Opening Day (First Look!)
Thursday, Sept. 26
(Times Listed Are Eastern US/Canada)
10:30 – 11 am
Opening Session
Conveners: Lois Holzman, Dan Friedman
11 am – 12:30 pm
Music is Power: Playing for Change Returns to PTW
Presenters: Jake Groshong and other leaders
Playing for Change, which joyfully kicked off last year’s Performing the World (PTW), is returning to open PTW 2024. This year’s session will focus on the work of the Playing for Change Foundation, which creates music schools and programs around the world. Inspired by the love and hospitality they encountered while making music videos in some of the poorest communities on the globe, the Playing for Change Foundation, launched in 2007, returns and, working local artists, has built 27 free music and arts education programs across 55 locations in 19 countries. In addition to musical and cultural development, the Playing for Change schools have generated other community-led initiatives that are benefiting over 15,000 people every year.
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Toward a Future Where Together We Own What We Make
Presenters: Ben Fink, Gwen Johnson, Denise Griffin, Tiffany Sturdivant
Performing Our Future is a multiracial grassroots coalition linking rural and urban communities in Alabama, Kentucky, Maryland, and Wisconsin. Initiated by members of Roadside Theater, an ensemble of storytellers and theater makers based in the coalfields of central Appalachia. The session will be led by three founders of the coalition as well as the coalition’s current organizer, Tiffany Sturdivant (Appalshop, East Kentucky).
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Creating Power in the Face of Disaster
Presenters: Jim Martinez, Farzana Gandhi
How do people feel in the aftermath of a climate disaster? Powerless. In this workshop, architect Farzana Gandhi, AIA, LEED AP, and associate professor of interdisciplinary studies, Dr. Jim Martinez, co-founders of Collective Infrastructures, will strive to foster a mindset that operates with hope rather than fear by demystifying the decision-making process in the aftermath of environmental crises.
Will You Be Part of Opening Day?
People around the globe are hosting watch parties to bring hope and inspiration into their communities.
How about you? If you want to host a watch party, how about inviting people to join you for opening day? You can plan your party around 1, 2 or all 4 sessions. (If you’re interested in another day of the conference, the full program will be available soon.)
We’re creating momentum!
We’re creating excitement!
We’re building from the bottom up!
Add your watch party towards our goal of 100. Please fill out this quick form and let us know you’re planning one. We’ll share it with the global PTW community.
If you want some help, contact Melissa Meyer, mmeyer@eastsideinstitute.org.
For a guide on tech options in setting up a watch party click here.
Seeking Enthusiastic Volunteers!
Volunteering at Performing the World is more than just giving your time; it’s about making a difference, learning in a dynamic environment, and being part of a movement that values every voice.
Please reach out to Desire Wandan, Media & Tech producer, desire@eastsideinstitute.org.
Zoom Jockey
This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of PTW. As a Zoom Jockey, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our virtual sessions, from setting up meetings and managing technical issues to facilitating participant engagement. If you have a knack for technology and a passion for making a difference, we would love to have you on our team. Help us create inspiring and seamless virtual experiences!
Digital Outreach
As a member of this team, you will contribute to our email marketing and social media campaigns. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a global audience and help promote PTW. If you have a passion for digital communication, creativity in crafting compelling messages, and a desire to make a positive impact, we would love to have you on board.