Arts and Culture

Aspen Institute Announces the 2027 Aspen Words Literary Prize Longlist

The 2027 longlist includes 14 works of fiction –13 novels and one short story collection. “Good People” by Patmeena Sabit, “Should the Waters Take Us” by Stephanie Soileau and “A Private Man” by Stephanie Sy-Quia are debut novels; “Fat Swim” by Emma Copley Eisenberg is a debut story collection.

November 4, 2026

2027 Great Books – Do Humans Need an Idea of the Good? A Common Good?

This five-week program invites participants to explore some of the most influential works in Western thought through guided weekly discussions.

Wed Feb 24, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:30pm MST

2027 Great Books – Exploring the Nietzschean Critique of the Good

This five-week program invites participants to explore some of the most influential works in Western thought through guided weekly discussions.

Wed Feb 17, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:30pm MST

2027 Great Books – Exploring the Machiavellian Critique of the Good

This five-week program invites participants to explore some of the most influential works in Western thought through guided weekly discussions.

Wed Feb 10, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:30pm MST

2027 Great Books – Exploring a Judeo-Christian Idea of the Good

This five-week program invites participants to explore some of the most influential works in Western thought through guided weekly discussions.

Wed Feb 3, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:30pm MST

2027 Great Books – Exploring an Aristotelian Idea of the Good

This five-week program invites participants to explore some of the most influential works in Western thought through guided weekly discussions.

Wed Jan 27, 2027, 6:00pm – 8:30pm MST

2026 Artist-Endowed Foundation Leadership Forum

Nov 12 – 13, 2026, 11:00am – 5:30pm EST

Mapping the Religion & Media Space

Religious, spiritual, and ethical teachings have a profound impact on people’s perspectives and inform many of our civic debates. Understanding other’s worldviews can make for healthier disagreement.

October 1, 2026

Nominations Open for Second Class of the Michael D. Eisner Arts and Culture Fellowship

The program brings together accomplished leaders from across arts and culture to reflect on their leadership, engage in meaningful dialogue about the role they play in shaping culture, and build relationships that can help turn their influence and ideas into lasting positive change.

September 24, 2026