In Common: New Approaches with Romare Bearden Exhibition and Symposium
The New School presents In Common: New Approaches with Romare Bearden an exhibition, symposium and forthcoming publication that highlight Bearden’s work as an artist, educator, scholar, songwriter, and social activist. These events are co-organized by The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, the Vera List Center for Art and Politics, Schools of Public Engagement at The New School, The Romare Bearden Foundation, and The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University.
EXHIBITION
The exhibition draws from the Romare Bearden Foundation collection and other private collections to present a selection of works demonstrating his keen exploration of race and racial stereotypes, often taking inspiration from history, literature, the Bible, jazz, and African American communities. Bearden’s work is complemented by six leading and emerging contemporary artists—Black Quantum Futurism, Kahlil Robert Irving, Lorraine O’Grady, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, and Charisse Pearlina Weston—whose visions resonate with those of Bearden and contribute to a multigenerational dialogue on the political agency of art.
The exhibition will be at the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Gallery in the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, 66 5th Avenue, from November 9, 2023-January 15, 2024, with the opening reception on November 9, 6:00-8:00pm EST.
SYMPOSIUM
The three-day symposium, In Common: Romare Bearden and New Approaches to Art, Race & Economy, will examine the life, work, and impact of this American icon. Featuring contemporary creative works and perspectives from socially-conscious, politically engaged BIPOC artists and commentators, the symposium will draw on Bearden’s activist legacy to spotlight the potent, yet still-too-rarely-acknowledged relationships between race, culture, economy, and the Common Good.
Through plenary discussions, live performances, and a striking new exhibition, the symposium will investigate the themes of purposeful creativity, the artist as activist, BIPOC leadership in creative culture and economy, and much more. Join us to explore the intersections of art, culture, race, and economy, with a strong focus on engagement and action for social change.
Day One: The Power of Purposeful Creativity
Thursday, November 30, 2023
6:00-8:00PM EST
Wollman Hall, 5th Floor
Day one kicks off three days of programming with conversation, agenda setting, and performance.
Day Two: The Artist as Activist
Friday, December 1, 2023
9:00AM-8:00PM
Starr Foundation: UL-102
Day two focuses on the artist through the lens of activism. This will be a full day of thought-provoking programming panels, keynotes, and performances.
Day Three: Art and Public Engagement
Saturday, December 2, 2023
9:00AM-3:00PM
Wollman Hall, 5th Floor
The final day will focus on art, social content, censorship and public engagement. The day starts off with a performance before jumping into the final day of panels and keynotes.