Art has the power to ignite societal change. It amplifies voices and brings to light the injustices in our world. Likewise, reflection on artists’ intentions provides the opportunity to discover new perspectives on global issues. In history and now, all forms of art have been pivotal in achieving positive change. Whether it is theater, music, or literature, the arts provide a space for anyone to learn, grow, and express their ideas. Art is empowering. 

Join a small community of students to discuss the intersection of the arts and some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Check out descriptions of the study groups below:

3/11 From the Outside In: Literature, Art, and the Refugee Experience
Group Leader: Flora Peng '24

Join us for an ongoing conversation about the refugee crisis in the United States! From the Mexican-American War to the Second Sudanese Civil War, gain insight into major U.S. foreign policy programs and the impact they leave on modern society. Discussion topics will include excerpts from refugee literature, including poems, memoirs, and journalism.

3/18 Music for Change
Group Leader: Genevieve Rhodes '24

Join Music for Change! Social justice movements have been crucial for change in American society, and many have been defined by the style of music that represented them. We will be discussing the influence of music and art in movements throughout American history. Come meet some like-minded people and make new friends.

3/25 Face the Arts: Investigating Representation and Diversity in the Fine Arts
Group Leader: Kathryn Gilmore '24

The arts have never been more visible than they are right now despite most live performances being suspended. Throughout quarantine, everyone has been turning to the arts for entertainment and meaning, whether that’s reading books you’ve meant to read for a long time, binging a Netflix show, or creating music. Given how much the arts and media can change how we perceive the world and those around us, it is important to be aware of the ways that the arts characterize certain groups.  Ultimately, we will try to learn more about ourselves, how we perceive the arts, and the changes we can make in our consumption of media.

4/15 Behind the Song
Group Leader: Caitlin Park '24

Calling all music lovers! Have you ever wondered about the true meanings behind popular songs from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Rich Brian, Janelle Monae, and many more? Are you interested in meeting new people and having conversations about popular music and social justice? We will dive into important themes behind current music.

4/22 Representation & Evaluation Through Public Response How We Depict and Represent Social Injustice
Group Leader: Alice O'Connell '24

Have you ever watched a film or looked at a piece of art and had an interesting reaction? Did you find it extremely nuanced and inspiring, or did you find it problematic and ignorant? The arts can often be a means for social change and a way to break down barriers among different groups of people. Join us in examining films, works of art, and theater pieces that tackle issues of race, sexual identity, gender equality, mental health and sexual orientation. As an audience, it is our job to examine and evaluate the intention and impact that these works of art have on our public. 

4/29 Strength through Struggle: Exploring your Identity through Self-portraits
Group Leader: Duncan Wang '24

Self-portraits give artists the control to showcase a representation of themselves. Many of them explore their deep self and inner struggles. Often, there is an internal struggle between one’s recognition of themselves and the biased judgement from others. Artists are able to communicate a message about their identity and their interaction with society through self-portraits. Join us in discussing the impact of self-portraiture throughout history and in exploring your own identity, struggle, and strength through the creation of a self-portrait.