From 5 to 9pm //
Join us for an unexpected conversation on art, equity, and democracy, a session co-organized with the Art, Equity, and Democracy Lab (AEDlab), founded by Professor Amy Whitaker of NYU, whose work bridges the worlds of art, economics, and civic engagement.
Together with Matt Statler of NYU Stern, we’ll explore insights from ongoing research on the value of creative labor and the essential role of imagination in democratic life. Blending presentation, lived experience, and open discussion, this session invites participants to consider how art can shape—and be shaped by—public discourse and social structures.
To spark meaningful dialogue, AEDlab has created a unique adaptation of Michael Rohd’s. Civic Scores, a structure of participatory framework designed to foster collective reflection and action.
Moreover, you will be able to discover several artworks created by participants of the Improbable Seminar. Over the course of one to three immersive days, these students engaged in a unique workshop designed at ESCP Business School by Professor Sylvain Bureau and French artist Pierre Tectin. Recognized as “highly commended” by the Financial Times, this format is now taught in 16 countries across all levels—from Bachelor to Executive Education and PhD programs.
This event is sponsored by the Improbable Chair by Galeries Lafayette, which supports improbable research and pedagogy leveraging art-based methods. Hosted at ESCP, the Chair fosters international collaborations with universities (Stanford, NYU, Ivey, etc.), cultural institutions (Centre Pompidou, Louvre, Lafayette Anticipations, etc.), and companies.
The Art, Equity, and Democracy Lab (AEDlab) was founded by Amy Whitaker to approach democracy itself as one of the great collective art projects of our time. Amy is the author of four books including the 2016 book Art Thinking and a longtime collaborator of Improbable.
Register to confirm your presence and participation!
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Register to confirm your presence and participation! 〰️
Amy Whitaker is Associate Professor at NYU and author of Art Thinking, Economics of Visual Art, Museum Legs, and The Story of NFTs. Her work explores how art and creative labor intersect with economics and society. She brings a deep understanding of how artistic ideas can shape culture and civic life.
Matt Statler leads business ethics and social impact initiatives at NYU Stern, overseeing the undergraduate Social Impact Core Curriculum and related programs. With a background in crisis management and organizational research, he has held leadership roles at NYU’s preparedness centers and at the Imagination Lab in Switzerland. Matt holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Vanderbilt and has published widely on ethics, strategy, and preparedness in organizations.