Artists Lead Community Discussion on Gun Violence at the Central Library on Monday, July 25
release date: July 20, 2022
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and The Seattle Public Library are partnering on an artist panel discussion about changing the narrative around gun violence from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday, July 25.
Titled “Art, Artists, and the Narratives of Loss and Resiliency,” the event will be held at The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, in the Microsoft Auditorium on Level 1. It will feature Rosette Royale, local journalist and editor, and a panel of local artists: Soulma Ayers, Chardonnay Beaver and Mike Davis.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell; Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Acting Director royal alley-barnes; and Chief Librarian Tom Fay will also provide welcoming remarks.
"Artists have lived experiences of and about this violent behavior that can reshape our individual and shared narratives to support community actions even as we collectively pursue individual and group healings," said royal alley-barnes, Acting Director of the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS).
“This conversation could not be more timely,” said Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “The loss of life in our communities due to gun violence impacts everyone, and we are grateful to ARTS for convening artists to help us come together in stories, action and healing.”
During the July 25 panel, artists will discuss questions ranging from how art helps with resilience; the impact of gun violence on creating art; and how art can collectively help us dream of a new future.
The event kicks off a series to address the lived experience and resulting effects of gun violence on our communities. These impacts are felt throughout the nation and in Seattle. Artist-speakers will lead community engagement conversations, integrate arts and cultural elements, and share their personal experiences working to change the narratives around gun violence. Dates and locations of future events in the series have not yet been announced.
All events at the Library are free and open to the public and registration is not required.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.
ABOUT SEATTLE OFFICE OF ARTS & CULTURE
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) manages the City's public art program, cultural partnerships grant programs, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, ARTS at King Street Station, and The Creative Advantage initiative in the effort to foster a city driven by creativity that provides the opportunity for everyone to engage in diverse arts and cultural experiences. In alignment with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative, we work to eliminate institutional racism in our programs, policies and practices. ARTS is supported by the 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council.