Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Great Art, Big Ideas

In this episode we tackle the critical issue of book bans and restrictions impacting libraries and schools across the United States. Our expert panel, including Lauren Anderson, Sam Lee, and Harold Steward, will explore the cultural battles over intellectual freedom and the essential role of education in promoting diverse perspectives. Discover the challenges faced by librarians and educators as they navigate these complex issues and learn about the importance of preserving access to information. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on safeguarding intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to education for all.

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In this episode we bring together a distinguished panel to explore the crucial role of preserving cultural identities in our changing world. Featuring Sandy Grande, Chris Newell, Nakai Clearwater Northup, and Dana Jackson-Washington, the discussion dives into the importance of maintaining diverse cultural heritages for current and future generations. Our panelists share their unique experiences and insights into the challenges and successes of cultural preservation, offering valuable perspectives on how to protect and celebrate rich traditions amidst evolving societal landscapes. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on safeguarding our cultural legacy.

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Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Jason Mancini, Executive Director of Connecticut Humanities, discuss the critical role the humanities play in tackling society’s toughest contemporary challenges. Chair Lowe will highlight new National Endowment for the Humanities initiatives that respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time: strengthening our democracy, advancing equity for all, and addressing our changing climate.

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Step into the tempestuous world of Shakespeare's King Lear and explore its profound relevance to our modern climate challenges!  No work of English literature speaks more directly to human vulnerability in the face of climate disruption than Shakespeare's King Lear. The old king, thrust into the storm, feels his environmental weakness to his skin. This round-table conversation is led by renowned Shakespearean scholar Steve Mentz. Speakers will include David Sterling Brown, a CT native who currently teaches at Trinity College in Hartford, and actor, writer, and teacher Tara Bradway.

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Join Laurie Santos, host of the Happiness Lab Podcast, and Tamar Gendler, Yale Professor of Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature, for an enlightening discussion on the science, history, and philosophy of happiness. Learn useful tips and ideas on how to live a more positive life. Whether you're curious about what makes us happy or just want some advice on feeling better, this conversation will be packed with helpful information and good vibes.

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Join author and activist Ashton Applewhite and Donna Fedus from Borrow My Glasses for an enlightening conversation on aging and inclusivity. Discover how aging can be a period of growth and vitality, while exploring strategies to combat ageism and promote fairness. Challenge common beliefs, share ideas for fostering a welcoming society for all ages, and delve into the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging. This discussion highlights the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging and ensuring equitable treatment for everyone!

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Join host Catherine Shen on CT Public's "Where We Live" as she moderates an engaging discussion with Deb Bibbins, founder of For All Ages. Discover why social connection is the foundation of our mental and physical health, who the loneliest age group is (it’s not the one you think!), and how we can help one another improve our social connectivity. Learn how intergenerational connection has the power to add years to our lives and help our community feel more connected and livelier. Don’t miss this chance to hear about ways to improve social health, bring different generations closer, and make our society kinder for everyone.

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Enjoy this unforgettable evening with John Dankosky, CT Mirror's Director of Events, and Erick Russell, Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer! With John's charm and expertise as a renowned radio personality and moderator, and Erick's historic achievement as the first Black LGBTQ person elected to statewide office, get ready for an engaging and inspiring discussion.

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Can science save us? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson of Urban Ocean Lab and John Dankosky from Science Friday, discussing Dr. Johnson's latest book, "What If We Get It Right?" Explore the bold notion of envisioning a future where we act out of love for what's to come, navigating through the complexities of climate change with optimism and determination. This transformative dialogue offers a roadmap for embracing solutions at the intersection of science, policy, culture, and justice, inviting everyone to play a role in shaping a thriving world.

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Enjoy this enlightening discussion on climate displacement, featuring speaker Tabitha Sookdeo from IRIS, Maya Prabhu from Law at Yale Law School and Yale School of Medicine, and Keshia "Talking Waters" De Freece from Sovereign Science LLC. Delve into the pressing question: Who are the climate migrants, and what challenges do they encounter? Gain insight into the complexities of climate-induced migration and the legal and humanitarian issues involved. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of this urgent global issue and explore avenues for support and advocacy.

Watch video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QGMe-9yloh0

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Lucy Nalpathanchil moderates a powerful conversation on Activism and Optimism that features LGBTQ BIPOC activists Adrian Huq, co-founder of the New Haven Climate Movement Youth Action Team, and Kwolanne Felix, Fellowship and Community Manager at Black Girl Environmentalist. This empowering dialogue highlights the potential of emerging climate leaders of color, including Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals, in climate leadership. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by their stories and insights as they discuss strategies for driving positive change in our communities and beyond.

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Enjoy this invigorating community conversation hosted by the Citywide Youth Coalition Inc! In this Ideas event, recorded live on the New Haven Green, we tackle a transformative topic: expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds for local state elections. Dive into an engaging discussion as we explore the benefits and challenges of empowering our youth with the right to vote. We share insights on civic engagement, voting practices, and the importance of investing in the next generation of voters. Discover how we can equip young people with the knowledge they need to understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to our democratic process. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and ready to make a difference. Tune in and join the movement for a more inclusive and engaged electorate! Get ready to engage, learn, and make a difference in our democratic process!

Watch Video on YouTube

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This week Ana María Álvarez, Founding Artistic Director of CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater joins us in the studio to talk about their upcoming production of  ¡AZÚCAR! playing at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas on June 28 & 29, 2024.  Topics discussed include how the company was founded in the concept of resistance and what it means to resist. If after listening to this you are inspired to see the show tickets are available at artidea.org/azucar.

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Keynote by Thi Bui, author and artist of the graphic memoir "The Best We Could Do".
Introduction by President Dr. Elsa Nunez, Eastern Connecticut State University
Moderated by Dr. Jason O. Chang, Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies, Director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, University of Connecticut

Welcome to our Keynote address by Thi Bui, author of the award winning graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, sponsored, in part, by the award from the NEA Big Read.

The NEA Big Read —a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest—broadens our understanding of our world, our neighbors, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience. Showcasing a diverse range of themes, voices, and perspectives, the NEA Big Read aims to inspire meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community.

Thanks to the generous co-sponsorship of the following organizations:

Asian American Cultural Center, UConn.
Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, UConn.
Bloomfield Public Library, Bloomfield, CT
New Haven Public Library
The David T. Langrock Foundation
The New Alliance Foundation
CT Humanities Council.
The National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest.

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How we tell the stories about ourselves, traumatic or otherwise, can be used to categorize us in ways that are not always equitable. Are marginalized groups expected to share traumatic experiences when dealing with institutions of power? Join sociologist, Aya Waller-Bey, community engagement storyteller Mike Keo, and Andrus Awardee Betty Bajek to explore what’s contributing to this issue, why it hurts us all, and how we can best address it.

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A world without housing insecurity. A realistic goal? Only if we better understand the inter-related array of steps that can lead to its elimination. Deepen your understanding and broaden your perspectives of this critical issue with the help of panelists Kellyann Day, CEO of New Reach, social worker Antwan Nedd, New Haven Housing Authority Director Karen DuBois-Walton, community organizer Billy Bromage, and New Reach's vice chair board member Aisha Bello.

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Artificial intelligence has been both idolized and demonized. Some have welcomed it into their businesses. Others fear it will destroy our lives. This lively presentation will help you take a fresh, informed, balanced look at how AI is impacting our lives now...and what we can do to ensure it will continue to be a force for good in the future. Speakers include Dr. Anat Lior, Bonnie Kaplan, and Michael Lynch. Moderated by CT Public’s Lucy Nalpathanchil.

This event was recorded live on June 17, 2023.

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Join us for a Behind the Actor's Studio-style interview with powerhouse practitioners in social change and cultural equity! Grantmakers in the Arts President Eddie Torres will be joined by Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Rosalba Rolón in a session that will engage personal narrative to illuminate pathways of activism in the performing arts. Listen in as Eddie and Rosalba grapple with the tension between the individual and the societal as related to decisions on cultural values and funding. Come curious. Leave inspired.

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Amelia Winger-Bearskin showcases her art and science storytelling work and demonstrates how new technologies can help preserve and engage with ancestral knowledge. Discover how innovative formats can engage future generations. Additionally, Amelia discusses how her collaborations with scientists have enriched her artistic practice.

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The fight to save the planet begins with the drive to safeguard our towns. Learn how to do that in this discussion with climate change experts Bruni Pizarro and James O’Donnell. Moderated by John Dankosky, this panel will break down big concepts like climate justice and migration patterns into the effects on sea levels and storm water across Connecticut’s cities and towns. Just the kind of environmental insights you need to take smarter local actions.

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Join author and award-winning journalist Ari Berman and award-winning scholar, educator, and author, Khalilah Brown-Dean, for a discussion on the history and contemporary relevance of voting rights. Berman is the author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America and Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics. Brown's book Identity Politics in the United States traces the confluence of public policy, law, and institutional design in structuring political divisions.

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American troubadour Shawn Taylor draws from his expertise in mythology, theater, and pop culture to discuss fandom that radicalizes for change. Fandoms—communities that form around common interests, often entertainment series like Harry Potter, Star Trek, or the Marvel films—capture the hearts and minds of millions across the globe. How do we harness that enthusiasm for social change?

Shawn Taylor
Shawn is the creator and was the host of the top-rated podcast, “Surviving Creativity.” He’s a founding author of www.thenerdsofcolor.org, and a founding organizer of The Black and Brown Comix Arts Festival. Shawn is a recognized scholar and sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator in the areas of pop culture and participatory culture studies, mythology, folk and netlore, experimental theater and media studies. He was also a Senior Fellow with the Pop Culture Collaborative focusing on the transformative social power of fandom. Currently he works as a coach and consultant for individual creatives and organizations, and is a university lecturer. Shawn coined the term “Oakanda” to link 2018’s “Black Panther” film and the revolutionary history and spirit of Oakland, CA. His latest project, “Afrofuturism: A Cartography” is a multimedia work that will be released in 2022.

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Strike a pose! Drag performer and Beyoncé impersonator Miss Shalae and ball performer Aishah “Spyder” Murray discuss the roots of ball culture, an art form that originated in the queer and trans BIPOC community in the late 19th century. Today’s ball attendees dance, vogue, and serve looks in a range of fashion styles. If you loved FX’s hit Pose, a drama spotlighting the legends, icons, and ferocious house mothers of New York’s underground balls, this talk is for you.

Michell'e Michaels - Beyonce Impersonator
Michell’e Michaels is a Bay Area native. Born and raised in Oakland California. She is known as the “#1 Beyonce impersonator in the world.” She has lit stages on fire from California to Paris leaving ashes behind. She is an artist in her own right as she uses Beyoncé’s music to tell a story and share a message from a black woman of trans experience perspective. Michell’e is a staple in the ballroom community as the overall mother and co-founder of the Haus of Basquiat and prides herself in helping educate the community by working with nonprofits on issues faced by the LGBT people.

Aishah "Spyder" Murray - Ball performer
Spyder is an internationally known Legend deemed for Old Way and Women’s Performance. Former mother of a prestigious Ballroom house From NYC, Spyder is an androgynous woman who is a Temple University graduate with a BA in Film and Media Arts and a graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College with an Associates in Graphic Design. Spyder hopes to change the negative images of her community in mass media on stage and behind the camera and also bring them to the big screen. She believes that her family, spiritual beliefs, working hard, truly going for what you want, and never taking no for an answer is the key to her success! A member of mainstream Ballroom for over 10 years, the Kiki scene, and the WBT scene she holds a host of knowledge that she hopes to share in order to inspire the next generation of Ballroom and those she inspires.

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An honest discussion about the difficulties women face when returning home after prison, between Babz Rawls-Ivy and Tiheba Bain, who have been through the experience.

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Business entrepreneurs Jason Sobocinski, founder and owner of Black Hog Brewing Company, and Alisha Crutchfield-McLean, founder and owner of BLOOM, New Haven’s newest lifestyle hub, unite for a seminar on how to build a brand and connect with community. 

This talk is moderated by Erik Clemons, CEO of ConnCORP.

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Minneapolis city council president Andrea Jenkins made national headlines in 2017 after becoming the country’s first out Black trans person elected to public office. 

In 2022 she created history again when voted council president. The writer, performance artist, poet and transgender activist talks about her experiences in activism and the importance of centering love as a motivating force in social justice work.

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Critically acclaimed author, chef, and food justice activist Bryant Terry discusses his 2022 James Beard nominated books Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora and Vegetable Kingdom. 

Bryant is in conversation with New Haven food justice activist and podcast host Tagan Engel. 

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In this episode Paul Greenberg talks about the future of our oceans and how we can make changes to help the environment. Greenberg’s writings on oceans, climate change, and the environment appears regularly in The New York Times and other publications. He is the recipient of a James Beard Award for Writing and Literature, a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship and many other grants and awards.

Paul is joined in conversation with John Dankosky, Director of News and Audio at Science Friday. 

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Introducing Great Art, Big Ideas Podcast from the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT.  

This series delves into the most pressing topics in our local community and around the world.   

 All of this season's episodes were recorded as part of our 2022 Ideas Events and were all programmed around the theme of: CONNECT.  Throughout this season we will explore all of the different ways that we connect -through art, through politics, as individuals and as part of a community. 

There will be conversations with celebrity chef and black food activist Bryant Terry, climate connection with author Paul Greenberg, and Shawn Taylor on the power of fandom for the greater good.  We will also be featuring two conversations in Spanish. One with civil rights and labor icon Dolores Huerta and Las Cafateras member Hector Flores about keeping cultural connections alive. 

 We will launch our season this fall.  But in the meantime, make sure you subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and you can show your support by making a donation at artidea.org/subscribe. We hope you will join us. 

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