Watch a conversation between AnAkA and Denae Howard/Artschoolscammer. Recorded February 23, 2022 at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU.

Watch a conversation between Steven Christian and Cameron Grow. Recorded February 25, 2022 at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU.

This original dance performance by Latoya Lovely is inspired by her time working within the Portland Public School (PPS) system. While Smokey Robinson’s song, Cruisin’, brings to mind romance and summer days, the dance is referring to PPS’s response to educators over the past two years. In their handling of COVID as well as instances of racial discrimination, PPS makes decisions that do not take into account the experiences of educators who are working in the schools and the needs of the students and their families. Instead of addressing these issues, from the artist’s view, PPS has maintained the status quo, or rather, continues to cruise along. Recorded April 4,

Credit Pages: Choreographer: Raven Jones, Song Smokey Robinson, Edited by DJ Sworth

Compilation of virtual programming from the Black Lives Matter Artist Grant Exhibition, including video interviews by Steven Christian, AnAkA, and original, recorded dance performance, Cruisin', by Latoya Lovely. Shared during the April 26, 2022 reception.