Arts Matter
February 12-13, 2026
Temple Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
Join us for the 2026 Arts and Quality of Life Conference, a day of conversation, creativity, and connection—where the arts take center stage in shaping lives and strengthening communities. This year’s theme, Arts Matter, draws from the sociological concept of “mattering,” exploring how people and communities flourish when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Through this lens, we’ll celebrate the arts to affirm identity, foster belonging, and elevate health and well-being.
Timed with the 250th anniversary of the United States and a season of cultural momentum in Philadelphia—including the World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and citywide celebrations—our conference reflects on the historic and ongoing role of the arts in building community. We’ll spotlight Philadelphia’s rich legacy of arts and consider how artistic expression has long been a vehicle for equity, resilience, and social change.
Rooted in meaningful themes, yet unbound by traditional academic formats, this conference brings together artists, practitioners, scholars, students, and community members for interdisciplinary sessions, explanatory performances, panels, and immersive experiences. Arts Matter invites us to consider how the arts continue to matter, through music, dance, theater, film, and visual arts.
Save the date and join us in celebrating the arts and its ability to foster connection, promote health, and amplify our collective voice.
The event kicks off on Thursday evening, February 12, with a reception that includes Temple University's Rite of Swing Jazz Café and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra.
Conference Schedule
Thursday, February 12
4:30 PM - Welcome Reception at the Rite of Swing Jazz Café
6:30 PM - Featured Speaker
7:30 PM - Concert by the Temple University Symphony Orchestra
Friday, February 13
8:30 AM - Registration Opens
9:00 AM - Dean's Welcome
9:15 AM - Keynote Speaker
10:15 AM - Break
10:30 AM - Panel Discussion
11:45 AM - Lunch
12:45 PM - Featured Speaker
1:15 PM - Community Partner Presentation
2:15 PM - Break
2:30 PM - Paper Presentations
3:30 PM - Transition Break
3:45 PM - Explanatory Performance
4:45 PM - Networking and Poster Session