Connecting Policy and the Arts

left to right: Krystal Banfield, Maria Ivanova, Leslie Prime

The Policy School’s commitment to integrating creativity with policy innovation to drive meaningful social change took center stage at a May 28th wine and cheese gathering, co-hosted with the Berklee College of Music. The event created opportunities to build connections between creative artists and the Policy School community. In their opening remarks, event co-organizers Policy School Director Maria Ivanova and Berklee College of Music Vice President for Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship Dr. Krystal Banfield both emphasized the power of creative collaboration to produce innovative responses to society’s most pressing challenges.

Guests enjoyed performances by Berklee musicians and viewed art by Rwandan painter and environmental advocate Innocent Nkurunziza, whose work is exhibited throughout the Policy School’s space. Innocent harvests his own paints from nature and uses sustainable tree bark in place of canvas.

Whether through the performing or visual arts, the Policy School and its collaborative partners are transforming how information is conveyed, attitudes are shaped, and behaviors are changed, making a tangible impact on both local and global scales.