Summer Sessions: Natural Resources

Jun 18, 2019 – Jun 23, 2019

The term “commonwealth” originated in 16th c. England to describe the natural resources that were shared by a community such as water, public lands, or air. Natural resources offer a starting point to think about what is shared by the commons and for the common good.

Who should own natural resources? Should nature be considered a resource to feed or fuel a public, or should it be honored on its own terms? What are responsible and just models to connect ecology with community? What could we learn by thinking about natural resources in relation to common wealth and common debts? How are these issues being explored by artists, designers, activists, and local organizations?

Facilitator: Duron Chavis (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond)

Session partners include Heather Davis (New School, New York), Janine Bell (Elegba Folklore Society, Richmond), Bill Martin (The Valentine, Richmond), Daniel McGarvey (VCU Center for Environmental Studies), and Andrew Alli (Friends of the James River Park).

Wednesday, June 19 // Social Session, 6–8 pm

Open to the Public
Each Social Session is both a gathering and introduction to the week’s themes, bringing together Session partners, community members, and the public around music, wine, and common interests. Make connections and enjoy the Summer Sessions space. Live DJ, hands-on activities, and cash bar. Brief remarks at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, June 22 // Program Session

Open to the Public
Program Sessions invite us to go deeper into each week’s topic through a mix of discussion and experience, and to reflect together about what to carry forward.

1 | Welcome
Duron Chavis and Noah Simblist

1:15–2:15 | Talk
Heather Davis, Assistant Professor of Media and Culture at Eugene Lang College, The New School (New York) speaks on the intersection of art, politics, and ecology.

2:30–3:30 | Breakout Sessions
Rotating small group conversations with local experts including Janine Bell, Elegba Folklore Society; Bill Martin, The Valentine; Daniel McGarvey, VCU Center for Environmental Studies; and Andrew Alli (Friends of the James River Park).

3:45–4:15 | Reflection
What should we carry forward from this Session? We will reflect, discuss, and take notes on the gallery walls.

4:30–5:30 | WRIR “Local Voices Live”
Reflecting on “natural resources” with leaders of this week’s Session. Moderated by Whitney Whiting, host of WRIR’s “End of the Line.”

Ongoing video screening: Carolina Caycedo: A Gente Rio

Summer Sessions: Commonwealth

Jun 15, 2019 – Aug 18, 2019

exhibition

Summer Sessions: Introduction

Saturday, Jun 15

1:00 PM–5:00 PM

event