Art House Convergence Welcome Address
by Russ Collins, Director
(Ted’s note: I have participated in the AHC three times now. Over the last 6 years, the American Art House Exhibitors have gotten organized. Their mission of instituting best practices for community theaters is lifting our culture. I have found it incredibly inspiring and exciting. Filmmakers everywhere should take note as to what’s afoot.)
January 15, 2013 – for the Art House Convergence conference, Zermatt Resort, Midway, Utah
Welcome to the Art House Convergence. Welcome as we celebrate the Brave New American Art House. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to gather here in Utah with colleagues and friends and, with strangers who will soon be friends, to execute the mission of the Art House Convergence.
The mission of the Art House Convergence is to increase the quantity and quality of Art House cinemas in North America. We hope you will help us pursue this mission by: 1) constantly improving your own Art House; 2) helping colleagues make their Art Houses better places for audiences to experience cinema art and 3) working to make all Art Houses serve as highly effective community cultural centers.
This conference would not be possible without the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers. Thanks to the Art House Convergence Conference Committee – if you participated in one or more of those Friday calls that happen throughout the year as we plan the Art House Convergence, stand and be recognized.
It is wonderful to see so many of you here! How many are here for the first-time? Wonderful, welcome to Utah to the Art House Convergence. How many of you are staying, for at least a day or two to go to Park City and check out the Sundance Film Festival?
I see a lot of friends; friends that have grown from the 25 brave souls who came to the first Art House Convergence to this year, with nearly 350 registered delegates, the sixth annual gathering of community-based, mission-driven cinema operators.
The strong theme of this year’s conference is The Brave New American Art House. So, what’s the Brave New American Art House?
The Brave New American Art House is a set of ideals that looks something like this:
