arts & Economic Prosperity III on the financial impact of art and culture in Missoula. Did you know that $34 million in economic activity and 1,174 jobs are generated annually by the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Missoula? “This study clearly shows what the arts and cultural community have known for years; that the arts industry in Missoula contributes mightily to the local economy,” Bensen said.

Barbara Koostra, director of the Montana Museum of Arts & Culture at the University of Montana, will explore the intrinsic values of art through a view of the institution’s permanent collection, a treasure of more than 10,000 artworks and artifacts, from Rudy Autio to Rembrandt. What are the intrinsic values of art? “Art is communication, and good art communicates on many levels across cultures, inviting us to reflect and grow. It inspires us to think about and shape the world,” Koostra said.

Bring your ideas and questions about the values of art in your life and enjoy a lively and festive discussion with fellow Missoulians.

Friday, December 21, 2007 - 11:30a.m. – 1:00p.m.

The Doubletree Hotel, 100 Madison St., Missoula

City Club Missoula forums are open to everyone. You do not need to be a member to attend; however, reservations are required.

Reservations for the December City Club Forum can be made by email to ccm@cityclubmissoula.org or by calling 406-546-6643 before Wednesday, December 19. Please indicate if you want lunch: $11 for members and students, $16 for nonmembers, or the no-lunch option of forum only for $5. Cancellations must be made by the reservation deadline. For more information about City Club Missoula, visit http://www.cityclubmissoula.org.