Now Presents: Renee Fleming, Francis Collins, and Anna Deavere Smith

THE ARTS

PODCAST (43 MIN)

The Role of Art in an Uncertain World

How is art confronting a racist system in America? Oskar Eustis, artistic director at the Public Theater in New York, speaks with Anna Deavere Smith, actress, playwright, author, and professor at New York University. They discuss how, even though arts institutions are mostly closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, artists continue to work. Artists are using their craft to push the country forward in a critical moment. Listen to the podcast.

Smith also spoke with opera director Yuval Sharon about how this extraordinary moment will influence their work and compel all of us to reinterpret art from the past. Watch their conversation (video 23 min) moderated by Kate Levin of Bloomberg Associates.

MUSIC & CULTURAL CHANGE

VIDEO (13 MIN)

Jon Batiste: Music Makes Change

Last month, Grammy-nominated musician Jon Batiste was followed by a brass band, dancers, and musicians in New York City. His effort, We Are: A Peaceful Protest March with Music, brought thousands to the streets. “When you bring music into the mix, that's one way of bringing people together,” he told CNN. A few weeks later, in a special performance for the digital Aspen Ideas Festival, Batiste reflected on why music is integral to moments of significant cultural change. He shared notes from his composition “American Symphony” — which reinterprets classic genres and asks: Are we ready to change?

MUSIC & THE BRAIN

VIDEO (29 MIN)

The Science of the Arts

The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of music and other arts to humanity. But their power and value go far beyond easing us through difficult times. How does music (and the arts) affect the brain and help improve overall health? What is its potential as a therapy for neurological disorders? World-renowned soprano Renee Fleming and Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discuss the burgeoning field of NeuroArts that lies at the interdisciplinary intersection of the arts, research, health, and technology. NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton moderates the conversation.

CIVIL RIGHTS

VIDEO, PODCAST, AND ARTICLE

In His Own Words: A Tribute to John Lewis

“My goal, for the rest of my life, is to continue to do what I can to bring about and to create a world community at peace with itself,” US Representative John Lewis, who died Friday, said at the Aspen Ideas Festival in 2014. Honoring the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, Lewis spoke with Gwen Ifill about Bloody Sunday, the unfinished work of civil rights, and the imperative for youth today. Watch their conversation and read tributesto the "conscience of Congress."

Film Screening: Boys State

July 26

Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Winner "Boys State" takes you on a wildly entertaining and continually revealing immersion into a program in which a thousand Texas high schoolers gather for an elaborate mock exercise: building their own state government. Don’t miss this special one night only streaming on July 26, followed by a conversation with filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, and subjects from the film. Sign up.

Faith Communities & Anti-Racism

July 27

In faith communities, how can people learn to advocate for anti-racism? Faith leaders discuss how people from all religious, racial, and political backgrounds can have honest conversations. Join Angel Alvarez-Mapp of the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative, Rev. April G. Johnson, minister of reconciliation for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Ven. Dr. Pannavati, co-founder of Embracing-Simplicity Hermitage and Heartwood Refuge, for a July 27th webinar. Register.

100 Years after the 19th Amendment: Where are Women Now?

July 28

What strides have women made toward gender equality and what hurdles still remain? On July 28th, join Katherine Grainger, adjunct professor at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Ai-jen Poo, executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Cecile Richards, co-founder of Supermajority, for the conversation. Register.

Author Talk: Christy Lefteri

July 30

Christy Lefteri wrote a provocative novel about Syrian war refugees making a perilous journey to Great Britain. Her book — The Beekeeper of Aleppo — won the 2020 Aspen Words Literary Prize. She will discuss it on July 30th and be joined by Qutaiba Idlbi, a Syrian refugee in America. He will share insights and personal experiences. Sign up.

What Will Motivate Voters in 2020?

Podcast, July 21, 2020

Featuring Rachel Bitecofer, senior fellow of elections at the Niskanen Center; Tamara Keith, White House correspondent for NPR; and Dan Glickman, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Congressional program.