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THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF ARTS ANNUAL CONVENTION
PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Philadelphia, Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, 1951

General Topic of Convention and Topic of Keynote Speech:
"AMERICA'S CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE WORLD TODAY"

Charges of materialism and imperialism have been levelled at the United States, which, in the eyes of the people of certain nations appears to have earned these charges. Is it, therefore, important not only to develop a greater sense of responsibility for our cultural resources inwardly, but also to carry forward what we already possess in such a manner that outwardly they are seen to be as vital to us as the economic, material, and technological resources for which we are better known? As an exponent of democracy, by omitting to recognize actively our cultural interests, do we fail to promote a wholly rounded way of life?

[[underlined]] FRIDAY, JUNE 1 [[/underlined]]

(All Friday sessions, including the buffet luncheon, will be held at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Broad and Cherry Streets, Philadelphia.)

[[underlined]] MORNING [[/underlined]]

Topic: "WHAT DOES THE WORLD EXPECT CULTURALLY OF AMERICA?"

To what extent do the creative energies of people in other lands desire a sympathetic audiance in this country? To what extent would they welcome knowledge of what we are culturally interested in? Are there new concepts and new techniques which are the property of the age, rather than of nations? And, if so, by displaying them more prominently, would we realize a community of interests more fully? Are we expected to give or receive cultural strength? And which is more blessed?

9:15 Registration

9:45 Special Announcements and Address of Welcome

10:00 to 12:30 - General statement of problem followed by talks and reports from representatives of Latin America, Europe, the Far East and Japan. Open discussion periods after talks.

[[underlined]] LUNCH [[/underlined]] 12:45 - 2:00 P.M.

AFA Committees will be seated by tables for open and informal discussion of their particular activities. Delegates, Members, Trustees, and Guests are asked to indicate a choice of their tables on the enclosed Reply Form.

[[underlined]] AFTERNOON [[/underlined]]
Topic: "WHAT AMERICA NOW DOES AND MIGHT DO TO MEET CULTURAL RESPONSIBILITIES ABROAD"

How active, though quiet, have our efforts been at presenting others with a true picture of our cultural character? Should we speak up more firmly? How much interest have we shown in the cultural welfare of others? What agencies have operated to forward this dual concern and how effective are they? What do others think of it? Do we think of it -- much? What remains undone and what opportunities are there for doing it?