Free six-part monthly panel series highlights the influence of Black art on mainstream American culture

(Photos Courtesy of Arsht Center)

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@ArshtCenter) proudly announces the launch of a new six-part monthly panel series, THE HERITAGE PROJECT: AN ONLINE ARTISTIC SALON SERIES. Each month, local community leaders and cultural experts from across South Florida will gather virtually to discuss the history of social justice, activism, and influence of Black art on mainstream American culture. The free series kicks off on September 30, 2020 with “SONGS OF FREEDOM,” an exploration of the role of music in the movement for social justice. THE HERITAGE PROJECT will run monthly through February 2021, culminating with the second annual HERITAGE FESTIVAL on the Arsht Center’s Thomson Plaza for the Arts.

“The Arsht Center has made a commitment to lift up Black voices through the work on our traditional and virtual stages and in our community,” said Arsht Center president and CEO Johann Zietsman. “The Arsht Center’s Heritage Project is a vehicle by which Miami’s diverse community can explore, discuss, listen to, and learn from Black voices during this important time in our nation’s history.”

The format of the panel series is reminiscent of the “salons” held during the Harlem Renaissance between Black leaders, intellectuals, activists, artists, educators and business owners. The goal of THE HERITAGE PROJECT: AN ONLINE SALON SERIES is to bring the salons into the 21st century by curating groups of like-minded experts to discuss a variety of topics affecting Black artists. Each salon will last 75 minutes, with 60 minutes dedicated to an in-depth live discussion about that salon’s topic. The final 15 minutes will be reserved for Q&A with the audience.

The first two sessions of THE HERITAGE PROJECT: AN ONLINE SALON SERIES are as follows:

SONGS OF FREEDOM

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 5:30PM, Zoom Webinar – Register here 

Join us as we explore how music has been an influence in the social justice movement. The panelists will break down songs that are considered songs of freedom and have been part of the coded language in the struggle for freedom.

The discussion will include Brenda Alford, acclaimed jazz composer and vocalist, Valerie Coleman, professional flautist, composer and founder of the Grammy nominated Imani Winds, and Kevin Wayne Bumpers, Associate Professor of Keyboard Arts at Miami-Dade College with Johann Zietsman, president and CEO of the Arsht Center, as the moderator.

THE AFRO-LATINX MUSIC EXPERIENCE

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 5:30PM, Zoom Webinar

What are some of the African influences on Latin music and cultures? As a conclusion to Hispanic Heritage Month, hear the unique perspectives of Afro-Latinx musicians who will share their experiences as Black members of the music industry.

Panelists will be announced soon.

Additional programming and participants in upcoming events in THE HERITAGE PROJECT: AN ONLINE SALON SERIES will be announced at a later date. Visit www.ArshtCenter.org for more information.

@ArshtCenter #ArshtCenter #HeritageProjectMiami

*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates, and times are subject to change without notice. Visit arshtcenter.org for up-to-date information.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami- Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations.

About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Set in the heart of downtown Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami- Dade County is committed to welcoming and connecting ALL people to the arts, to the Arsht Center and to each other. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center, a 501C3 non-profit organization, has been a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area, a leader in programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity, a host venue for historic events and Miami’s hub for arts education. Each year, we serve more than 50,000 young learners and offer more than 100 culturally diverse and inclusive education programs. Our 300+ annual events include our Knight Masterworks Classical Music series featuring magnificent orchestras and soloists from around the world; the very best musicals direct from New York for Broadway in Miami; Jazz Roots, the largest jazz series in South Florida; our award-winning, Miami-made Theater Up Close program; Flamenco Festival Miami and much more. The Arsht Center is a home stage for three resident companies – Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and New World Symphony – and a launch pad for local artists to make their mark on the international stage. In addition, our Family Fest, Free Gospel Sundays, CommuniTea LGBTQ+ celebration and Heritage Fest are among dozens of free activities that bring together people from all corners of our community. For more information, visit www.ArshtCenter.org.