A Discussion on the Arts and the Humanities

Program Description:  Since 1993, October has been designated National Arts & Humanities Month to encourage Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of participation in the arts and humanities. Join Michael Faison, Executive Director of the Idaho Commission on the Arts (ICA) and David Pettyjohn, Executive Director of the Idaho Humanities Council (IHC) as they discuss the essential roles the arts & humanities play in Idaho. They will also provide information on how their state-wide organizations enhance the social, economic, and cultural lives of Idahoans through programming, grants, and opportunities to engage.

Bio:  Michael Faison

Michael Faison is the executive director of the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Faison previously served as the director of the Arts in Education Division of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the assistant director of the Oregon Arts Commission, and the executive director of the Center for Arts Management and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served as an information technology consultant for Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and was a high school art teacher in the Austin Independent School District, Austin, Texas. Faison is a member of the boards of the Western States Arts Federation, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Association, and the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University, and multiple Texas teaching certifications.