Thamara Bejarano to Represent Southern United States at Prestigious ISPA Convention in New York City
- Open Scene
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
At Open Scene, we’re thrilled to share exciting news: our Founder and Executive Director, Thamara Bejarano, will represent the Southern United States at the International Society of the Performing Arts (ISPA) annual convention in New York City from January 14 to 16, 2025.
With this year’s theme, "Leading With Creativity," the ISPA convention will bring together nearly 500 delegates from 178 cities and 50 regions worldwide to celebrate the transformative power of the performing arts. Thamara will present the Southern United States Regional Update on Wednesday, January 15, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and diversity that define our region’s thriving arts landscape.
This opportunity places Central Florida firmly on the global cultural map, showcasing how organizations like Open Scene are reshaping the narrative through inclusive programming and community-driven initiatives.
"I am honored to share the cultural richness and challenges of the Southern United States at such an esteemed global platform," Bejarano shared. "This is an incredible opportunity to spotlight the unique contributions of our communities and highlight Central Florida as a hub for cultural innovation."
A Global Platform for the Arts
The ISPA convention is a prestigious gathering where arts leaders from across the world exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and envision the future of the performing arts. You can explore the full convention schedule here.
Thamara will present alongside globally renowned arts leaders, including:
Alicia Adams – Vice President of International Programming & Dance, John F. Kennedy Center (United States)
Mariko Silver – President & CEO, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (United States)
Emil Kang – Program Director, Arts & Culture, Mellon Foundation (United States)
Liviu Jicman – President, Romanian Cultural Institute / EU National Institutes for Culture (Romania)
Roy Luxford – Creative Director, Edinburgh International Festival (United Kingdom)
Romina Muñoz – Minister of Culture and Heritage (Ecuador)
Kristy Edmunds – Director, MASS MoCA (United States)
Thamara’s presentation will focus on how arts organizations in the South are addressing systemic challenges, such as funding inequities and cultural displacement, while elevating diverse perspectives and fostering creative resilience.
Celebrating Open Scene's Impact
At Open Scene, our mission has always been to foster meaningful connections through innovative, bilingual programming that amplifies voices from all walks of life. Since its founding in Winter Park, FL, Open Scene has evolved into a vibrant creative hub known for its world-class multicultural experiences and groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Latin Performing Arts Festival.
Thamara’s role at the ISPA convention is a testament to the impact of our work and the importance of diverse leadership in shaping the future of the arts. As she takes the stage in New York City, we are reminded of the power of storytelling, representation, and collaboration to transform communities and build bridges across cultures.
Follow Our Journey
Stay tuned as we share more updates from the ISPA convention. Follow us on Instagram @openscene_org and Facebook OpenSceneOrlando to see how this incredible experience unfolds.
Thank you for supporting Open Scene as we continue to amplify the stories that need to be told and bring Central Florida’s creative energy to the world!
Congratulations to the Open Scene team on this remarkable achievement! It’s truly inspiring to see Central Florida’s vibrant arts scene showcased on such a prestigious global stage. Your participation at the ISPA convention highlights the resilience and creativity that define the Southern United States—proving that inclusive, community-focused initiatives can have a tremendous impact. We can’t wait to see how your leadership and insights shape the future of the performing arts!