Left of Center Art Gallery presents a symposium, Seeking Justice Through Art: A Convergence of Creatives with their partners The Social Justice Council of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and the Las Vegas Urban League on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Pearson Community Center from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Seeking Justice Through Art: A Convergence of Creatives brings together social justice scholars, activists, community non-profits and artists. The goal is to present the context behind contemporary social justice issues with examples of how to incorporate them into an artist’s practice. This event informs by using art and education to advance awareness to find solutions for the issues impacting our community. The audience will be local and regional artists as well as interested community members. It is our intention to allow anyone who is interested the opportunity to participate, therefore, the event will be free and open to the public with pre-registration and an optional box lunch priced at cost.

One of our sessions, Community Roundtables and Networking is designed specifically for artists to engage with advocacy and community organizations that work on social justice issues. Artists that incorporate social justice themes in their work are more successful if they select issues that personally resonate with them. Socially engaged artists often wish to collaborate with a community organization that focuses on their issues and can offer collaboration, communication and inspiration. Come and meet with like minded people and organizations that are willing to inspire you and work with you to create social change. Art can equal social change!

Social justice issues that impact people of color, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people will be addressed such as immigration, economic equality, prison reform, human trafficking, rape, domestic violence, homelessness, profiling, affordable housing and child abuse. We will have artists who work with social justice issues thematically in their work present as well as socially-engaged artists during the morning sessions.Speakers include: Moderator Claytee D. White, Opening Keynote Speaker is Dr. Anita Revilla and Closing Remarks are by Rachel J. Anderson. Presenters include Diane Bush, Sylvester Collier, Denise R. Duarte, Alexander P. Huerta, Ruzo Logic, Laura Martin, Marylou Parker, Dr. Cheryl Radeloff and Vicki Richardson.

The session, Community Roundtables and Networking is designed for artists to engage with community organizations that work on social justice issues. Community organizations will be onsite to meet with you, to provide background information on their issues and perhaps discuss working with you to create a better world. Find your place at the table! During this session there will also be an opportunity to learn how to prepare to submit to the upcoming Left of Center Social Justice juried exhibition plus a roundup session for artists who would like to continue the exploration of art = social change.

This program is made possible by a grant from Nevada Humanities. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of Nevada Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This program has been funded, in part, by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Thank you to Jason's Deli for their community sponsored pricing for the box lunches!

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

No ID requirement or age limit to enter the event.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email Denise R. Duarte at denise@leftofcenterart.org or call 702.647.7378.