An upcoming symposium, with a focus on film, art and literature, will explore the Michigan perspective in creative expression.
The Michigan Film, Art & Literature Symposium, November 12
& 13 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center, will bring
together scholars, artists and community leaders from around the
state. Event partners include Grand Valley State University School of
Communications, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Public Library.
The events on Saturday include special guest speaker Jennifer
Guerra, Michigan Radio arts and culture reporter/producer, who will
discuss “Cultural Trends in Michigan,” and keynote speaker Kevin
Budelmann, president of Peopledesign, who will explore the idea of
“The Michigan Brand.” Afternoon breakout sessions include writers,
artists and filmmakers. The Symposium is designed to be a catalyst for
creative thinking that produces an environment for connecting,
focusing, and developing a collective vision. Participants are
encouraged to contribute to the conversation.
“It’s important to include the humanities in the re-imagining of
Michigan,” said Toni Perrine, interim director of the School of
Communications and professor of film and video production. “We want to
provide a platform for public discourse about how we identify
ourselves and how we are perceived by others.”
Perrine will be a moderator and presenter at a Sunday panel on
“Dystopic Detroit?” Her session will examine “Eminem, Chrysler and the
New Detroit.” The panel also features Heather Addison from Western
Michigan University, speaking on “Detroit and ‘Ruin Porn,” and
photographer Brian Kelly’s recent work, “This is Also Detroit.”
Other Grand Valley participants include Caitlin Horrocks,
assistant professor of writing, who will moderate a Saturday Michigan
Writers Roundtable, which also features Chris Havens, associate
professor of writing. The closing discussion on Sunday will be
facilitated by Paul Wittenbraker, associate professor in the
Department of Art & Design, who will work to synthesize ideas
generated throughout the conference.
Additional support is provided by the Peter C. and Emajean Cook
Foundation, Grand Valley State University: Brooks College of
Interdisciplinary Studies; Writers Series; and Meijer Center for
Writing and Michigan Authors.
A complete schedule and more information is available at www.artmuseumgr.org. Sessions
are free; seat reservations are recommended via http://www.michigansymposium.org.
