Conversations on Carlos Villa: World-Making and Cross-Cultural Solidarity

Carlos Villa: Worlds in Collision opens with a celebratory day-long event inspired by Villa’s multidisciplinary practice as artist, teacher, curator, activist, and community organizer. Featuring wide-ranging discussions punctuated by readings and performances, this gathering aims to engage and invigorate the community in the spirit of Villa’s historical symposia, performances, and gatherings. It highlights a multiplicity of voices, identities, and perspectives, honoring Villa’s call for a more inclusive and multicultural art world,. Artists, poets, and thinkers across generations and geographies come together to discuss and celebrate issues that were central to Villa’s life and career, including world-making, trans-cultural solidarity, critical pedagogy, and radical hope. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

11 AM Opening ritual performance by Alleluia Panis 

11:20 AM Opening reading by Kim Shuck 

11:30 AM–1 PM Panel Discussion: Radical Carlos Villa: Artist, Activist, Teacher, Mentor, Friend with
Theo Gonzalves, Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, and Brett Cook

1–2 PM Reception and Talk Story: Reminiscences from peers, friends, students, and mentees 

 2–3:30 PM Panel Discussion: The Future of Hope: Legacy and Lineage with
Việt Lê, Erina Alejo, and Kathy Zarur

 3:30 PM Closing reading by Tongo Eisen-Martin

Following the program, multidisciplinary artist Rachel Lastimosa leads a procession to the San Francisco Arts Commission Main Gallery for the opening reception of Carlos Villa: Roots and Reinvention.