Cultural Resistance

Presented by Beyond Nuclear, Goethe-Institut, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung North America.

How do we advocate for an end to nuclear power and nuclear weapons?

Beyond research papers and speeches, articles and fact sheets, and protests on the streets, can a painter, a fashion designer, and a creative performance director convey the same urgency about our nuclear peril?

We think that the answer is ‘yes’!

We cordially invite you to join our conversation on Tuesday, December 7, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time (US), to explore how the visual and performing arts can play a role in advocating for a nuclear-free world. We are delighted to present three artists doing exactly that. Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating discussion with our guests:

MARY LOU DAURAY: Mary Lou Dauray’s art began with landscapes drawn from her many global travels. Soon, the ravages of climate change that she began to see on the ground drew her attention. But Dauray’s awareness shifted again after the Fukushima disaster to include the folly of nuclear power. Her new paintings were inspired by that tragedy, looking not only at the disaster’s aftermath, but also its origin story; uranium. Learn more about Mary Lou, read her bio, watch her video

RUNA RAY: The Pakistan-India border in Kashmir is one of the most dangerous places on Earth. The two countries also threaten each other with enough nuclear weapons, that, if ever used, would cause mass starvation across the planet. But sustainable fashion designer and peace emissary, Runa Ray, ventured to Kashmir to place her hand-painted kaftan, bearing the flowers of both nations, on the border fence in a powerful message for peace. Ray uses her fashion — often made from biodegradable fabrics painted with natural inks — to advocate for policy change. Learn more about Runa, read her bio, watch her video

JESSICA GRINDSTAFF: Artist, playwright and director Jessica Grindstaff’s New York City performance company, Phantom Limb, uses dancers and life-sized puppets to tell the story of earth’s fragility through landscape, climate change and the eternal struggle to lead life gracefully. Her concern for the environment eventually took her to Fukushima, Japan, where the 2011 tsunami and earthquake triggered a nuclear meltdown. That trip inspired Falling Out, telling the Fukushima story through multicultural dance and movement, puppetry and spectacular lighting effects. Learn more about Jessica, read her bio, watch her video

Please join us for a round table, moderated discussion with our guests followed by audience questions.

Moderators: Linda Pentz Gunter, Beyond Nuclear & Raleigh Joyner, Goethe-Institut

The virtual discussion will take place via Zoom Webinar, which is now embedded in the Eventbrite registration. When the event begins, all registrants will be able to navigate to the webinar through the Online Event Page section of the Eventbrite.

You can register for the event here.