How can the arts be used to help change the conversation about poverty and homelessness?
That’s the focus of an upcoming online event set for Saturday, Nov. 14.
The event is the third part in a series of public discussions called Changing the Conversation: Reflective Empathy and Public Discourse on Social Housing. The series began in January and was intended to wind up on Friday, March 27 – but then the COVID-19 pandemic intervened.
“Public discussions of social housing often perpetuate stigmas around poverty and homelessness. Meanwhile, the voices of people who need social housing are not heard,” explains an event write-up. “This three-part event series aims to encourage more reflective and empathetic discussions by centering these voices through first-person narrative and the arts.”
The now-virtual edition of the third event will feature a panel discussion with artists Mariah Eli, Mihailo Subotic and PJ Patten. It will be moderated by Khari Wendell McClelland, an award-winning musician and creative facilitator who focuses on using the arts and experiential activities to transform learning.
They’ll look at how the arts can help people to think more deeply and empathetically about issues related to poverty, homelessness and substance use – particularly in the context of discussions around the development of supports such as affordable housing, social housing and safe consumption sites.
The discussion is being hosted by the Institute of Applied Ethics at Douglas College and the Arts Council of New Westminster.
Attendees will also receive a digital volume of artwork and essays on the topic under discussion.
It’s set for Saturday, Nov. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and it’s taking place by Zoom. A link will be sent to ticketholders via email before the event.
For details and to register for your free ticket, you can find details at www.artscouncilnewwest.org/news or an Eventbrite link.
