6:30 – 7:00pm: Registration

Milbank Chapel, Teachers College, Columbia University

7:00 - 7:30pm:

Opening Remarks: Professor Judith Burton and Doctoral Student, Daniela Fifi

Film Screening 

Geoffrey Holder Film Screening

7:30 – 8:30pm: Panel I: Curating for Diverse Audiences

Geoffrey Holder’s (1930—2014) artistic practice and being exceeded the labels and limits of his time. As a visual artist, dancer, choreographer, actor and director, Holder recognized the vital role of museums in connecting art with the people. He once said, "I walk through doors. If I'm not wanted in a place then something is wrong with the place, not me". However, rather than simply, though sharply, recognizing the problem of illegibility, neglect and consequent absence of diverse or alternative voices in these spaces, Holder was committed to working with and within them to expand their reach, making them accountable to the whole community they claimed to serve.

After the screening of the new short film, the film’s director and chief curator of the Holder Estate, Léo Holder, will be in conversation with Professor Erica Moiah James. They will discuss elements of the film and Geoffrey Holder’s work and legacy in the fine and performing arts, as well as the museum space.

A conversation between: