In Common Symposium
Drawing on the artistic and activist legacy of American icon Romare Bearden (1911–1988), the symposium In Common: Romare Bearden and New Approaches to Art, Race & Economy (November 30–December 2, 2023) spotlighted the potent, yet still-too-rarely-acknowledged relationships between race, culture, economy, and the Common Good. Through plenary discussions, live performances, and a striking exhibition, presenters investigated the themes of purposeful creativity, the artist as activist, BIPOC leadership in creative culture and economy, and much more.
The three-day convening offered a unique, action-oriented investigation into the potent relationships among race, culture, economy, and the common good. Plenary discussions examine the themes of purposeful creativity, the artist as activist, BIPOC leadership in creative culture and economy, and other topics. Live musical and artistic performances evoked and explored key themes, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking experience: part conversation and part performance.
The full list of symposium speakers, performers, and artists included: Michael Aghahowa, Dwight Andrews, Rocío Aranda-Alvarado, Aisha Benson, Black Quantum Futurism, Johanne Bryant-Reid, Terri Lyne Carrington, C. Daniel Dawson, Asali Devan Ecclesiastes, Nicole Fleetwood, Darrick Hamilton, Stefon Harris, Diedra Harris-Kelley, Angie Kim, Maurine Knighton, Carin Kuoni, Jessica Lynne, Robert G. O’Meally, Evangeline Ordaz, Eriola Pira, Henry A. J. Ramos, Mary Schmidt Campbell, Radhika Subramaniam, Salamishah Tillet, Eddie Torres, Yvonne Watson, Jordan Weber, Renée T. White, Calvin Williams, H. Sharif Williams, and Wayne Winborne.
In Common Short Videos & Summaries
Challenges and Opportunities
Art and Activism
IN COMMON SYMPOSIUM DAY ONE
IN COMMON SYMPOSIUM DAY TwO
IN COMMON SYMPOSIUM DAY THREE
In Memoriam: Casey Benjamin
Musician Casey Benjamin who performed with Stefon Harris as a centerpiece of the Romare Bearden symposium last December passed away in March of this year. An in-demand saxophonist, composer, producer, and vocalist, Casey performed with artists such as Solange, A Tribe Called Quest, Robert Glasper, and many others. He was a founding member of Stefon’s influential group Blackout and was his closest collaborator for over 25 years. Casey brought a caring spirit, infectious energy, and deep humanity to his artistry and everything and everyone he touched was made better by his presence. He will be greatly missed but his memory and music will endure for decades to come.
Read his New York Times obituary here.
