This special all day symposium coincides with the exhibition Crescendo: How Art Makes Movements (1981-1999), and will feature a diverse array of programming, such as artist presentations, panel discussions, performances, and community-driven projects that highlight the shared experiences and struggles of Black and Asian communities.
Asian Arts Initiative was founded in the wake of the LA Uprisings to address afro-asian solidarity. The Crescendo Symposium will explore the evolution of Afro-Asian solidarity from historical movements like the Black Panther Party to contemporary grassroots efforts. Artists and activists will reflect on how solidarity has been built through the arts, and how these communities continue to support each other in the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Additionally, the symposium will feature a catered community meal and ample time for networking and reflection on how art can foster solidarity and collaboration between marginalized communities.
Featured speakers & performers:
Artist Presentations by Artist/Activist Fellows Lauren Lowe and Memory Workers' Guild. And Bandung Resident artists: Sunnie Liu & Malaika Temba, and Louise Yeung
Book Presentation by Theodore A. Harris
Panel Discussions with:
- • Rev. Gregory Holston, BlackPhilly4Chinatown
- • Michelle Myers, Black + Gold Artists Exchange
- • Vivian Chang, Asian Americans United
- • DJ Graves, Abolition School, SPOC, Ginger Arts Center
- • Amy Andrieux, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporic Art (MoCADA)
- • Denise Ryner, Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia
Performances by Jungwoong Kim & Germaine Ingram
Live Music from Rachel Chang & Mel Hsu of the No Arena Flash Chorus
Program Schedule
- 12:00 - 12:20 Intro & Grounding
- 12:20 - 12:50 Opening Performance
- 1:00 - 2:00 Artist Presentations
- 2:00 - 2:45 Gallery Tour / Book Presentation
- 2:45 - 3:30 Panel Discussion #1 / Artist Roundtable
- 3:45 - 4:30 Panel Discussion #2 / Artist Roundtable
- 4:45 - 5:15 Live Music Performance
- 5:15 - 6:00 Community Meal
This event is open to public and pay what you wish. RSVP is strongly encouraged.
