Great Art, Big Ideas

Four powerhouse authors — Victoria Buitron, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Christine Kandic Torres, and Krystal Marquis — come together to explore race, citizenship, and what it means to write yourself into a national story that hasn't always made room for you.

Moderated by IfeMichelle Gardin of Kulturally Lit.

Recorded live at the New Haven Museum as part of the 2026 International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

 Featuring:
Victoria Buitron, author of A Body Across Two Hemispheres

Zakiya Dalila Harris, author of The Other Black Girl

Christine Kandic Torres, author of The G...

She was checking a track listing for a Method Man album when she noticed an unused interlude. She pitched it as a duet, got Mary J. Blige on the vocal and Puff Daddy on the mix, and the result — “I’ll Be There For You / You’re All I Need To Get By” — became one of the defining records of the era. Her name wasn’t on it.

Drew Dixon spent the 1990s in rooms where hip-hop was being decided. She started as an unpaid receptionist. At Zomba she signed Nas to a publishing deal before Illmatic came out. At A...

In a cypher, nobody owns the floor. You take your turn, you give it back, and the circle is what holds.

Recorded live at the New Haven Museum as part of our Queens of the Culture series, this conversation puts three women in that circle — each of whom built the culture in a different medium. Kim D. Holmes is a choreographer and dancer called one of the premiere luminaries of the urban dance movement, with a twenty-year career that runs from the floor to Beyoncé and Missy Elliott to teaching at Alvin Ailey and NYU. Tha...

We are thrilled to honor Lhakpa Sherpa, a true trailblazer whose impact and achievements continue to inspire across communities and generations. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic New Haven Harbor, this evening features an intimate conversation with Lhakpa, moderated by Dr. Quan T. Tran.

In 2000, Lhakpa Sherpa became the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest and survive. She has since summited Everest more times than any woman in history — 10 in total — and has also conquered K2. Beyond the mountains, Lhakpa runs her own Connecticut-based guiding business, Hiking With Lhakpa, and continues to climb in purs...

Every oyster shell tells a story — and together, they're helping bring Long Island Sound back to life.

 Watch "Shucking the Status Quo," a conversation on local aquaculture, indigenous stewardship, and community shell recycling, and how they're working hand in hand to restore one of our most treasured waterways. Featuring shellfish farmer Beth Simonds, Chief Sagamore Buddy Pocknett, and Tim Macklin of CORR-CT (Collective Oyster Recycling & Restoration), moderated by Tagan Engel of The Table Underground.

 Recorded live at the New Haven Museum as part of the 2026 International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
 Featuring:
 
 B...

 | What does it really mean to cook local — and why does it matter?
 Chefs Emily Mingrone, Arturo Franco-Camacho, and Damon "Daye" Sawyer get honest about sourcing close to home, building relationships with local farmers and fishers, and what sustainable food can look like on a Connecticut plate. Moderated by Tagan Engel of The Table Underground.
 Recorded live at the New Haven Museum as part of the 2026 International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
 Featuring:
 
 Chef Emily Mingrone, Tavern on State, Provisions on State, Fair Haven Oyster Co. and The Pearl
 
 Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho, Geronimo Southweste...

What's the most powerful weapon against fascism we've nearly forgotten?

Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika, hosts of the Peabody Award-winning podcast Uncivil, turn their lens on the labor movement — tracing the buried stories of workers who fought back against gilded-age oligarchs, accumulated wealth, and authoritarian drift. 

This is not a history lesson. It's a warning — and a call to action.

Recorded live at New Haven Museum as part of America 250: Democracy at a Crossroads, presented by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.

Featuring:
Jack Hitt, journalist and c...

 | Historians Elizabeth Hinton, Joanne Freeman, and Beverly Gage sit down with CT Public's Lucy Nalpathanchil to ask: what does the past actually tell us about democracy under strain right now?

Drawing on centuries of American history, they explore how democracies have been tested before, what we can learn from those moments, and why understanding the past has never felt more urgent — whether you're a history buff or just trying to make sense of today's headlines.

Recorded live at New Haven Museum as part of America 250: Democracy at a Crossroads, presented by the International Festival of Art...

Join The Honorable Clifton Graves for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges Ray Bradbury's classic dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 with the urgent civic challenges facing America today. Speaking at New Haven Public Library -  Stetson Branch, Judge Clifton Graves draws powerful connections between Ray Bradbury's 1953 vision of censorship and book burning in Fahrenheit 451  and contemporary concerns about democratic institutions, media manipulation, and civic engagement.

What You'll Hear
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Judge Graves explores how dystopian themes from literature have become reality for many Americans throughout history—from the suppression of literacy during slavery to the McCa...

In this fascinating talk, we explore the unexpected connections between neuroscience, quantum computing, and visual art through a unique interdisciplinary collaboration at Yale University.

This talk features a panel discussion following the screening of a documentary about Italian visual artist Serena Campini, who served as an artist-in-residence at the Yale Quantum Institute. Through her residency, Campini created stunning multilayered artworks inspired by both neurological imaging and quantum states of light.

Our guests include:
Serena Campini, visual artist and art historian who has spent over a decade collaborating with neuroscientists and quantum researchers
Michael...

Join us for an illuminating conversation about the transformative power of theater as a form of resistance and social change. In this compelling Ideas Talk, three distinguished theater artists explore how live performance challenges conventions, creates community, and gives voice to marginalized stories.

Featured Speakers:
Dexter Singleton - Executive Artistic Director and Founder of Collective Consciousness Theater, Senior Artistic Associate and Director of New Play Development at Theater Squared
Martyna Majok - Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, librettist, and screenwriter (Yale School of Drama alumna)
Godfrey Simmons - Artistic Director of Heartbeat Ensemble, actor, director, playwright...

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok delivers a stirring keynote weaving together Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and her own immigrant story to explore how art serves as resistance against cultural devastation and loneliness.

Drawing from her current Broadway adaptation of Fahrenheit 451, Majok examines Guy Montag's journey from book-burner to truth-seeker as a mirror for our own times of censorship, distraction, and disconnection. She reflects on the "loneliness epidemic" plaguing America and how meaningful art—like the books Montag risks everything to save—offers "quality" and "pores" that reveal life's complexity rather than the "wax...

Join us as Mercy Quay, founder and CEO of Connecticut's only anti-racist public relations agency, The Narrative Project, guides us through the complex world of news consumption and media literacy. With over a decade of experience as both a journalist and communications strategist, Quay examines how framing, bias, and sensationalism shape our understanding of current events.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the critical distinction between sensation and thinking in our modern media landscape, drawing inspiration from Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and its warnings about information manipulation and societal control.

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In this thought-provoking discussion, hosts Juanita Sunday and New London Poet Laureate AnUrbanNerd explore how science fiction serves as a powerful lens for understanding our present and predicting our future. 

Using Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and Octavia Butler's A Few Rules for Predicting the Future as their foundation, they examine how speculative fiction doesn't create problems—it takes current issues and projects them forward to show us potential consequences.

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In this intimate and inspiring conversation, legendary Chef Jacques Pépin reflects on his extraordinary culinary journey spanning nearly eight decades. From his wartime childhood in Lyon, France, to becoming one of America's most beloved cooking teachers, Pépin shares the profound philosophy that has guided his life: food as a universal language of love and connection.

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This deeply moving special episode honors Denise Santisteban, the festival's beloved curator of ideas and storytelling events, who passed away in April 2025. Host Tiffany Hopkins shares four of Denise's most powerful personal stories, performed live between 2017 and 2020, showcasing her remarkable gift for storytelling.

In these intimate narratives, Denise takes us on journeys both physical and emotional:

"Leo" - A heartwarming tale told from the perspective of an aging dog who finds joy in watching a runner pass by his window each morning, leading to an unexpected connection.

"Peru Trek"...

In this episode we tackle the critical issue of book bans and restrictions impacting libraries and schools across the United States. Our expert panel, including Lauren Anderson, Sam Lee, and Harold Steward, will explore the cultural battles over intellectual freedom and the essential role of education in promoting diverse perspectives. Discover the challenges faced by librarians and educators as they navigate these complex issues and learn about the importance of preserving access to information. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on safeguarding intellectual freedom and ensuring equitable access to education for all.

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In this episode we bring together a distinguished panel to explore the crucial role of preserving cultural identities in our changing world. Featuring Sandy Grande, Chris Newell, Nakai Clearwater Northup, and Dana Jackson-Washington, the discussion dives into the importance of maintaining diverse cultural heritages for current and future generations. Our panelists share their unique experiences and insights into the challenges and successes of cultural preservation, offering valuable perspectives on how to protect and celebrate rich traditions amidst evolving societal landscapes. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on safeguarding our cultural legacy.

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Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Jason Mancini, Executive Director of Connecticut Humanities, discuss the critical role the humanities play in tackling society’s toughest contemporary challenges. Chair Lowe will highlight new National Endowment for the Humanities initiatives that respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time: strengthening our democracy, advancing equity for all, and addressing our changing climate.

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Step into the tempestuous world of Shakespeare's King Lear and explore its profound relevance to our modern climate challenges!  No work of English literature speaks more directly to human vulnerability in the face of climate disruption than Shakespeare's King Lear. The old king, thrust into the storm, feels his environmental weakness to his skin. This round-table conversation is led by renowned Shakespearean scholar Steve Mentz. Speakers will include David Sterling Brown, a CT native who currently teaches at Trinity College in Hartford, and actor, writer, and teacher Tara Bradway.

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Join Laurie Santos, host of the Happiness Lab Podcast, and Tamar Gendler, Yale Professor of Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature, for an enlightening discussion on the science, history, and philosophy of happiness. Learn useful tips and ideas on how to live a more positive life. Whether you're curious about what makes us happy or just want some advice on feeling better, this conversation will be packed with helpful information and good vibes.

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Join author and activist Ashton Applewhite and Donna Fedus from Borrow My Glasses for an enlightening conversation on aging and inclusivity. Discover how aging can be a period of growth and vitality, while exploring strategies to combat ageism and promote fairness. Challenge common beliefs, share ideas for fostering a welcoming society for all ages, and delve into the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging. This discussion highlights the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging and ensuring equitable treatment for everyone!

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Join host Catherine Shen on CT Public's "Where We Live" as she moderates an engaging discussion with Deb Bibbins, founder of For All Ages. Discover why social connection is the foundation of our mental and physical health, who the loneliest age group is (it’s not the one you think!), and how we can help one another improve our social connectivity. Learn how intergenerational connection has the power to add years to our lives and help our community feel more connected and livelier. Don’t miss this chance to hear about ways to improve social health, bring different generations clos...

Enjoy this unforgettable evening with John Dankosky, CT Mirror's Director of Events, and Erick Russell, Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer! With John's charm and expertise as a renowned radio personality and moderator, and Erick's historic achievement as the first Black LGBTQ person elected to statewide office, get ready for an engaging and inspiring discussion.

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Can science save us? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson of Urban Ocean Lab and John Dankosky from Science Friday, discussing Dr. Johnson's latest book, "What If We Get It Right?" Explore the bold notion of envisioning a future where we act out of love for what's to come, navigating through the complexities of climate change with optimism and determination. This transformative dialogue offers a roadmap for embracing solutions at the intersection of science, policy, culture, and justice, inviting everyone to play a role in shaping a thriving world.

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Enjoy this enlightening discussion on climate displacement, featuring speaker Tabitha Sookdeo from IRIS, Maya Prabhu from Law at Yale Law School and Yale School of Medicine, and Keshia "Talking Waters" De Freece from Sovereign Science LLC. Delve into the pressing question: Who are the climate migrants, and what challenges do they encounter? Gain insight into the complexities of climate-induced migration and the legal and humanitarian issues involved. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of this urgent global issue and explore avenues for support and advocacy.

Watch video on YouTube...

Lucy Nalpathanchil moderates a powerful conversation on Activism and Optimism that features LGBTQ BIPOC activists Adrian Huq, co-founder of the New Haven Climate Movement Youth Action Team, and Kwolanne Felix, Fellowship and Community Manager at Black Girl Environmentalist. This empowering dialogue highlights the potential of emerging climate leaders of color, including Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals, in climate leadership. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by their stories and insights as they discuss strategies for driving positive change in our communities and beyond.

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Enjoy this invigorating community conversation hosted by the Citywide Youth Coalition Inc! In this Ideas event, recorded live on the New Haven Green, we tackle a transformative topic: expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds for local state elections. Dive into an engaging discussion as we explore the benefits and challenges of empowering our youth with the right to vote. We share insights on civic engagement, voting practices, and the importance of investing in the next generation of voters. Discover how we can equip young people with the knowledge they need to understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute meaningfully to...

This week Ana María Álvarez, Founding Artistic Director of CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater joins us in the studio to talk about their upcoming production of  ¡AZÚCAR! playing at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas on June 28 & 29, 2024.  Topics discussed include how the company was founded in the concept of resistance and what it means to resist. If after listening to this you are inspired to see the show tickets are available at artidea.org/azucar.

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Keynote by Thi Bui, author and artist of the graphic memoir "The Best We Could Do".
Introduction by President Dr. Elsa Nunez, Eastern Connecticut State University
Moderated by Dr. Jason O. Chang, Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies, Director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute, University of Connecticut

Welcome to our Keynote address by Thi Bui, author of the award winning graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, sponsored, in part, by the award from the NEA Big Read.

The NEA Big Read —a partnership between the National Endowment fo...

How we tell the stories about ourselves, traumatic or otherwise, can be used to categorize us in ways that are not always equitable. Are marginalized groups expected to share traumatic experiences when dealing with institutions of power? Join sociologist, Aya Waller-Bey, community engagement storyteller Mike Keo, and Andrus Awardee Betty Bajek to explore what’s contributing to this issue, why it hurts us all, and how we can best address it.

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A world without housing insecurity. A realistic goal? Only if we better understand the inter-related array of steps that can lead to its elimination. Deepen your understanding and broaden your perspectives of this critical issue with the help of panelists Kellyann Day, CEO of New Reach, social worker Antwan Nedd, New Haven Housing Authority Director Karen DuBois-Walton, community organizer Billy Bromage, and New Reach's vice chair board member Aisha Bello.

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Artificial intelligence has been both idolized and demonized. Some have welcomed it into their businesses. Others fear it will destroy our lives. This lively presentation will help you take a fresh, informed, balanced look at how AI is impacting our lives now...and what we can do to ensure it will continue to be a force for good in the future. Speakers include Dr. Anat Lior, Bonnie Kaplan, and Michael Lynch. Moderated by CT Public’s Lucy Nalpathanchil.

This event was recorded live on June 17, 2023.

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Join us for a Behind the Actor's Studio-style interview with powerhouse practitioners in social change and cultural equity! Grantmakers in the Arts President Eddie Torres will be joined by Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Rosalba Rolón in a session that will engage personal narrative to illuminate pathways of activism in the performing arts. Listen in as Eddie and Rosalba grapple with the tension between the individual and the societal as related to decisions on cultural values and funding. Come curious. Leave inspired.

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The fight to save the planet begins with the drive to safeguard our towns. Learn how to do that in this discussion with climate change experts Bruni Pizarro and James O’Donnell. Moderated by John Dankosky, this panel will break down big concepts like climate justice and migration patterns into the effects on sea levels and storm water across Connecticut’s cities and towns. Just the kind of environmental insights you need to take smarter local actions.

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Amelia Winger-Bearskin showcases her art and science storytelling work and demonstrates how new technologies can help preserve and engage with ancestral knowledge. Discover how innovative formats can engage future generations. Additionally, Amelia discusses how her collaborations with scientists have enriched her artistic practice.

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Join author and award-winning journalist Ari Berman and award-winning scholar, educator, and author, Khalilah Brown-Dean, for a discussion on the history and contemporary relevance of voting rights. Berman is the author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America and Herding Donkeys: The Fight to Rebuild the Democratic Party and Reshape American Politics. Brown's book Identity Politics in the United States traces the confluence of public policy, law, and institutional design in structuring political divisions.

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Strike a pose! Drag performer and Beyoncé impersonator Miss Shalae and ball performer Aishah “Spyder” Murray discuss the roots of ball culture, an art form that originated in the queer and trans BIPOC community in the late 19th century. Today’s ball attendees dance, vogue, and serve looks in a range of fashion styles. If you loved FX’s hit Pose, a drama spotlighting the legends, icons, and ferocious house mothers of New York’s underground balls, this talk is for you.

Michell'e Michaels - Beyonce Impersonator
Michell’e Michaels is a Bay Area native. Born...

American troubadour Shawn Taylor draws from his expertise in mythology, theater, and pop culture to discuss fandom that radicalizes for change. Fandoms—communities that form around common interests, often entertainment series like Harry Potter, Star Trek, or the Marvel films—capture the hearts and minds of millions across the globe. How do we harness that enthusiasm for social change?

Shawn Taylor
Shawn is the creator and was the host of the top-rated podcast, “Surviving Creativity.” He’s a founding author of www.thenerdsofcolor.org, and a founding organizer of The Black and Brown Comix Arts Festi...

An honest discussion about the difficulties women face when returning home after prison, between Babz Rawls-Ivy and Tiheba Bain, who have been through the experience.

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