Art vs. Activism: no way back?!

In collaboration with the British Council

Not only in Europe but across the world we experience a concerning political shift to the right. What does this mean for art and art production? Which role do cultural producers (have to) play in times of political crisis?

In his lecture Kwame Kwei-Armah will talk about strategies around equity and inclusion in the arts and discuss the relationship between art and activism in turbulent times. As artistic director of the Young Vic (London) and former director of the Baltimore Center Stage Theatre, Kwame Kwei-Armah will give a unique insight into the state of affairs of marginalised perspectives in the British and US-American arts sphere as well as present some interesting diversity and equity initiatives in the arts.

Host: Julian Warner

Admission is free, seats are limited.

Kwame Kwei-Armah

Kwame Kwei-Armah is the Artistic Cirector of Young Vic and was previously the Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage.

Kwame was Artistic Director for the Festival of Black Arts and Culture, Senegal, in 2010. He is an Associate Director of the Donmar Warehouse and has served on the boards of the National Theatre, Tricycle Theatre, and Theatre Communications Group. Kwame was the Chancellor of the University of the Arts London from 2010 to 2015, and in 2012 was awarded an OBE for Services to Drama. In 2012, 2013 and 2014 Kwame was named Best Director in City Paper’s Best of Baltimore Awards and in 2015 was nominated for the prestigious Stage Directors and Choreographers Zelda Fichandler Award for Best Regional Artistic Director. In 2016 he was awarded the Urban Visionary Award for his work in the Baltimore community.

Young Vic

Based in Waterloo, in London, The Young Vic is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and a world leading home for theatre artists, with a particular focus on directors. We have an international reputation for creating ground-breaking shows with the most talented artists. We keep our ticket prices low (£10 - £40) and give 10% away for free to non-traditional audiences. This gives us one of the most exciting, diverse and young audiences in the country.  We produce new plays, classics, musicals, adaptations of books, short films, and more. Recent shows include Yerma, The Brothers Size, The Jungle and The Inheritance.