Yo-Yo Ma Day of Action / Kennedy Center Arts Across America

DRAFT SCHEDULE AS OF NOV 7

Theme for the day: Culture & the arts’ role in building economic equity and imagining an equitable future. Washington, D.C. has one of the highest rates of inequity in the country. Historically-black communities east of the river experience this most starkly. A movement of Anacostia artists and culture-makers are working to build local equity by leveraging the neighborhood’s cultural wealth. How can culture be mobilized to support an equitable economic future?

9:30AM           Mural Creation 

A mural celebrating the culture of Anacostia will be designed and painted in partnership with students from Anacostia High School and Turner Elementary, with support from Kennedy Center and Project Create. 

12:00PM         Prelude to Activities

We Act Radio

Yo-Yo Ma plays the Prelude from Bach’s first cello suite to open the day. A moment of reflection on the past, celebration of the present, and hopefulness toward the future. 

Afternoon       Imagining Equitable Futures

Anacostia High School

Local students will come together to celebrate Anacostia’s cultural history, explore local economic opportunities, and workshop ideas for building their community’s future. (Not open to general public). 

3:00PM          Town Hall “Think-In”

Anacostia Playhouse

District leaders, small business owners, artists, and community members come together to discuss building local equity in an innovative discussion utilizing Playback Theater models, which encourage personal storytelling and reflection. Representatives from across sectors, including civic, business, government, and arts and culture, will participate in an engaging public forum followed by panel-style conversation. 

5:30PM           Small Business Happy Hour and 

Gallery Opening: In Betweenand Black Gold

                        Anacostia Art Center

The Anacostia Art Center opens a double exhibit in partnership with two East DC galleries, representing six local artists on themes of Afrofuturism and black equity. The small businesses in the arts center and in downtown Anacostia, all with cultural focus (fashion store Nubian Hueman, Mahogany Booksshowcasing black authors, WeAct Radio, Check ItLGBTQ fashion label, and more) will participate in an open house, with local beer and eats from the neighborhood, a DJ and special sales offers for attendees. A boutique concert featuring celebrated bassist Esperanza Spalding and local performers will pop-up in Nubian Hueman , and Yo-Yo Ma will lead the gallery artists in a short Q&A discussion about their work.