Why do politicians need artists?

Why Do Politicians Need Artists?
Crossing the Line 2008, French Institute Alliance Française

Saturday, September 20 (4pm-6pm)
French Institute Alliance Française (Tinker Auditorium)
55 East 59th Street, Manhattan

Moderator:

André Lepecki, Associate Professor of Performance Studies (NYU)

Panelists:

Ralph Lemon, Independent Artist (New York)
Julia Mandle, Independent Artist (New York)
Arthur Nauzyciel, Artistic Director of National Dramatic Center of Orléans (France)

Americans, and the world, will remember 2008 for its historic presidential election. As the campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain move into full gear, little is said about the candidates’ positions on the arts, or their views on the role of artists in contemporary society.

This panel brings together independent artists from France and New York whose work engages with social and political issues. They will examine what role artists already play in relation to building a healthier society, and what value and function Americans place on a vibrant artistic community.

Join FIAF for this pertinent and timely round-table discussion on the role of the artist in society including an opportunityfor audience members’ questions and observations.

Free admission by reservation only (by September 18): rsvp@fiaf.org or 646-388-6681

A big draw...and some dancing, too

The Big Draw--The Drawing Center's third annual hands-on celebration of drawing for all ages--happens this Saturday at five Lower Manhattan venues:

The Big Draw is guaranteed to change the way you think about drawing. Pick up a free sketchbook and participate in artist-led activities. Bring your imagination and let your creativity flow—no experience necessary!

This year's activities will include a couple of dance-related events:

Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Explore how sound and movement can be captured through mark, gesture, and line. Enjoy live dance performances, participate in discussions, and draw the body in motion and repose with Jeffrey Gibson in collaboration with The Heyna Second Sons Singers led by Louis Mofsie and Native American dancers Donna Ahmadi, Tom Pearson, and Michael Taylor. (Performances at 11:00 AM, 12:15, 1:30, and 2:45 PM)

Location: Smithsonian NMAI, George Gustav Heye Center, U.S. Custom House (One Bowling Green, Across from Battery Park)

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World Financial Center Plaza
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Hop, mark, and draw your way through Julia Mandle’s creative variation of hopscotch, inspired by the French version known as “escargot.” Members of J Mandle Performance wear artist-designed and cast chalk shoes to create a giant, spiral game board in this one-of-a-kind interactive performance.

Location: World Financial Center Plaza (between Vesey and Liberty Streets, in Battery Park City)