Speaker Request Form

Speaking

William Cochran is known for his ability to inspire audiences and shift perspectives. He frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and corporate events, offering insights on creativity, diversity, and the power of collaborative engagement. Cochran is skilled at encouraging individuals, regardless of their background, to tap into the creative potential of their own minds.

Some previous speaking engagements include the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Literary Society, the Design Excellence in Public Places Symposium for the Boston Society of Architects, the International Association for Public Participation, the Communiversity Conference in London, and the National Conference for Dialogue and Deliberation.


Tours of Community Bridge

Note: Community Bridge is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration, with tours suspended until the project is completed.

Cochran’s Community Bridge is an inspiring site for school, corporate, and community groups. Guided tours have been used for leadership training, educational programs, and as an example of diverse voices uniting for a common purpose. The tour showcases the power of perspective—highlighted by Archangel, the anamorphic projection on the Bridge—offering a transformative experience for all visitors.










Comments appear below from recent program organizers. Contact Cochran Studio for more information.

The masterful artwork of William Cochran and his associates provides an appreciative, strength based process that has led to remarkable results for communities. As a trainer and facilitator of organizational development and change, I believe his work provides a vital link to the co-evolutionary search for the best in people, their communities, and the world around them.
–– Deborah S. Eibner, Senior Trainer, Dartmouth College

One of the most inspiring conference speakers I’ve heard . . . he brought the crowd to tears and generated a standing ovation, a first for us. A truly amazing demonstration of the power of diverse perspectives.
–– Douglas Sarno, Executive Director, International Association of Public Participation

This was an incredibly stimulating workshop with a powerful perspective-broadening impact on group of suburban, urban and rural school superintendents. The challenges to thinking and seeing that underlie the bridge project motivated them reexamine their current perspectives.
–– Dr. Harris Sokoloff, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

At the National Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation, William Cochran’s keynote presentation about the awe-inspiring Community Bridge project had everyone spellbound. The moving, extraordinary story of the bridge helped us to see the possibilities for our work in a new light.
–– Sandy Heierbacher, Director, 2002 National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation

After 30 years as a teacher, I don’t look forward to in-service days, but this was fabulous, absolutely mesmerizing. His talk comes at people from all different angles, and it frees them to look at things differently. Very uplifting, very engaging, very enriching.
–– public school teacher and workshop participant

As a leadership trainer in the corporate world, I feel that every leader who wants to draw the best from themselves and others will appreciate the profound insights of this moving, high-impact presentation.
–– Denise Hall Brown, Director of Diversity for a Fortune 100 company

A moving example of many diverse voices woven a single statement of extraordinary eloquence. This inspiring presentation is of immense value everyone, but especially recommended for leaders, educators, and decision makers - present and future.
–– George R. Houston, Jr., President, Mount Saint Mary’s College

The incredible depth of William Cochran's public art initiatives is matched by the stunning imagery and flawless technique with which they are executed. For any audience contemplating extraordinary new possibilities for community transformation, this powerful presentation is a must.
–– Jerene Weitman, Director of Public Programs, The Heckscher Museum

Reflections from the Studio

Death & Rebirth of Community Bridge

This report details the reasons for the loss of Community Bridge and outlines a way to bring this powerhouse public artwork back online.
READ MORE

Indicators Your Public Art Policy May Need a Professional Overhaul

This checklist was compiled after reviewing a Maryland municipality's public art policy as expressed in its handbook, and noting the most obvious gaps. It serves as a quick gauge to determine how closely the public art program and policies of a municipality align with established professional standards, and underlines the need to engage a veteran public art consultant with deep policy expertise when developing public art policy. Does your program meet these essential indicators? If not, your public art policy may be due for a comprehensive professional overhaul!
READ MORE

15 Most Popular Worst Practices in Public Art Policy

(because 10 wasn't enough for America's favorites) 1. No Criteria, No Problem! Don’t publish standards for artistic excellence, durability, or context fit. Let taste and politics decide. Outcome: A collection that can’t be defended when anyone asks, “Why this?”
READ MORE

Speaking

 

Speaker Request Form

Speaking

William Cochran is known for his ability to inspire audiences and shift perspectives. He frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and corporate events, offering insights on creativity, diversity, and the power of collaborative engagement. Cochran is skilled at encouraging individuals, regardless of their background, to tap into the creative potential of their own minds.

Some previous speaking engagements include the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Literary Society, the Design Excellence in Public Places Symposium for the Boston Society of Architects, the International Association for Public Participation, the Communiversity Conference in London, and the National Conference for Dialogue and Deliberation.


Tours of Community Bridge

Note: Community Bridge is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration, with tours suspended until the project is completed.

Cochran’s Community Bridge is an inspiring site for school, corporate, and community groups. Guided tours have been used for leadership training, educational programs, and as an example of diverse voices uniting for a common purpose. The tour showcases the power of perspective—highlighted by Archangel, the anamorphic projection on the Bridge—offering a transformative experience for all visitors.










Comments appear below from recent program organizers. Contact Cochran Studio for more information.

The masterful artwork of William Cochran and his associates provides an appreciative, strength based process that has led to remarkable results for communities. As a trainer and facilitator of organizational development and change, I believe his work provides a vital link to the co-evolutionary search for the best in people, their communities, and the world around them.
–– Deborah S. Eibner, Senior Trainer, Dartmouth College

One of the most inspiring conference speakers I’ve heard . . . he brought the crowd to tears and generated a standing ovation, a first for us. A truly amazing demonstration of the power of diverse perspectives.
–– Douglas Sarno, Executive Director, International Association of Public Participation

This was an incredibly stimulating workshop with a powerful perspective-broadening impact on group of suburban, urban and rural school superintendents. The challenges to thinking and seeing that underlie the bridge project motivated them reexamine their current perspectives.
–– Dr. Harris Sokoloff, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

At the National Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation, William Cochran’s keynote presentation about the awe-inspiring Community Bridge project had everyone spellbound. The moving, extraordinary story of the bridge helped us to see the possibilities for our work in a new light.
–– Sandy Heierbacher, Director, 2002 National Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation

After 30 years as a teacher, I don’t look forward to in-service days, but this was fabulous, absolutely mesmerizing. His talk comes at people from all different angles, and it frees them to look at things differently. Very uplifting, very engaging, very enriching.
–– public school teacher and workshop participant

As a leadership trainer in the corporate world, I feel that every leader who wants to draw the best from themselves and others will appreciate the profound insights of this moving, high-impact presentation.
–– Denise Hall Brown, Director of Diversity for a Fortune 100 company

A moving example of many diverse voices woven a single statement of extraordinary eloquence. This inspiring presentation is of immense value everyone, but especially recommended for leaders, educators, and decision makers - present and future.
–– George R. Houston, Jr., President, Mount Saint Mary’s College

The incredible depth of William Cochran's public art initiatives is matched by the stunning imagery and flawless technique with which they are executed. For any audience contemplating extraordinary new possibilities for community transformation, this powerful presentation is a must.
–– Jerene Weitman, Director of Public Programs, The Heckscher Museum

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