Programs

Crescendo Symposium: On Afro-Asian Solidarity

  • WHEN

    12-6PM

    Sunday, April 27

  • WHERE

    Asian Arts Initiative

    1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA

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:

Keynote Address by Dr. Tao Leigh Goffe

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

Artistic Performances by Jungwoong Kim & Germaine Ingram

Live Music from Rachel Chang & Mel Hsu of the No Arena Flash Chorus

This event is open to public and pay what you wish. RSVP is strongly encouraged.

Crescendo Symposium: On Afro-Asian Solidarity

performance, conversation, community-event

12 PM–6 PM on April 27, 2025

Pay What You Wish

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