Book Talk and Artist Panel: "Democracy as Creative Practice: Moving Forward in Solidarity"

Join Dr. Andrew Zitcer, co-editor of “Democracy as Creative Practice: Weaving a Culture of Civic Life” as he convenes a panel of artists and practitioners to discuss how the arts promote a culture of democracy and bolster civic life. The event will be interactive and offer opportunities for hands-on making and conversation.

About the Book: "Democracy as Creative Practice: Weaving a Culture of Civic Life" offers arts-based solutions to the threats to democracies around the world, practices that can foster more just and equitable societies. The book demonstrates how creativity is integrated in place-based actions, aesthetic strategies, learning environments, and civic processes. As long-time champions and observers of community-based creative and cultural practices, editors Tom Borrup and Andrew Zitcer elucidate work that not only responds to sociopolitical conditions but advances practice. They call on artists, funders, cultural organizations, community groups, educational institutions, government, and others to engage in and support this work that fosters a culture of democracy.

Run of Show:

5:30 pm | Welcome from Dean

5:40 pm | Introduction by Dr. Andrew Zitcer with themes from the book

5:50 pm | Artist contributors speak (5-10 mins each)

6:20 pm | Panel discussion

6:50 pm | Q&A

7:20 pm | Snacks and networking

Dr. Andrew Zitcer is an Associate Professor in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University, where he teaches in Arts Administration and directs the Urban Strategy graduate program. His research explores cultural and economic democracy, and has appeared in Journal Planning Education & Research, Planning Theory & Practice, Antipode and more. His book, "Practicing Cooperation: Mutual Aid Beyond Capitalism" was published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2021. An edited volume, "Democracy as Creative Practice: Weaving a Culture of Civic Life", was published by Routledge in 2024.

Heather Mclean (she/her) is an artist and assistant professor in Environmental Studies and Human Geography at Athabasca University. As an intersectional feminist scholar, she is currently practicing community engaged arts-based research to investigate climate crisis and mutual aid in so-called rural British Columbia.

Kiyoko Motoyama Sims is an artist and adjunct faculty member at Augsburg University and College of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota (USA) as well as a teaching artist at Upstream Arts.

Ronit Eisenbach (she/her) is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park and Director of the Creative Placemaking Minor and Collaborative. Her creative practice, StudioRed invites active participation and sparks dialogue about transforming, enhancing and attending to place. In 2024, she launched the University of Maryland Design & Democracy Initiative.

Lisa Jo Epstein PhD, is an award-winning experiential educator, Applied Theatre Director, Arts & Community-Based Engagement Designer & Facilitator, Theatre of the Oppressed trainer, artistic activist, Presence-Based Coach and Founder of Just Act LLC in Philadelphia PA