STATEWIDE, Del. (September 29, 2023) – The 2023 Delaware Arts Summit proudly presents an exceptional lineup of speakers who will inspire and enlighten 200 attendees. This year’s summit, taking place on October 9, promises to be a gathering of visionaries and enthusiasts in the arts and culture sector. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and creativity, the summit aims to foster conversations that will shape the future of Delaware’s vibrant arts community.

The five speakers at the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit are:

Roberto Lugo – Ceramicist, Artist, and Social Activist

Featured Artist at the Conference

Roberto Lugo, a multi-talented artist, poet, and educator based in Philadelphia, has masterfully combined classical pottery forms with themes of urban life, poverty, inequality, and racial justice. His work reimagines traditional ceramics with a 21st-century street sensibility, featuring iconic portraits of historical figures and his own family members. Lugo’s art is showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

Dori Kelner – Principal, Insightful Culture

Topic: “The Art of Stress Transformation”

Dori Kelner, a seasoned tech professional turned corporate wellness advocate, brings her wealth of experience in the high-pressure tech industry to help individuals and organizations achieve holistic well-being. In her interactive session, “The Art of Stress Transformation,” attendees will explore the profound connection between stress reduction and professional creativity. Kelner will guide participants through creative activities that enhance self-awareness, fuel innovative thinking, and unlock fresh perspectives within the workplace.

Rebecca Mwase – Theater and Performance Artist, Cultural Organizer

Topic: “Relationship Building as Praxis; one conversation at a time”

Rebecca Mwase is a multi-disciplinary artist, ritualist, and community builder, known for her transformative ceremonial processes that promote healing and self-realization. In her session, “Relationship Building as Praxis,” attendees will learn the four C’s of Community Building: connection, communication, curiosity, and care. These principles can be applied to any sphere of life, fostering deeper connections and community engagement.

Patricia Rivera – CEO and Founder, Hook PR & Marketing

Topic: “How to Tell Arts Stories that Resonate Widely”

Patricia Rivera, an award-winning journalist turned PR and marketing visionary, will delve into the art of multicultural storytelling. Her workshop will equip participants with the skills to create compelling narratives that elevate arts organizations, strengthen communities, and unite people. Attendees will learn to craft stories that resonate widely, fostering authenticity and driving action.

Benjamin Wagner – Founder, Essential Industries, Inc.

Topic: “Managing Uncertainty”

Benjamin Wagner, a consultant and creative, will address the challenges of managing uncertainty in today’s post-pandemic world. With insights from integrative medicine, neuroscience, and psychology, Wagner will share practical strategies for handling everyday uncertainty. Attendees will leave with valuable tools to improve well-being and navigate a rapidly changing environment.

Performers at the Summit

In addition to these dynamic speakers, the 2023 Delaware Arts Summit will feature captivating performances by renowned artists, including:

TAHIRA – A storyteller, musician, songwriter, and 2023 Master Fellow who has performed internationally. Performing with Darnell Miller.

IVA – A versatile vocalist, songwriter, and 2023 Master Fellow recognized for her powerful voice and cinematic music. Performing with Geoff Bennington.

The 2023 Delaware Arts Summit promises to be an enriching experience, bringing together diverse perspectives and talents to inspire and empower all participants. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will shape the future of Delaware’s arts and culture landscape.

Details of the event are:

• Location: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, 1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
• Dates: Monday, October 9, 2023, with an optional pre-conference on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
• Registration Fees: The Delaware Arts Summit is currently sold out.  To be placed on a waiting list, contact Dana Wise at Dana.Wise@delaware.gov.
• For media inquiries or further information, please contact Andrew Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov.

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Register for Activities Statewide Throughout October 2023

Dover, Del. — It has been two decades since the federal launch of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past twenty years, cybersecurity protection strategies have changed drastically. In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are providing their support by again proclaiming October as Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the State to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture.  These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).  Cyber Security Awareness Month will culminate with the 14^th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyber-attacks.”

“We love to see advancements in technology for the convenience to the public and accuracy of data for business uses, but there is always an inherent risk that the technology can be used criminally. We’ve seen recent occurrences of cybersecurity attacks in the news, but much more common are incidents of credit card and identity theft — all of which can have devastating impacts,” said State of Delaware CIO Gregory Lane. “Bad actors only get more sophisticated, which is why it is so important that everyone learns how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month events provide opportunities that everyone can leverage to learn to be more vigilant.”

Delawareans of all ages are encouraged to join the events offered throughout October, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Month finale event — the 14^th annual Secure Delaware Workshop. Presented by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) along with the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and the University of Delaware; the 2023 Secure Delaware Workshop provides training for businesses, students, and government employees that work, study, or live in Delaware. This free, in-person event is being held on Tuesday, October 24^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall and will include two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions designed to have something for everyone.  Whether you are a student just getting into the field and want to learn more about creating your own cyber range, a business manager concerned with the newest cyber laws and cyber insurance changes, or a long-term IT professional interested in attack simulation, deception technology, or ChatGPT, this conference has something for you.  This event offers the perfect opportunity to network with cyber professionals and technology vendors.

To learn more about cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2023 with registration information, visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes October 6^th.

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Media Contact:

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 2.

Local governments, businesses, and Delawareans are encouraged to do the same to promote awareness of overdose prevention strategies and to acknowledge all who have suffered the loss of a loved one to overdose.

“For too long, Delaware has struggled with a high rate of overdose deaths,” said Governor Carney. “We all know families that have lost a loved one to addiction or overdose and understand how difficult a challenge this can be to address. Today, we recognize and remember all those who have been impacted by this crisis and recommit to supporting those in need. I want to thank our first responders, medical professionals, and all those who play a role in keeping our communities safe from overdoses.”

“Tackling the opioid crisis takes dogged determination, but I know it is also so hard on the heart. On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re taking time to remember the Delawareans we’ve lost. Right now, there’s an empty chair at the kitchen table, a place missing on the soccer sidelines, and a deep, aching grieving for too many families. It’s so important we raise awareness and keep laser-focused on what we can do to uplift one another up in the darkest of times. Through the Behavioral Health Consortium and the Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission, we are helping to take action and support our communities. Let’s continue to confront this epidemic together and provide hope to our families across the First State,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Chair of the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium. 

Additional Resources:

Visit helpisherede.com

Delaware Hope Line: Dial 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE

Delaware 211: Dial 211

National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988

Wilmington, Del. (August 3, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for adults aged 55+ in Delaware.

Building upon the transformative success of the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging program, which catalyzed arts learning opportunities for adults aged 55+ in Delaware and nationwide, the Delaware Division of the Arts sought funding from the States Leading Creative Aging program, a new joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. Delaware secured $95,000 for the Delaware Creative Aging program.

“Arts engagement helps adults aged 55+ to thrive and is a powerful antidote to isolation. But too many adults aged 55+ still lack access to these benefits,” said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. “Our state leadership grants—combined with free professional development programs for all 56 states and jurisdictions—will help to expand creative aging programs to make them more accessible nationwide. NASAA is thrilled to continue this important work in collaboration with state arts agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.”

“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy is proud to partner with NASAA through our continued support of creative aging within our state and jurisdictional arts agencies,” said Ellen Michelson, founder and president. “We are delighted to see this leadership initiative strengthening existing creative aging programs and amplifying the creativity of adults aged 55+ across the country.”

“We are thrilled to secure this new funding for the Delaware Creative Aging program,” said Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball. “Arts engagement has proven to be a powerful tool in helping adults aged 55+ thrive and learn new skills in a supportive and social environment. With this support from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, we can expand our creative aging programs and make them more accessible to adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout Delaware.”

“The Delaware Division of the Arts has been doing exceptional work in promoting arts learning opportunities for Delaware’s older adults,” stated Delaware Governor John Carney. “This funding will strengthen the State’s efforts to support Delawareans aged 55+ that can benefit from the arts. I want to thank NASAA, E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, and the Delaware Division of the Arts for recognizing the importance of creative aging programs and investing in their expansion.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts is one of nine state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. With this funding, each state will build on existing creative aging programs to gain significant ground in meeting the needs of adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout their state. Activities will include expanding existing creative aging programs, supporting artist residencies within Delaware’s libraries, providing professional development for Delaware-based teaching artists, providing direct programming to older adult audiences, cultivating new creative aging partnerships and more.

For information about new creative aging activities taking place in Delaware, contact Andy Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov. For more information about NASAA’s States Leading Creative Aging initiative, visit https://tinyurl.com/59d4en9d. 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Governor Carney caps a years-long legislative effort by signing Senate Bill 55

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined lawmakers and advocates as Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 55, legislation to create a new advisory body for Delawareans living with rare diseases. Sponsored by Senator Nicole Poore and Representative Krista Griffith and championed by Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long, Senate Bill 55 would establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) in Delaware to help identify and address barriers to treatment and care, fostering robust dialogue around research, resources, and best practices.

Under this legislation, the council will be comprised of stakeholders from across the rare disease community including health care providers, elected officials, researchers, patients, and caregivers. There are approximately 7,000 known rare diseases, which can impact individuals in a variety of ways from lack of affordable and accessible treatment therapies to challenges with diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

“As a nurse and as a mom, I know there is nothing more impactful than making sure that when your family wakes up in the morning, their wellbeing is taken care of. This legislation has been a long time in the making, but it’s about making sure Delawareans with rare diseases and their families have the care they need,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, nurse and PhD, who has led on this legislation dating back to her time in the State Senate. “The over 7000 known rare diseases have a great impact on Delawareans, causing anxiety and having real implications for treatment and their futures. I’m so appreciative to Senator Poore, Representative Griffith, Governor Carney and the advocates here today for their leadership to create this collaborative policy, which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of Delawareans facing rare diseases.”

It is estimated that 25-30 million Americans suffer from a rare disease. Delaware now joins 26 other states across the nation that have established a Rare Disease Advisory Council.

More than 90% of rare disease do not have an FDA-approved treatment, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Challenges with treatment options combined with unsustainable medical costs can negatively impact the care of an individual with a rare disease.

“Delaware families facing a rare disease experience incredible challenges, from obtaining a correct diagnosis to finding specialists, therapies and medication” said Senator Nicole Poore, vice chair of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 55. “Those families need a voice who can help to advocate for them, raise awareness about the unique issues they face and help our state to better meet their needs. I want to thank Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the National Organization for Rare Disorders for their tireless advocacy in the creation of the Delaware Rare Diseases Advisory Council. I also want to thank my colleagues in the Delaware General Assembly for proving once again that we will do whatever it takes to support Delaware’s most vulnerable residents.”

“Individuals with rare diseases often have to suffer for long periods of time before receiving a critical diagnosis to begin therapy and treatment for their condition. Their calendars fill up with doctors’ appointments and diagnostic tests and still can find no answer for what ails them,” added Representative Krista Griffith, lead House sponsor of the legislation. “I’m proud to stand alongside Sen. Poore and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long in sponsoring SB 55 because I believe this law will close a gap that so many Delawareans face when they have a rare disease. By creating the Delaware Rare Disease Advisory Council, we are opening up opportunities for better and quicker access to diagnosis and treatment. I’m thankful for the advocates who fought for this group and look forward to the council’s efforts with other biotechnology leaders to fund and develop new treatments for rare diseases.”

“An estimated one in ten Americans is living with a rare disease, but many patients struggle to find knowledgeable health care providers with relevant expertise and access to necessary care and treatment for their complex condition. NORD is thrilled to see Delaware join the growing number of states that have established a Rare Disease Advisory Council, and we are so thankful to Senator Poore, Representative Griffith, Lt. Governor Hall-Long and Governor Carney for their efforts,” said Heidi Ross, Vice President of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at the National Organization for Rare Disorders.