Lights on Lancaster How One American City Harnesses the Power of the Arts to Transform its Communities

The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when viewed from the outside, looks just like other small cities in America, so what makes this city so unique when it comes to the arts? Told through the stories of people who bring art and creativity to every aspect of life in Lancaster, this collection of essays gives us a glimpse into what makes this city so special and a template that other communities can use as inspiration to harness the power of the arts closer to home. It’ s a window into the thriving modern art scene of one of America’ s oldest inland cities. We’ ll hear first-hand accounts from a mayor who championed public art programs, teachers using art to bring core curriculum to life, a doctor who sees the role art can play in healing patients, local artists, entrepreneurs, and so many more, that reveal what is possible when the arts are seen as crucial rather than incidental. An aspirational road map for anyone looking to bring more of the arts into their homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. A must read for anyone who believes that art is an integral part of the human experience.

Dr. John R. Gerdy serves as founder and executive director of Music For Everyone, a non-profit dedicated to cultivating the power of music as an educational and community building tool in Lancaster County. He has authored several books on the role of sports and music in our schools and society.