Presenting “The Monument We Make,” a symposium and performance hosted by Philadelphia Contemporary, Drexel University, Ars Nova Workshop, Gray Gallery, and Forman Arts Initiative.

Dr. Elizabeth Alexander and Theaster Gates will be in dialogue about issues raised by Gates’ Monument in Waiting, which questions the very concept of monumental sculpture by inviting us all to be in the role traditionally reserved for “heroic” figures. Created in the context of a nationwide reckoning with the legacy of Confederate statues, the work resonates with many of the issues explored by Paul Farber, Director of Monument Lab.  

The Program: 

4 pm: Outdoor Performance with Mind Maintenance featuring Joshua Abrams on guimbre and Chad Taylor on mbira

5:30 pm: Symposium with Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation; Theaster Gates, artist and creator of “Monument in Waiting;”  and Paul Farber, Director of Monument Lab.  Introduced and moderated by Jason Schupbach, Dean, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

6:30 pm: Performance by Odean Pope, Abrams and Taylor, curated by Mikel Avery

8 pm: Reception at Behrakis Hall