Spark, the theme of the 2016-2017 South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Artist & Lecture Series intends to stimulate discussion, provoke deep thinking, and inspire action. The Artist & Lecture Series brings a diverse group of distinguished scholars, activists, and artists starting fall 2016 and culminating spring 2017. The common theme, Spark, celebrates the people and events that were catalysts to a movement that changed how we live today.
Kati Sagawa, Communications Consultant at SPSCC explains, “The SPSCC Artist & Lecture Series delivers a wide array of individuals–innovators, storytellers, filmmakers, musicians, podcasters, writers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, artists, leaders and politicians. We want to initiate courageous and purposeful discussion within our community concerning critical and contemporary issues. Whenever possible, we keep the events free for our campus community and low cost for the general public so that we can establish SPSCC as a place that invites people to push the boundaries of comfortable conversation and talk about diversity and equity in a meaningful way.”
After a long hiatus and now in its fourth season, President Tim Stokes reinstated the Artist & Lecture Series due to his passion and advocacy for the arts and as a reflection of the college’s mission. Over the last three years, the Artist & Lecture Series has brought in well known individuals such as Nikki Giovanni and Luis Urrea in 2013-14, Ruth Ozeki and Terry McMillan in 2014-15, and BD Wong and Jamaica Kincaid in last year’s series.
“We recognize the beauty and potential of the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, and want to provide the college and local community the opportunity to see unique artists from all over the world on our campus,” says Sagawa.
“By valuing the arts and sharing the SPSCC mission, we have been able to enrich the experience of our students, faculty and local community,” she adds. “Each year we select a theme that supports our mission and initiates engaging discussions. This year we brought in unique artists that offer passion, light and inspiration. We wanted to spark the interests of students to move to the next level of whatever their journey may be. We want to encourage them to learn something new and further their skill development. We want to motivate our audiences to start something on their own. We think of this series as a platform to ignite people to be a catalyst through their own interests and passions.”
For the 2016-2017 series, many of the nationally and internationally recognized performers will work directly with SPSCC students in small groups, as well as collaborate in community partnerships. SPSCC has taken the unique approach this year to expand the opportunities and build awareness for more of the community to experience.
For the second year, the Artist & Lecture Series has combined with SPSCC’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Banquet and this year is engaging Michael Tubbs as the Keynote Speaker. Tubbs, a first-generation Stanford University graduate from South Stockton is a passionate advocate for education, community and policy. In his keynote presentation, Tubbs will address the role of youth in political action and overcoming obstacles in completing education.
And, in partnership with the Lacey-Minsk Mazowiecki Sister City Association, there will be an evening dedicated to the 19th century Polish composer Frederic Chopin. Polish pianist Jacek Nazarczuk will perform works by Chopin in addition to winners of a local Chopin competition. In conjunction to this evening’s performances, the Gallery at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts will host an exhibition from the sister city with the curator discussing the art and the connection to the city.
An example of more in depth student opportunities, the Los Hermanos Arango Afro-Cuban musical group visiting in October will work with the SPSCC Jazz Band to teach about the Afro-Cuban culture and its influence through their rhythms.
“The Artist & Lecture Series has experienced growth in the attendance in the last three years, but we’re ready to take it to the next level and get more community members interested. We really want our student community to enjoy the performances and we also want our local community to come on campus and become a part of what we’re doing,” encourages Sagawa.
Visit the website for more information and full listing of performances on the 2016-2017 South Puget Sound Community College Artist & Lecture Series.
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