SMC Public Policy Institute Fall 2022 Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum

SMC Public Policy Institute and SMC Associated Students to Host
2022 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum November 10-December 4

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College (SMC) Public Policy Institute (PPI) and the SMC Associated Students will present the 2022 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum November 10-December 4. The theme for this year’s community forum is “Changing the Way We See.”

The PPI Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum, which opens with the Ethos Film Awards International Film Festival, will feature community discussions on race, a photography exhibition of images of Native America by SMC artist-in-residence Matika Wilbur, and a live "All My Relations" podcast and the first-ever "All My Relations" Film Festival. Forum events highlight the importance of the visual and performing arts in — and to — society, especially as it strives to recover from the many COVID-19 effects and moments of social and racial reckoning it is experiencing. Expression through the arts can influence ideas and change perceptions, as well as augment community advocacy that can make change happen. This year's events also include live, in-theater dance performances for audiences ranging from fifth graders to adults.

All forum events are open to the public, and most events are free. Seating is on a first-arrival basis if reservations are not required. All presentations are subject to change without notice.

"This year’s Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum demonstrates the importance of artistic representations across our community, the hemisphere, and the world as we collectively recover from the global pandemic,” said PPI co-director and SMC political science professor Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein.

The 2022 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum events include:

• Thursday-Sunday, November 10-13:

Film Festival – "Ethos Film Awards International Film Festival"

The fourth edition of the popular international film festival will screen films and present awards online and at selected local venues with the aim to conceptualize a vision for a better future by highlighting a "purpose-driven" artistic approach to the impact and meaning of story. Schedule, location, and ticket details at filmfreeway.com/ethosfilmawards.

• Thursday, November 17, at 11:15 a.m.:

Panel Discussion – "Introducing Race Relay: Community Discussions on Race"

PPI will host a conversation about what Race Relay is and how students and community members can submit stories to be performed by actors during Race Relay events in late March 2023. Free, Stromberg Hall (HSS 165) on the main SMC campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica).

• Friday-Saturday, November 18-19:

Art Exhibition – Matika Wilbur: "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America"

A photography exhibition on display through May 15 in SMC's Pete and Susan Barrett Gallery showcases images of Native America by SMC artist-in-residence Matika Wilbur — the widely acclaimed photographer, writer, National Geographic Explorer, podcaster, and public speaker from the Tulalip and Swinomish Tribes (see smc.edu/barrett for exhibition hours). Free, Pete and Susan Barrett Gallery at the SMC Performing Arts Center (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica).

• Friday-Saturday, November 18-19:

"All My Relations" Film Festival

The first-ever "All My Relations" Film Festival premiering at the new John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center features works by some of the most exciting Native filmmakers of today and tomorrow (see smc.edu/barrett for film titles and screening times). Free for SMC students with ID; $15 per day general admission (see smc.edu/barrett for ticket details), JAMS Performing Arts Center (2425 16th Street, Santa Monica).

• November 25-December 4:

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet

The Westside School of Ballet, joined by the SMC Nutcracker Symphony and SMC dancers, presents the 49th annual holiday extravaganza as a live, in-theater performance — featuring Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, Balanchine’s exuberant choreography, falling snow, and a Christmas tree that grows — in partnership with the Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute’s Arts and Culture Initiative. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 25 and December 2; at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 26 and December 3; and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 27 and December 4, in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica). Ticket details at westsideballet.com. Free onsite parking.

Guests should visit smc.edu/coronavirus before heading to the performance for up-to-date details on vaccine and mask requirements, as the requirements are subject to change.

The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. SMC offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in public policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.

The SMC Public Policy Institute Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum is cosponsored by a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors, including Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMC Associates, Santa Monica College Foundation, Westside School of Ballet, SMC Dance Department, and The Broad Stage.

More information is available at smc.edu/ppi or by calling 310-434-3541.

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