Unlocking the Arts is a series of FREE public discussions led by scholars and subject experts, correlating to the Center for the Arts at Kayenta’s performing arts programming throughout our 2024/2025 season. Take a deeper dive into contemporary dance, theater, and new music through guided forums in discussion around themes presented by our programming.
Kayenta New Play Lab
August 10, 2024 // 2:30pm
Scholar: Scott Knowles, Associate Professor at Southern Utah University
Discussion: Exploring the relationship between urgent social issues and new playwriting.
Stories from Home
by Yvonne Montoya | Safos Dance Theatre
September 21, 2024 // 6:00pm
Scholar: Tanya Mote, Associate Director at Su Teatro Cultural and Faculty at University of Denver
Discussion: Centering Nuevomexicana, Xicana, and Mexican American bodies, aesthetics, and experiences from the U.S. Southwest in dance.
UTOPIAN HOTLINE
a Mitu Collaboration
October 19, 2024 // 6:00pm
Scholar: Rubén Polendo (Founding Artistic Director of Mitu) and Justin Nestor (Creative Technologist
Discussion: Art forging human connections through local and intergalactic initiatives, including NASA’s Golden Record.
Crossing Open Ground: An Introduction
November 2, 2024 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Christopher Rountree, MM Orchestral Conducting
Discussion: New ways to experience nature through new music.
THE MINUTES by Tracy Letts
November 17, 2024 // 2:00pm
Scholar: Mary Bennett, Director of the Micheal O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service
Discussion: Examining local politics through theater.
The Magician’s Sister
January 18, 2025 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Jami Brandli, MFA Creative Writing
Discussion: Magic and Gender through new writing and performance.
Miwa Matreyek’s THIS WORLD MADE ITSELF
February 15, 2025 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Alex Chamberlain, MFA in Media Design, Faculty at Utah Tech University
Discussion: Climate Change and Digital Art.
Arms Around America
March 22, 2025 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Dan Froot, MFA World Culture and Dance
Discussion: Reflecting diverse perspectives on gun safety and legislation through community-based storytelling.
FIREBIRD
April 12, 2025 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Jeff Jarvis, Doctor of Musical Arts
Discussion: Creative reuse and the value of site-specific experiences.
Elisa Harkins: Wampum / ᎠᏕᎳ ᏗᎦᎫᏗ
April 12, 2025 // 6:30pm
Scholar: Autumn Gillard, Cultural Resource Manager Paiute Tribe of Utah, cultural tradition bearer
Discussion: Preserving native culture through contemporary acts.
This program is made possible through a grant from Utah Humanities. Utah Humanities strengthens Utah communities by cultivating connections, deepening understanding, and exploring our complex human experience.