An Ideas Festival in Northwest Connecticut
Which panel discussion to choose? For one particular session, the options were the pros and cons of a guaranteed income for every American, “Hamilton” and non-profit theater, and the 21st century challenges of feminism ― plus there was the outdoors draw of beautiful Litchfield County on a splendid sunny day. For over 300 participants who have traveled to the campus of the Kent School in scenic northwest Connecticut for the second annual year of “Kent Presents” the dilemma, seven times a day, is choosing one of three juicy topics to focus on for the next fifty minutes.
The Kent School campus is the setting for Kent Presents
For the second year in a row, Litchfield county’s verdant hills were the setting for northwest Connecticut’s answer to Davos World Economic Forum and the Aspen Institute. Three Nobel laureates, four former US ambassadors, directors of four major museums, the former head of British intelligence, the scientist who helped confirmEinstein’s theory of gravitational waves were among over 85 authors, doctors, technicians, artists, and other experts assembled to share their expertise with people who have traveled from New Mexico, Florida, Minnesota, Arizona, Louisiana, and the surrounding towns to attend.
Organized by local resident philanthropists Ben and Donna Rosen, the festival not only disseminates great ideas but also benefits the local community. Each year proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations boosting local efforts such as Kent’s Historical Society and Library, Village Housing for the Elderly, Education Center and Nursery School. This year local galleries and businesses opened their doors for Kent Arts Night to help express the community’s thanks. Broadcasts of all the sessions are due to be posted on the festival website
