Who gets to make — and consume — art in America?
That seldom-addressed question informs a May 1 event at Hunter College, as the Office of The Arts presents “We the People: A Forum on Working Class Artists in America.”
The answer, according to Gregory Mosher, Hunter Office of the Arts executive director and a two-time Tony Award-winning theatre producer and director, is way too few.
"Instead, working-class American artists have found it increasingly challenging to propel their voices into the national conversation,” said Mosher. “This is more than just a forum; it’s a call to action for a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape.”
The groundbreaking event will bring together artists, policymakers, students, and foundation leaders to propose solutions for building a more diverse and economically inclusive culture by ensuring that the stories and perspectives of working-class artists are heard and celebrated.
The program reflects Hunter’s vision of being an anchor institution for the community, fulfilling the mission of public education to serve as an engine of social mobility and economic advancement. Almost nine out of 10 Hunter students are graduates of New York City public schools. At the Office of the Arts, Mosher works closely with Hunter’s academic administration to foster community partnerships, internships, and career placements, as well as to host performances, screenings, and other creative programming.
Participants on various panels include award-winning journalist and MSNBC Chief Correspondent Ali Velshi, Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman, Freelancers Union President & Executive Director Rafael Espinal, and New York State Senator Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn).
Representing artists are Olivier-winning playwright James Graham, Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, Obie-winning former Artistic Director of The Brick Theresa Buchheister, and Pulitzer Prize-winning former Washington Post Chief Theater Critic Peter Marks.
Leaders from key arts organizations and policy institutions will also lend their expertise, including Sarah Calderón of Creatives Rebuild New York, Robert Marx of the Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and Colm Summers of Working Theater.
The free event will take place from 9 am to 1 pm at the Frederick Loewe Theatre at Hunter College (119 E. 68th St.) and is oversubscribed. Visit workingclassartists.org for more.
