15 reasons to be at One State 2015

Looking for a reason to come to One State this September 28 and 29 in Evanston? We’ve got one — and fourteen other great reasons, too. 

1. Get ready for an a-ha moment. We promise there will be plenty in the keynote by Kerry James Marshall and Cheryl Lynn Bruce.
2. Learn about Thingification, and how creative expression can help to combat it, from poet, performer, and sound artist Duriel Harris.
3. Make new and unexpected connections with Bob and Joan Ericksen, founders of the Sun Foundation, a place where arts and ecology collide.
4. Hear how professional filmmakers and kids are collaborating in Champaign-Urbana from Pens to Lens founder Anne Lukeman.
5. Join artists Coya Paz and Maria Gaspar for a conversation about the true definition of community-based practice and the challenges that come along with it.
6. Reflect with conceptual artist Michael Rakowitz, whose work deals with complicated geo-political issues in ways that are personal, provocative, and democratic.
7. Be empowered. Joyce Foundation Program Director Angelique Power discusses the recent work around cultural equity – what it really means and how to achieve it.
8. Meet actor/director Michael Patrick Thornton and hear how and why he founded The Gift Theater in the Jefferson Park neighborhood where he grew up.
9. Think outside the box. Urban farmer Emmanuel Pratt does – he incorporates art and design into his work around urban agriculture, community development and sustainability.
10. Be a problem solver with Michael Rohd, who helps artists and communities connect to build civic health, equity, and capacity.
11. Be part of the conversation. One State is the only statewide conference to bring artists, arts managers, funders, educators, and other arts advocates together in one place.
12. Explore Evanston. Check out Evanston’s arts-related businesses, community-based organizations, historic sites, and public art on the Arts Community Tours.
13. Experience the creative talents of Evanston artists and arts organizations, including performances by Light Opera Works, Piven Theatre, Jutta and the Hi-Dukes, and more.
14. Tour Northwestern University’s Arts Circle, including the brand new, state-of-the-art Ryan Center for Musical Arts building on the shore of Lake Michigan.  NU is hosting a special reception just for us the evening of Monday, September 28.
15. If words fail you, let writer Ian Belknap take over. He’ll synthesize all 10 One State talks in a 10-minute send-off performance. We’re so excited!