UCF Celebrates the Arts is harnessing the power of art — and the virtual world — to bring our community together. While many events at this year’s festival will be held at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts using strict health and safety protocols, a series of virtual events will also allow attendees to experience the arts from the comfort of their own homes. Events ranging from discussions about the art of Black language to showcases of artistic talent will be featured online.
Advance registration is required for the virtual events, which are free with the option to “pay what you want.” All virtual events will be closed-captioned in English. Event details can be found at arts.ucf.edu/celebrates.
Arts On! A Virtual Showcase of Creativity at UCF – April 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Go behind-the-scenes with Broadway veteran Justin Sargent ’08 to see how the arts and creativity come alive at UCF through interviews, video clips and conversations. Content includes a conversation about the arts with UCF President Alexander Cartwright, updates from alumni, prints being made in real-time, spoken word, a tribute to theatre professor Mark Brotherton, a gallery tour, thoughts on how creativity impacts disciplines across the university, spotlights on community partners, and much more. You won’t want to miss this two-hour feature of fun; curl up on the couch and see what’s been happening in the Arts at UCF!
Letters of Love, Life and Longing in PRINT: A Hands-On Transcription Workshop – April 7 at 4:00 p.m.
Learn about transcribing letters of the past and try your hand at it with UCF’s PRINT or People, Religion, Information Networks and Travel project. Select from four themed breakout sessions, including Movers and Quakers, Love and Marriage in Early America, Gossip and Sex in Early America and The Ties that Bind – Family Relations in Early America.
The Druze: An Ethnic Minority in the Holy Land – April 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Kenneth Hanson, director of Judaic Studies at UCF, will screen his award-winning documentary, The Druze, and answer audience question in a discussion and Q&A session. His film introduces audiences to a small ethnic and religious sect called the Druze. Featuring exclusive insight from members of the Druze community, the documentary examines the challenges Israel faces as it reconciles its Jewish character with being a diverse and multi-ethnic society.
Happy Hour Reading: Creative Writing MFA Faculty and Alumni – April 9 at 5:00 p.m.
Join faculty and alumni from the UCF Creative Writing program as they read pieces from their body of work. Readers include award-winning author, English faculty members Rochelle Hurt, Chrissy Kolaya, Darlin’ Neal and David James Poissant and alumni Audi Barnes ’20 and Malcolm Kelly ’20.
“If Black Language Ain’t Artful, Then Tell Me, What Is?” with Dr. April Baker-Bell – April 10 at 4:30 p.m.
April Baker-Bell, associate professor of language, literacy and English education at Michigan State University, will tell a story about the history, art and resiliency of Black Language. She will also break down what Black Linguistic Justice can and should look like in classrooms and communities. As a researcher of Anti-Black Linguistic Racism, especially in educational settings, Baker-Bell has unique insight on how Anti-Black Linguistic Racism impacts Black students in and out of the classroom.
“My research confirmed that traditional approaches to Black students’ language education do not account for the emotional harm, internalized linguistic racism or consequences these practices have on Black students’ sense of self and identity,” said Baker-Bell to MSU Today. “My research has also confirmed that an anti-racist approach to language education has a positive impact on Black students’ language attitudes, linguistic identity and sense of self.”
Ongoing events
Artful Moments: Creative Highlights from the School of Visual Arts and Design – April 2 to 10
The School of Visual Arts and Design is showcasing a selection of curated clips, interviews, photos, exhibitions, events and more throughout the festival. These features explore the diverse array of disciplines within SVAD and the exceptional work that students and alumni are creating. Patrons of in-person events will also have the opportunity to view Artful Moments before each live performance. Visit https://arts.cah.ucf.edu/event/artful-moments-creative-highlights-from-the-school-of-visual-arts-and-design for links to the virtual showcases.
Project Spotlight: 10-Minute Virtual Play Festival – April 2 to 10
Are you a theatre enthusiast? Project Spotlight is bringing its 10-minute play festival to UCF Celebrates the Arts! Audiences can watch virtually throughout the week and vote for their favorites at https://arts.cah.ucf.edu/event/project-spotlight-10-minute-virtual-play-festival.