FOCUS on the Arts 2013 will Link Art to Social Justice

The information below comes from FOCUS on the Arts.

FOCUS on the Arts 2013 will introduce a new genre this year with the addition of Social Justice in the Arts. 

The featured artists in this category have shown a commitment to using their work for more than just aesthetic pleasure -- these artists hope to change attitudes, challenge assumptions, inspire audiences, raise awareness and bring about social change. The goal of the Social Justice in the Arts workshops is to increase awareness of relevant social issues and expand the power of art at the high school and in the community. Artists in this category use their art to inspire social awareness, working with a variety of mediums to let their voices be heard. Social Justice in the Arts has an impressive lineup of voices coming to share their stories. 

Hannah Higgins is an Art History Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  She will be talking about the impact of AIDS-related artwork created by artists and members of the general public on public awareness and sympathy for the disease.  This artwork includes a wide variety of media, including protest signs, street theater, art installations and much more.   Her presentation will look at this important time in history and brainstorm with students about possible art making strategies for addressing AIDS today. 

And, Rohina Malik will perform her one-woman play, “UNVEILED,” about her experiences as a Middle Eastern woman living in the United States. Her discussion on the lives of Muslim women in America today will provide a relevant cultural discussion from an insider’s perspective. “UNVEILED” has been praised as a "terrific show... intellectually engrossing work of theater,” by Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune and a “provocative, insightful and uplifting theater experience,” by Tom Wilton of the Pioneer Press.

Overall, Social Justice in the Arts is sure to spark new ideas and thoughts, and inspire students on issues of relevance to them personally and to the world at large. 

In April, Highland Park High School will host FOCUS on the Arts 2013: Explore.Engage.Enlighten. The mission of FOCUS has been to increase appreciation and understanding of the visual and performing arts and the professionals engaged in them. FOCUS has been the catalyst for careers and the inspiration for lifelong interest in the arts for many people.

Presented every other year for HPHS students and the local community, FOCUS explores a broad variety of art forms by engaging students through direct interaction and involvement with a diverse array of professionals in the arts. The students come away from this experience enlightened with a new appreciation and understanding of the arts. Many students will also have the opportunity to share their own visual and performing arts works will fellow students and the community during FOCUS.

Hundreds of volunteers including parents, HPHS staff and faculty, students and community members work together to coordinate three days and four nights of programming on the HPHS Campus. All programs are open to the public and free of charge. Go to www.HPHSFOCUS.org for more info.

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