The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State hosts an annual Civic Learning event. This event serves as a focal point for faculty, educators, and community members to come together, share insights, and explore innovative approaches to civic education and engagement. For inquiries about the Annual Civic Learning Symposium, please contact CECL at cecl@bsu.edu

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2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy

Character, Aesthetics, and Community

 Ball State University | September 25–27, 2025

About the Conference

The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State University presents the 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy, an event exploring the intersection of character education, artistic expression, and civic identity. Hosted in partnership with the School of Art, this conference connects educators, scholars, artists, and civic leaders committed to civic renewal through creativity and community engagement.

Schedule Overview

Thursday, September 25 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Opening Reception
• Fred Meyer Lecture in Cultural Policy and Arts Advocacy
  Keynote: Michael Greer, President & CEO, ArtsFund

Friday, September 26 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Concurrent sessions and workshops on topics including civic education, character development, and creativity in democratic life.

Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Final panels and community dialogues focused on actionable strategies for civic engagement.

                 

Call for Proposals

Proposals are invited from disciplines such as political science, education, philosophy, sociology, and the arts. Submissions should explore intersections of character, community, and creativity in civic life.

• Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
• Format: Lecture, workshop, panel, or interactive session (20, 40, 60, or 90 minutes)
• Details: Title, presenters, session description, A/V needs, duration

Submit Your Proposal Here

Suggested Topics Include:

- Civic education or community engagement
- Aesthetic dimensions of democratic life
- Public art, monuments, and civic memory
- Digital platforms and civic identity
- Education institutions and moral formation
- Design of public space and civic discourse

 

Registration

2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy

Character, Aesthetics, and Community: The Interplay Between Art, Politics, and Civic Identity

September 25–27, 2025
Ball State University – L.A. Pittenger Student Center
Hosted by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) In partnership with the School of Art

 

Location & Logistics

Venue: Ball State TBD
View Campus Map

Dress Code: Casual and comfortable attire is encouraged.

Accommodations: We recommend the Ball State Hotel for convenient access to the venue.

Parking:

  • Student Center Parking Garage (R8)
  • Metered rates:
    • 1–3 hrs: $1/hr
    • 4–6 hrs: $0.50/hr
    • 7–8 hrs: $0.25/hr
      Parking Services Info

For questions, email CECL at cecl@bsu.edu
Learn more about our mission at CECL Website

Schedule at a Glance

Thursday, September 25 2025
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fred Meyer Lecture in Cultural Policy & Arts Advocacy
Featuring Michael Greer, President & CEO of ArtsFund

  • 5:00 PM: Opening Reception
  • 6:00 PM: Keynote + Q&A

Friday, September 26 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions & Workshops
Topics include:

  • Character education & civic renewal
  • Aesthetic citizenship
  • Community-driven democracy

Saturday, September 27 2025
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Final Panels & Community Conversations

  • Civic identity and the arts
  • Strategies for public engagement and democratic innovation

The conference aims to:

  • Explore how character education contributes to community resilience and democratic engagement.
  • Examine the aesthetic dimensions of political life, including how art inspires, critiques, and shapes civic identity.
  • Discuss strategies to reintegrate civics, character formation, and relationships into schools, workplaces, and public life.
  • Highlight case studies and theoretical frameworks that connect the arts, political theory, and civic practice.

Key Dates:

  • Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: July 7, 2025
  • Conference Dates: September 25-27, 2025

Call for Proposals: We welcome submissions from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to political science, education, philosophy, sociology, and the arts. Proposals should address the theme by presenting original research, practical applications, or case studies that engage with the intersections of character, aesthetics, and community in democratic life.

Submit Proposal