Arts in Context

The arts create community. Throughout Mason Arts, artistic vision sparks global conversation.

Two new series, Kritikos and Global Arts Coffeehouse, bring Mason artists, scholars and neighbors into conversation about artistic work on the global scene as well as a thoughtful approach to the arts. 

Please see the calendar for a list of current events. Check back for updates throughout the year.

These events are free and open to the public.


Kritikos

Kritikos engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech.

Stack of anti-racist books

Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group

 

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin

Dear Members of the CVPA Community:

 

Inspired by mass actions and worldwide protests demanding racial justice, CVPA’s Arts in Context continues the Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group this spring, moderated by Mason faculty members Jessica Kallista and Kristin Johnsen-Neshati, with help from co-organizers, Josiah Arnett, Cynthia Fuchs, Jordan McRae, Sang Nam, Aries Wilson.

Members of the CVPA community are called to meet in Spring 2022 for a 90-minute session once a week with a goal of long-term commitment to relationship building, awareness, reimagining, transformation, and action, around anti-racist practices, racial justice, and the creation of conversations as well as systems of compassion and healing. We continue to focus on anti-Black racism and its effects on society. 
 
Grounded in the knowledge that it is not a question of whether we are racist, but rather, how racism is expressed and experienced in ourselves, our lives, our behaviors, and our institutions, we explore books, music, art, essays, podcasts, and documentaries that allow us to critically question and consider our roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on racist values and practices.
 
Jessica and Kristin

 


Global Arts Coffeehouse

The Global Arts Coffeehouse centers on the work of international artists, globalization in the arts, and cross-cultural artistic exchange. This series highlights artists with international impact and provides opportunity for Mason students and the community to learn about their work. Each of these events is free and open to the public. 

LaDama
Female Latin powerhouse group LADAMA (LA Weekly)

 The Global Arts Coffeehouse centers on the work of international artists, globalization in the arts, and cross-cultural artistic exchange. This series highlights artists with international impact and provides opportunity for Mason students and the community to learn about their work. Each of these events is free and open to the public. 

LADAMA holding a drumming workshop for percussion students at Manassas Park High School and Mason students enrolled in World Music Classes.
LADAMA holding a drumming workshop for percussion students at Manassas Park High School and Mason students enrolled in World Music Classes.