Great Art, Big Ideas

The fight to save the planet begins with the drive to safeguard our towns. Learn how to do that in this discussion with climate change experts Bruni Pizarro and James O’Donnell . Moderated by John Dankosky , this panel will break down big concepts like climate justice and migration patterns into the effects on sea levels and storm water across Connecticut’s cities and towns. Just the kind of envir...

Amelia Winger-Bearskin showcases her art and science storytelling work and demonstrates how new technologies can help preserve and engage with ancestral knowledge. Discover how innovative formats can engage future generations. Additionally, Amelia discusses how her collaborations with scientists have enriched her artistic practice. Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube...

Join us for a Behind the Actor's Studio -style interview with powerhouse practitioners in social change and cultural equity! Grantmakers in the Arts President Eddie Torres will be joined by Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Rosalba Rolón in a session that will engage personal narrative to illuminate pathways of activism in the performing arts. Listen in as...

Join author and award-winning journalist Ari Berman and award-winning scholar, educator, and author, Khalilah Brown-Dean , for a discussion on the history and contemporary relevance of voting rights. Berman is the author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America and Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics. Brown's...

Strike a pose! Drag performer and Beyoncé impersonator Miss Shalae and ball performer Aishah “Spyder” Murray discuss the roots of ball culture, an art form that originated in the queer and trans BIPOC community in the late 19th century. Today’s ball attendees dance, vogue, and serve looks in a range of fashion styles. If you loved FX’s hit Pose, a drama spotlighting the legends, icons, and ferocio...

American troubadour Shawn Taylor draws from his expertise in mythology, theater, and pop culture to discuss fandom that radicalizes for change. Fandoms—communities that form around common interests, often entertainment series like Harry Potter, Star Trek, or the Marvel films—capture the hearts and minds of millions across the globe. How do we harness that enthusiasm for social change? Shawn Taylor...

An honest discussion about the difficulties women face when returning home after prison, between Babz Rawls-Ivy and Tiheba Bain, who have been through the experience. Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube !

Business entrepreneurs Jason Sobocinski, founder and owner of Black Hog Brewing Company, and Alisha Crutchfield-McLean, founder and owner of BLOOM, New Haven’s newest lifestyle hub, unite for a seminar on how to build a brand and connect with community.  This talk is moderated by Erik Clemons, CEO of ConnCORP. Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube !

Minneapolis city council president Andrea Jenkins made national headlines in 2017 after becoming the country’s first out Black trans person elected to public office.  In 2022 she created history again when voted council president. The writer, performance artist, poet and transgender activist talks about her experiences in activism and the importance of centering love as a motivating force in socia...

Critically acclaimed author, chef, and food justice activist Bryant Terry discusses his 2022 James Beard nominated books Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora and Vegetable Kingdom.  Bryant is in conversation with New Haven food justice activist and podcast host Tagan Engel.  Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube !

In this episode Paul Greenberg talks about the future of our oceans and how we can make changes to help the environment. Greenberg’s writings on oceans, climate change, and the environment appears regularly in The New York Times and other publications. He is the recipient of a James Beard Award for Writing and Literature, a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, a National Endowment for the Arts L...

Introducing Great Art, Big Ideas Podcast from the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT.   This series delves into the most pressing topics in our local community and around the world.      All of this season's episodes were recorded as part of our 2022 Ideas Events and were all programmed around the theme of: CONNECT.  Throughout this season we will explore all of the d...