Ball State will welcome Michael Greer, President & CEO of ArtsFund and a nationally recognized voice on how arts strengthen communities and civic engagement, to deliver the Fred Meyer Lecture as a start to the 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy, September 25–27. The conference is free and open to the public; registration is encouraged.
Greer brings a rare combination of artistic and executive leadership to campus. A former professional dancer and Ballet West’s first African-American company member, he later led Portland Ballet (Maine) and Oregon Ballet Theatre before taking the helm at ArtsFund in 2020. He holds a B.A. (Hampshire College), M.Ed. (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), and M.B.A. (Wharton, WG’21).
Under Greer’s leadership, ArtsFund has stewarded landmark statewide investments in arts and culture.
New research from ArtsFund and SMU DataArts links access to arts with higher civic engagement, stronger social connection, and better local economic outcomes, insights that align with this year’s conference theme, “Character, Aesthetics, and Community.”
Conference Details
- Title: 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy
- Theme: Character, Aesthetics, and Community
- Dates: September 25–27, 2025
- Location: Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
- Cost: Free (registration encouraged)
The event will feature a Student Art Showcase by Muncie Community Schools, celebrating youth voice, creativity, and community pride.
Thursday, September 25 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Fred Meyer Lecture in Cultural Policy & Arts Advocacy
Featuring Michael Greer, President & CEO of ArtsFund
- 5:00–6:00 PM | Opening Reception
- 6:00–7:30 PM | Keynote & Q&A
Friday, September 26 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions & Workshops
Dive into interactive workshops and concurrent sessions led by scholars and practitioners. Explore themes of civic education, character formation, creativity in civic engagement, and community-driven approaches to strengthening democracy.
Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Final Sessions & Community Engagement
Join collaborative discussions and interactive panels highlighting actionable strategies that educators, nonprofits, and civic leaders can use immediately to foster civic renewal in education, policy, and public discourse.
Register Today to reserve your place. We look forward to welcoming you to Ball State for three days focused on civic learning, creative expression, and democratic renewal.