Art + Technology + Social Justice
The Arts for All initiative partners the arts with the sciences, technology and other disciplines to develop new and reimagined curricular and experiential offerings that nurture different ways of thinking to spark dialogue, understanding, problem solving and action. It bolsters a campus-wide culture of creativity and innovation, making Maryland a national leader in leveraging the combined power of the arts, technology and social justice to collaboratively address grand challenges.
EVENTS
Moving with Screens + Machines: A Symposium on Embodied Practices and Technology
Thu, April 18–Sat, April 20
Join us for a thought-provoking symposium on the relationship between embodied practices and technology. This in-person event will bring together multi-disciplinary experts and enthusiasts to explore how screens and machines shape our experiences and interactions. The Moving with Screens + Machines Symposium is presented by the University of Maryland Immersive Media Design Program, the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies and Arts for All.
Learn More & Register!
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Kay Theatre
Tickets required.
Journey down the Amazon River aboard the steamboat El Dorado in Daniel Catán’s opera that explores themes of longing, self-discovery and the connection between art and the natural world. Inspired by the magical realism found in the works of Gabriel Garcia Márquez, Florencia en el Amazonas follows the story of Florencia Grimaldi, a famous soprano returning home to sing at the opera house in Manaus with hopes that the performance will attract her love Cristóbal, a butterfly hunter who has gone missing in the jungle.
Aboard the El Dorado are several passengers traveling to watch Florencia’s performance: a squabbling couple, the captain, his nephew and Rosalba, a journalist planning to write a book about Florencia. Despite their proximity, the passengers are unaware of Florencia’s identity. As the journey continues, the lives of the passengers become increasingly intertwined, forcing them to confront their fears and desires.
Join the Maryland Opera Studio on this magical boat ride that celebrates the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit in their spring production of Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Kogod Theatre
Tickets required.
With an air of wit and a twinge of anxiety, Mikhail Durnenkov’s Are We At War Yet? is a distinctly Russian narrative exploring everyday issues like the threat of war and the psychological effects of propaganda. His dark comedy shows audience members that the fabric that holds society and family together is nothing more than gossamer, and it’s close to tearing.
David C. Driskell Center, Gallery
Free
Join The Driskell Center for the archives symposium. Four fellows who worked with Driskell Center staff to further their research in Black art and visual culture present their research to the public. The keynote lecture will be delivered by Leslie King-Hammond.
The Hall CP
Free
Welcome the warm weather with this new monthly jazz jam session led by D.C.-based saxophonist Elijah Balbed! The house band will play a set starting at 7:30PM. Bring your instrument! After enjoying their set, you’ll have a chance to call a tune! Participation in our jazz jams is free–no tickets required and all levels welcome.
Brendan Iribe Center, Michael Antonov Auditorium
Registration required.
Join the College of Arts and Humanities on Wednesday, April 24th to inaugurate the new Frederick Douglass Center for Leadership Through the Humanities, a hub for humanities scholarship and programming that engages the public and works towards social justice and equity, with a special event featuring world-renowned poet, educator and activist Nikki Giovanni. Her work exploring race, gender, sexuality and the African American family has inspired generations to fight for change. Giovanni will chat with ARHU Associate Dean GerShun Avilez, who leads the Douglass Center, and ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan, as well as answer audience questions. A reception will follow.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Gildenhorn Recital Hall
Free
The College of Arts and Humanities and the School of Public Health co-host a screening of "Birthing Justice," a feature-length documentary discussing the issues fueling the maternal health crisis within the African American community and advocating for best practices to enhance birthing equity for all women, especially Black women. The filmmakers explore this national epidemic in four regions—Washington, D.C., Augusta, GA, several areas in Missouri and California, interviewing those affected by current policies, i.e. birthing individuals and healthcare professionals, as well as those, such as birthing advocates, activists and policy makers, in the forefront of advancing policy change.
Film producer Denise Pines will be in attendance. There will be a brief reception after the screening.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Dekelboum Concert Hall
Tickets required.
The UMD Chamber Singers present a thought-provoking performance to bring healing amidst difficult times. Weather: Stand the Storm, a new composition by Rollo Dilworth, is a featured piece, along with works by Lotti, Gabrieli, Buxtehude, Robles and more. With this program, UMD Choral Activities invites you to sit back and reflect on how our actions impact those around us.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Ideas for Used Materials
April 16, 2024
Art class designs Maryland Day installation from found objects.
Low-Cost Lessons Raise Musical Bar for Local Teens
April 15, 2024
Terrapin Community Music School matches grad students with youths to expand access.
Dye-ing for More Natural Colors
April 11, 2024
Plant sciences class combines chemistry, art and history as students create plant-, insect-based dyes.
UMD Student’s Business Aims to Redefine Custom College Apparel
April 6, 2024
Annika’s Customs began as an idea to help high school seniors represent their college. It’s since turned into a money-making machine.
Sculpture Celebrating David Driskell Unveiled
April 5, 2024
Noted African American artist’s 20-foot-tall work stands outside center named for late professor, artist and scholar.
Revisit a Cult Classic Music Documentary Made by UMD Alumni
April 5, 2024
The short, co-directed by University of Maryland alum Jeff Krulik, captured the anticipation for metal band Judas Priest’s May 31, 1986 in Maryland.
The Arts for All initiative seeks to ensure that the arts are woven into the very fabric of life at the University of Maryland...so the Terrapin identity is writ large and forged strong.
Arts Improve the Student Experience
We are prepared to address the growing student and industry demand to integrate the arts into student life, both within and beyond the curriculum, helping students access and amplify their creative talents and fostering collaborative and innovative thinking to solve problems.
Arts Create an Inclusive Environment
We are harnessing the power of the arts to spark civic dialogue, increase community engagement and activate social change.
Arts Advance the University
We are accelerating innovation, discovery and insights through collaborations among the arts, the humanities and the sciences through research, creative activity and technological innovation.
Want to learn more about the Arts for All initiative and how you can join the campus-wide effort? Send us an email and we will be in touch.