The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art hosts “What’s Art have to Do it?” with VillageSpeak, a new nonpartisan Bainbridge Island organization inspired by City Club Seattle, at 7 p.m. Monday, May 7.

VillageSpeak aims to encourage smart conversation about local issues and build informed dialogue, collaboration and community.

The kickoff meeting will be held in the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art auditorium. A moderated panel of five local arts leaders will talk about what art does and doesn’t have to do with vital community. The audience is invited to participate, bringing a wide-range of perspectives to the table.

The panel includes Dominique Cantwell, executive director of Bainbridge Performing Arts; Marcia Christen, certified nonviolent communications trainer; Susan Jackson, executive director of Bainbridge Arts and Crafts; Debbi Lester, owner of Art Access magazine and mayor of Bainbridge Island; and Greg Robinson, executive director the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. VillageSpeak instigator Ann Warman will moderate the discussion.

Admission is free to the Bainbridge Island community, but online registration is requested. Food and beverage follow the formal panel discussion as the conversation continues one-to-one in a standing reception.

For more information, visit http://VillageSpeak.org.