Local Conversations

What is a Conversation?

The premise behind an Images & Voices of Hope conversation is that in any situation there are an infinite number of stories that can be told, each with its own set of possibilities and consequences.  The question that faces those of us in media is "how can we write, create or present stories that are the most beneficial for the greatest number of people?"  Learn more

RECENT CONVERSATIONS:

Local Conversation NYC: Conversations Exploring ‘Sustainable Development’ and the Role of Media

Visioning Rio +20: December 16, 2011, New York City.

Inspired by the IVOH 2011 Summit, Wendy Bromley Bodden and Shamina de Gonzaga envisioned a series of conversations focused on the question, “How can media contribute to sustainable development?” A pilot conversation was held December 16, 2011, in New York City, informed in part by the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20. Convening partners include IVOH, the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations, and what moves you?   >Learn More

Local Conversation NOVATO: Artists and Social Crisis

September 10, 2011
A recent day-long IVOH gathering in San Francisco brought together a dozen artists in a conversation entitled "Artists and Social Crisis." Mindful that we were meeting one day before September 11th, the group focused on how we can respond as artists to upheavals and traumas in the world around us.

We talked about how, in the moments that follow a traumatic event, there is usually a brief period in which the meaning or story about that trauma is not yet established; and how in just such moments, artists (who work more than many in these "pre-meaning" spaces) can shape the story that is to be told, and the images that give shape to our imagination.

We shared with each other about times in our own lives when art has given shape/meaning to a crisis; what inner strengths we drew on -- for inspiration, and for the courage to stay present and create in that space; and what kinds of social crises hold our attention today, and how past experiences might offer clues about how best to respond to them now.

We also watched a powerful slide show about how artists managed to arouse public opinion to save an entire natural landscape in Southern California.

This was the third gathering of artists here - most were people who had come before, with some delightful new faces.

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Local Conversation CHICAGO: Artists and Social Crisis

September 12, 2011
The first IVOH artist conversation convened on September 12, 2011, which drew artists, journalists and singers. This meeting was the day after the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. The theme was entitled, "Artists and Social Crisis."

We first gathered for a delicious dinner prepared by our hosts of the Brahma Kumaris. We introduced ourselves spoke briefly about our art and what drew us to this gathering. Then we divided into groups of three and interviewed each other. The focus of the morning's discussion was looking inward -- Tell me about a time in your own life when art has given shape to a crisis, brought something into focus in an important way, given a deep meaning to events.

Many of us were surprised to see how music and the arts moved them through tragedy or loss. One of the participants was a successful minister in New Orleans and after Katrina she lost everything, including her congregation. She came out of this traumatic event with the inspiration of her music and the lyrics of her songs have inspired others as well. She was able to produce here own CDs and performs locally. Others talked about how art allowed them to see life's challenges in a different way: "Life on this planet is about massive change. We can do anything. What can we not do?" "Music will make you feel things you have never felt before and move you from confusion to clarity." "If it were not for the arts life would be tragic."

We broke out into small groups again. This time we focused on what inspires us - What are our earliest memories of making art? When did we first feel the pull to create art? Who are the people whose influence has shaped our art? What events in the outside world shaped our path.

We concluded the evening with some songs by Venitta Ryers (Katrina survivor) and Elizabeth Padilla. We look forward to having another gathering of artists sometime soon.

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