Lansing’s Women in the Arts Festival: A Model for Artistic Activism
The 38th annual Women in the Arts Festival in East Lansing, Michigan, opens with a powerful performance demonstrating how art can champion social justice. This compelling collaboration highlights universal themes, offering inspiration for arts enthusiasts and advocates, including here in Phoenix.
A Historic Collaboration: Torf, Jordan, and Voices of the Revolution
The festival’s featured event is a spoken word and song performance titled “Collaboration,” bringing together California composer and pianist Adrienne Torf with the Lansing-based collective, Voices of the Revolution. This marks the first time a selection of poetic and musical works by Torf and the late American poet June Jordan will be performed live in this format, a project initially released as a recording after Jordan’s passing.
Susan Frazier of Goldenrod Music, captivated by the 2003 “Collaboration” album by Torf and Jordan, envisioned its live potential. Lansing’s Voices of the Revolution, a collective performing works by women (especially LGBTQ+ women of color), embraced the challenge.
To fully realize the four-movement “Freedom Now Suite,” gospel singers Rose Jangmi Cooper and Shelia Burks were invited to contribute their powerful vocals. Cooper is also slated to perform a largely a cappella rendition of “Strange Fruit,” promising a profound and moving experience.
Spotlight on Key Collaborators
| Role | Artist/Group | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Composer & Pianist | Adrienne Torf | Music for “Collaboration”; three solo albums and extensive collaborations. |
| Legendary Poet & Essayist | June Jordan | Powerful poetry addressing social injustice, misogyny, racism, and oppression. |
| Feminist Collective | Voices of the Revolution | Lansing-based group performing works by women of color and their own poetry. |
| Guest Vocalists | Rose Jangmi Cooper & Shelia Burks | Bringing gospel and poignant vocal interpretations to the performance. |
June Jordan’s Enduring Themes of Justice and Liberation
June Jordan (1936-2002), a formidable American poet, used Black English to confront systemic oppression. Her work fearlessly tackled misogyny, racism, violence, capitalism’s injustices, immigration, sexual violence, apartheid, and Palestinian rights. Jordan’s poetry remains acutely relevant, echoing contemporary calls for human rights and equity.
Laurie Hollinger of Voices of the Revolution highlights their mission to introduce Jordan’s vital work to younger generations through curated, educational programs. Torf has shared powerful anecdotes, including performing the “Freedom Now Suite” during a Klan demonstration, underscoring art’s confrontational power.
Inspiring Phoenix: Art as a Catalyst for Change
While the Women in the Arts Festival is in Michigan, its commitment to empowering diverse female voices and confronting social issues through art holds universal significance. Phoenix, with its dynamic arts scene, can draw inspiration. The festival exemplifies how artistic collaboration sparks dialogue, challenges injustice, preserves cultural legacies, and unites communities. It encourages us to champion the profound impact of women in the arts locally and globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Women in the Arts Festival?
An annual festival, now in its 38th year, celebrating women artists and their contributions, held at Edgewood United Church in East Lansing, Michigan. - Who are Adrienne Torf and June Jordan?
Adrienne Torf is a composer and pianist. June Jordan (1936-2002) was a celebrated American poet. They collaborated on musical and poetic works, now performed live. - What themes does “Collaboration” explore?
The performance addresses crucial social justice themes like misogyny, racism, violence, and various forms of oppression. - Who are Voices of the Revolution?
A Lansing-based collective of feminist poets performing works by women (especially LGBTQ+ women of color) and their own poetry. - How can Phoenix locals engage with similar themes?
Seek out local arts organizations and artists in Phoenix focusing on social justice and diverse voices, and support their initiatives.
The enduring spirit of artistic collaboration and advocacy showcased at the Women in the Arts Festival underscores art’s critical role in reflecting society and driving change. Let this serve as a powerful call to action for Phoenix’s artists, patrons, and community members to actively seek out and champion voices that challenge, enlighten, and unite our communities.
Lansing Women in Arts Fest: Activism and Live Debut
