There's a lot of talk these days about companies adopting a corporate conscience and the role of social responsibility in improving corporate culture and contributing to bottom-line profits. Lots of companies and leaders of industry are lauded for subscribing to this philosophy. But what about nonprofits? Where do they fit in all this? 

Of course, nonprofits by nature are generally organized around the whole principle of a social benefit, or giving back, according to their mission statement. But is there more to the story than that traditional notion of a one-way street? Should there be? 

For our part, we've made "green efforts" a major priority in our development. Zaha Hadid's design for the ContemporaryArtsCenter was not only stunning aesthetically, but energy efficient. And we've taken it further, ensuring all the cleaners and custodial supplies we use are green certified, the paint on the walls are nontoxic, and the light bulbs we use run cool. Last year alone we recycled almost 4.5 tons and saved 75 million BTUs of energy and 78 trees. But we can do more. There are initiatives that, at the moment, are cost prohibitive, or for one reason or another aren't viable right now. But that's okay. This isn't a one-time decision, it's a process we navigate along the way.  

However, environmental awareness should encompass more than just being green, and we can lead on that front too. What about the space we inhabit and the relationship we embark on with the people there? At nonprofits, you can volunteer. You have the opportunity to participate in more ways than just being a consumer if you want. That's special. 

At the CAC, our volunteers, members and supporters are part of the family. They are a driving force behind the decisions that get made here. So are the visiting artists. Our fundraiser, THE EVENT on May 22, is a perfect example of that synergy. We are throwing a huge street party in the alley behind the CAC where Shepard Fairey will DJ. It celebrates the artists: the second phase of Fairey's Cincinnati mural project and the opening of two new exhibitions; it celebrates our neighborhood; and it's in response to what we heard from our members, volunteers and supporters this year. Tickets go on sale next week. Let us know if this is the type of party we should keep throwing for you! 

The funny thing about doing what I do is that people sometimes have a misconception about my relationship with art.

I am the first one to say that you don't have to love everything you see. Nobody loves all food, all movies, or all colors - so why would we think we need to love all art, or even all contemporary art? Contemporary art is an experimental field by definition. It celebrates and demonstrates the ongoing creative process that is happening across society RIGHT NOW. That it offers unique, diverse viewpoints of the world in its current state, to me is one of contemporary art's most important-and intriguing-features. And as an epicenter of creative R&D, the ContemporaryArtsCenter is where we, as a community, can participate in that process. People of all ages and backgrounds cross paths here because the CAC provides a space where creativity, as one of society's most transformative forces, can be an integral part of our lives. Some come to find new inspiration or see things in new ways. Others come to plug in and recharge, feed their soul or contemplate. 

And still others come to be part of a bigger conversation. In my job I'm privileged to witness a phenomenon that unfolds here every day: art as a means for people to connect to each other and to the world around us. Because contemporary art facilitates dialogue about contemporary issues, the CAC is where our neighbors come to discuss differing viewpoints, it's where our region's parents and grandparents bring children to open new channels of communication, and I'm told it's why we're considered the best "second date" spot in town! This is where conversations happen.

In my opinion that is due in large part to our environment. Cincinnati is extraordinary because there is an enormous level of committed civic investment being made by the people who call this region home, and a great vibrancy here that just keeps growing. That hive of energy is especially apparent around places like the CAC. It's a remarkable thing to observe - but even more, it's an exhilarating thing to be a part of.

On my way to work I sometimes take Reading Road. Yesterday was one such day, and as I was approaching downtown, I saw a young woman standing on the street with a camera. She was photographing Shepard Fairey's incredible murals that wrap around HighStreet's facade.

This scenario is not out of the ordinary--a quick internet search reveals just how many people are engaging with his works in this community, whether through blogs, pictures or scavenger hunts. In doing so, they not only discover Shepard's artwork but they see our city through the lens of his imagery, his thinking, and his messages. His art is his activism. Red, Black, Cream....crisp and clear from far away, yet detailed and layered when viewed up close. Finding, then experiencing, these public works of art becomes a journey of discovery for the entire community. This, to me, was one of the most exciting aspects of bringing Shepard to Cincinnati.

Shilpa Gupta is another artist showing at the CAC right now. She also engages in a form of artistic activism. Using different types of technology, she creates very intimate situations that help the viewer personalize the various messages she articulates. One of the projects we worked on with Shilpa was a t-shirt, which I am wearing today. Earlier, a woman asked me what the writing on the shirt said. I replied, "And I live under your sky, too." After a moment of silence, and still staring at the shirt, she simply responded "yes, exactly." Again, like the woman photographing the Fairey mural, most people are moved in one way or another by Shilpa's work. She is fantastic at getting us to contemplate big ideas in new ways.

Both Shilpa and Shepard are among the contemporary art world's most noted thought leaders, pressing the boundaries of creativity, expression, and activism. And both have created something very special for us here at home. If you encounter a Shepard mural or a Shilpa t-shirt, will it cause you to see things differently? When you visit their shows at the CAC, does it change your perspective? There's only one way to find out.