n effort to bring together artists and scholars to make positive contributions to civil society. "Students who are interested in the humanities sometimes become discouraged because they don't see the contribution they can make," said Sommer. "We tell them, no, you are precisely what is needed to make social investments, to develop a web of cultural activities that weaves together civil society." Cultural Agency carries out this work by hosting conferences, lectures, and workshops, and by coordinating internships, publications, and academic learning with community service.