An Introduction to Civic Practice

Civic practice draws on opera’s authentic creative assets to address public priorities and community needs.

The leaders who undertake this work have a deep respect and nuanced understanding of a community’s historical context and existing cultural norms, are strong partners with organizations from different sectors, and focus on stewarding a process of relationship-building and co-creation.

An Introduction to Civic Practice, published by OPERA America, shares learning from the 2016 and 2018 meetings of the Civic Action Group, a peer-learning cohort of company representatives working to explore how opera can increase its capacity to address civic priorities.

The Civic Action Group was supported by an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.