The Atlantic Announces First Speakers and Programming for the 18th Annual Atlantic Festival

The 18th annual Atlantic Festival will take place from September 17-19 in New York City. This year’s lineup promises to be as eclectic and thought-provoking as ever, with a focus on conversations that matter.

Music will play a significant role at this year’s festival, particularly in the opening night program “A Soundtrack of a Nation,” a collaboration with Juilliard that explores the evolution of American sound through the eyes of artists and musicians. This theme is particularly apt given the politicization and polarization of music in recent years.

The festival will also tackle topics such as the future of American cities, the state of higher education, and the role of institutions in shaping our collective understanding of history. For example, a discussion marking the 25th anniversary of September 11 will feature former White House officials and an Atlantic executive editor, offering a unique perspective on how our collective memory shapes our understanding of history.

The lineup includes some intriguing pairings, such as Bumble Inc. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd in conversation with Representative Chip Roy of Texas. These unlikely matches promise to generate insights into the current cultural landscape.

The Atlantic’s commitment to hosting lively and informative events is admirable. However, it’s worth asking whether these events contribute to a broader understanding of our times and whether they have a role in bridging the gaps between different perspectives in an era of increasing misinformation and echo chambers.

The State of Higher Education

University leaders James B. Milliken and Danielle R. Holley will participate in a panel discussion on the state of higher education, which is likely to be a highlight of the festival. As institutions face mounting challenges, including budget cuts and rising student debt, it’s essential that we consider how these pressures affect our collective future.

This conversation will touch on pressing issues such as accessibility, affordability, and the role of universities in promoting social mobility. It may also delve into more systemic problems, like the ways in which higher education has become increasingly stratified.

The Future of American Cities

Todd Gloria, Mattie Parker, and Aftab Pureval, mayors from San Diego, Fort Worth, and Cincinnati respectively, will join Evan Smith for a conversation on the future of American cities. This discussion is timely given growing concerns around urbanization, gentrification, and sustainability.

As we consider how to make our cities more livable and equitable, it’s essential that we think about the long-term implications of these decisions. The panel may focus on practical policy solutions or take a more visionary approach, exploring innovative transportation systems, green infrastructure, or new models for community development.

Beyond the Festival

While the Atlantic Festival is undoubtedly an exciting event, its influence extends beyond the confines of the festival itself. Events like these can have a lasting impact on public discourse, providing momentary flashes of insight that inform and shape our collective understanding of the world.

As we navigate our increasingly complex world, perhaps the most pressing question surrounding this year’s Atlantic Festival is: what role will ideas and conversations play in shaping our collective future?