Woodruff Arts Center To Host Inaugural 'Neil Asks' Lecture, 5/17

The Woodruff Arts Center will host the inaugural lecture in the new "Neil Asks" lecture series on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 12:00 p.m. This first lecture, in a conversational format, will discuss leadership and innovation with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles and Turner Broadcast System, Inc. Chairman and CEO Philip I. Kent. ASO Vice President for Artistic Planning Evans Mirageas will moderate.

"The mission of 'Neil Asks' is to extend the legacy of Neil Williams," said Sue Williams, founder of the "Neil Asks" lecture series and wife of the late Neil Williams. "We seek to honor Neil's example of asking important questions, listening to disparate views, and inspiring others to ask the questions which will guide them toward greater understanding, innovation, service, and hope. The series will explore a new topic every six months."

L. Neil Williams, Jr., namesake of the new lecture series, was an Atlanta-based leader in the fields of law, education, and the arts. He passed away in the summer of 2012.

"Neil Williams was a great supporter of the arts in Atlanta, so it is an honor to be the first host of this new series," said Woodruff Arts Center President and CEO Virginia Hepner. "We want to do everything we can to ensure the great legacy of Neil Williams endures to inspire other leaders in our city and around the country."

The May 17, 2013 premiere lecture will be the first in a series. Every six months a new host, venue, and topic will be chosen. Each lecture will be captured and made available online so that, regardless of location, the discussion can be used to stimulate conversation and action in local communities.

Each "Neil Asks" lecture will pose a question which will be addressed by the panelists. On May 17, Neil Asks, "How do the arts and business intersect?" The question will be answered through a conversation about leadership and innovation with Mr. Runnicles and Mr. Kent.