2021 ALAA Webinars

Coming upon Feb 4, 2021 @ 9 AM

"Tapping into the creativity of local artists to bridge cultures and build community"
with Jun-Li Wang, Associate Director, Programs, Springboard for the Arts

How can we tap into the creativity and innovation of artists and culture bearers in our own communities? How can creatives be seen and valued not only as amazing makers but also as creative thinkers who bring new ideas, bridge cultures, ask different questions, and envision new paths to address issues and opportunities?

This virtual workshop will introduce Springboard for the Arts' tried and true scaleable models to engage local artists in addressing community issues and opportunities. Whether you’re an individual artist, an educator, a community member, an arts organization, a community non-profit or a city department, you’ll learn principles and foundational questions to bring to the work you do.
During this 90 minute session, we’ll also have time for you to dive into your own interests and break into small groups for discussion - and by the end, you’ll walk away with a plan of action if you want one.

This workshop is FREE, however registration is now closed.

Jun-Li Wang is a connector of people, places and ideas. As Associate Director, Programs, Jun-Li leads strategy and programs at Springboard for the Arts with a focus on partnership development and community building. For the past 9 years, she created and led Springboard’s Community Development program, including Irrigate, a nationally-recognized creative placemaking program designed to train and support local artists to address community challenges. She recently completed her third toolkit for Springboard, the Handbook for Artists Working in Community. Jun-Li has received multiple grants for her projects Saint Paul Hello, an initiative welcoming newcomers, and Board Repair, a network supporting people of color on nonprofit boards. Jun-Li holds a BA from Vassar College and MPS in International Development from Cornell University, and though she has lived in Minnesota longer than any other place, some of her heart remains in Berkeley, her childhood home. When time permits, Jun-Li is a craft artist with guerilla art aspirations.

January 20, 2021
"Our Children are Watching" with Dr. Terrance Brown
Executive Director, University of North Alabama School of the Arts / Voice and Opera Faculty

"I’m tired………………..No longer can lip-service be given to confronting inequities found in the mistreatment of low socio-economic,
BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA individuals.
Ignoring the problem has led to a cauldron of disappointing
truths that reveal that we are not the country
we made ourselves believe we were.
Can artistic creativity bridge the gap to correct systemic bias in our country?"