ACCORD, Artists Contributing to Civic-Oriented and Responsive Democracy, is an initiative of the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts dedicated to sparking dialogue about the essential role of the arts and civic-minded artists within a thriving democracy.

Through this initiative, the Institute has partnered community organizations, charitable groups and governmental agencies with area college students to create arts-based projects that address community needs and/or social issues.

ACCORD seeks to show young artists that community-based work is a viable career option once they finish their professional training.  Artists are an integral part of a democratic society, and it is important for young artists to understand that there is a place for artistic interpretation of community-based social issues within civic dialogue.

The projects of the ACCORD initiative will engage local community groups and college students in on-going, reciprocal relationships for mutual benefit.  Projects will use an artistic medium, or combination of mediums, to address issues that are pertinent to the local community and the participating organizations' constiuents.  These issues may include, but are not limited to:  drug abuse, domestic violence, gang membership, sex, race relations and environmental stewardship/sustainability.