A look back at the Yale Innovation Summit’s boldest ideas shaping tomorrow’s world.
 

By Evan Sun, Yale College 2027 

The Arts Keynote at the 2025 Yale Innovation Summit brought together Liz Shapiro, the State of Connecticut’s head of Office of the Arts, Culture, & Tourism with Calida Jones, founder of Creative Evolutions and Frances Pollock ’25 DMA, the Director of Cultural Innovation Lab at Yale for a conversation on how creativity can serve as the foundation for both cultural and economic progress. 

Below are the key takeaways from their powerful discussion on Connecticut’s dynamic arts and cultural ecosystem.

1. Creativity Is Infrastructure

There’s no difference between economic and community development. — Liz Shapiro

Both Shapiro and Jones emphasized that art is not just an accessory to innovation—it is innovation. Creativity, they argued, drives industries from tourism and education to manufacturing and technology. To treat art as separate from economic policy is to misunderstand its impact.

2. Artists Need Systems That Sustain Them

If we say we love artists, then they need somewhere to sleep. —  Calida Jones

Jones called for shifting arts policy toward the essentials—housing, healthcare, and financial stability. Her point was clear: if artists are the engine of culture, then they deserve the same structural support as any other workforce.

3. Redesigning the System, Not Repairing It

If you’re spending a quarter of your time managing a board instead of your mission, something’s off. — Liz Shapiro 

The system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed, for the people it was built for. — Calida Jones

Both speakers challenged how nonprofits and arts organizations are governed. They argued that redistributing—not just diversifying—power is essential for lasting change. True progress requires artists and communities to be part of decision-making, not just the subjects of it.

4. From DEI to Dignity

Diversity is hard because it means you’re not living in an echo chamber. — Liz Shapiro

Jones questioned the limits of DEI efforts that preserve legacy rather than disrupt inequality. Shapiro expanded on this idea, emphasizing that real inclusion requires discomfort, listening, and an openness to new ideas. The path forward, they agreed, is to build institutions grounded in dignity and care.

5. Leading Through Uncertainty

We’ve lived through impossible times before—and we’ve rebuilt before. — Liz Shapiro

 I will not let panic steal my joy. Move through the fear and do something. — Calida Jones

In response to concerns about national funding cuts, the panelists chose hope over fear. For Shapiro, history shows that resilience is part of the creative DNA. For Jones, courage in action—no matter how small—is its own form of leadership.

6. Building New Tables

I don’t need your table. I can build my own—and invite others to bring their legs. — Calida Jones

The session ended with a call for agency and collaboration. Both speakers urged attendees to stop waiting for approval and start creating new systems—ones where equity, imagination, and shared power define how the arts move forward.