[Music] Good evening everybody. It's March 2012 and as I take the stage from my solo piano debut at Carnegie Hall, I can hear a soldout audience cheering for me. A few months later, it's August of 2012, and as I walk to the piano to perform in a small house concert in Evston, Illinois, I stop.I can smell something terrible. Turns out while I've been walking to the piano, I've stepped in a fresh pile of dog poop. That really happened, y'all.Now, one of these two concerts, it might sound clearly more glamorou ...

AI & Creativity - AI tools have impacted creativity by providing writing, drawing, and music creation capabilities [2] - The talk argues against the idea that AI will kill creativity, instead emphasizing its increasing importance [3] - AI can't replicate the human need for creative expression as a means of escaping daily pressures and refueling with wonder [11] - AI-generated content lacks the soul and meaning found in human-created art, making handmade and imperfect art more valuable [19][21] - AI can free individuals from the fear of imperfection, allowing them to focus on the creative process rather than the outcome [22] Mental Health & Well-being - Participating in arts activities can reduce stress hormones and increase endorphin and dopamine levels [12] - Art therapy can reduce symptoms of depression by over 70% [13] - Humming can reduce anxiety more than physical exercise and sleep [13] - Creative activity can improve mood, boost confidence, reset the mind, and foster social connections [15] Community & Economy - Arts and creative industries can revitalize struggling communities, as seen in the transformation of Margate [16][17] - Creative practices in the workplace can benefit staff well-being, creative thinking, concentration, solution finding, and team morale [15] - Arts program in Gosport has seen 12,935 engagements in new arts experiences with 2,39 participations in arts activities and workshops over four years [10]

Career and Artistic Journey - The speaker's 40 years of work in performing arts started at age five, driven by a childhood dream of global peace [1][2] - The speaker trained for seven and a half years and became a national champion winner in Barasanatium competitions [6] - The speaker's first award was for service to Southeast Asian countries for teaching nearly 8 to 10 thousand students [17] - At 56, the speaker returned to the limelight, embracing her scars and sharing her story through dance [18] Family and Mentorship - The speaker's parents provided a foundation of education, spirituality, and arts, influencing her work [2][5] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of teachers (gurus) in her life, highlighting the gurukulum system where students live and study with the teacher [5][7] - The speaker's family is known as a Malaysian family in the arts, with her children being multi-talented musicians and dancers [13][14] Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose - The speaker faced personal struggles, including depression and a health condition (atopic dermatitis) that impacted her ability to perform [10][15] - The speaker found healing and purpose in teaching at the Temple of Fine Arts, which allowed her to grow and help others [12][13] - The speaker challenged traditional expectations by dancing without makeup or costumes and shaving her head, making a statement about beauty and perfection [16] Message and Vision - The speaker advocates for using performing arts as a tool to create empathy, compassion, and unity in the world [19] - The speaker hopes to inspire millions, especially children, to love, live, and communicate with their parents [19]

Arts & Culture in Puerto Rico - Lin Manuel Miranda continues to share his Puerto Rican heritage through his work [1] - The arts are bringing attention to Puerto Rico, changing the conversation around the island [5] - The Flamboyan Arts Fund, started by Lin Manuel Miranda and his family, has provided millions of dollars in grants to Puerto Rican cultural and arts organizations after hurricanes Maria and Irma [7] Social Impact & Philanthropy - $150,000 is being donated along with the Hispanic Federation to help immigrants in crisis [8] - The donation aims to support organizations fighting for vulnerable communities racially profiled and legally residing in the US [9] - Art can engender empathy and serve as an escape during catastrophic events [10] Lin Manuel Miranda's Projects & Reflections - Lin Manuel Miranda reflects on the 10th anniversary of Hamilton's debut and its continued impact [2] - He notes the evolution of the meaning behind "Immigrants, we get the job done" [3] - Lin Manuel Miranda and Issa Davis released an album called Warriors, hoping to turn it into a Broadway production [12] Advice for Artists - The best advice for artists is to continue practicing their craft, as opportunity is the uncontrollable part [11] - Artists should write what they feel is missing [11]

Accessibility in Arts - The document discusses accessibility in modeling, music, and movies [1] - The document provides a link to further information on the topic [1]

Arts & Self-Expression - Arts education and creative expression can help individuals overcome challenges like social anxiety and selective mutism [1] - Creative outlets such as dance, music, and visual arts provide alternative forms of communication and self-expression [1] - Supportive teachers and mentors play a crucial role in fostering artistic development and helping individuals find their voice [1] Arts & Social Commentary - Art serves as a powerful medium for addressing social issues such as poverty, war, racial injustice, consumerism, and commercialism [5][6] - Artistic expression can challenge oppressive systems and promote critical thinking [8][9] - Art can reflect and respond to historical and contemporary events, capturing collective pain and inspiring movements for change [4][11] Arts & Cultural Significance - Art forms like the haka connect individuals to their cultural roots and honor fallen comrades [2][3] - Art can preserve traditions and provide a platform for cultural expression [7] - The arts are vital for speaking truth and understanding, necessitating funding and support [12]