Category: Arts and Culture

America 250: Democracy at a Crossroads

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International Festival of Arts and Ideas event

Come to the New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., on Sunday, June 7!

From 1-2 p.m., hear an eye-opening conversation about democracy, power, and resilience. Democracy Under Pressure: What History Tells Us. What does history actually tell us about the moment we’re living in? Join three of America’s most compelling historians: Elizabeth Hinton, Joanne Freeman, and Beverly Gage — for an eye-opening conversation about democracy, power, and resilience. Reserve a seat at https://www.artidea.org/event/2026/5859.

Then from 2:15-3:15 p.m., you can take part in the workshop Your Voice Belongs Here: How Everyday People Make Change, led by Connecticut lobbyist and former legislative staffer Aurora Melita. In a moment when many people feel concerned about the future of democracy, this interactive Civic 101 workshop offers a practical and empowering starting point. This session breaks down how the legislative process works at the state level — and where everyday voices meaningfully influence public decision-making.  Drawing from her work inside the Connecticut legislature and on state elections, Aurora translates complex systems into clear, conversational explanations that help people feel confident navigating and participating in civic life. Reserve a seat at https://www.artidea.org/event/2026/5860.

From 3:30-4:30 p.m., consider UnCivil Uprising: Can a General Strike Save Democracy. Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika, the hosts of the Peabody Award-winning podcast Uncivil ask the question nobody in power wants you to consider:  Can a general strike save  American  democracy?  The most powerful weapon against fascism might be the one we’ve nearly forgotten. To reserve a seat, go to https://www.artidea.org/event/2026/5861. See more Arts and Ideas events at https://www.artidea.org/calendar.

The New Haven Museum is wheelchair-accessible.

Author Talk — Radical Connecticut: People’s History In the Constitution State

by New Haven Free Public Library

On Thursday, May 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., author Andy Piascik will discuss his new book Radical Connecticut: People’s History In The Constitution State, in the community program room of the Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven.

Radical Connecticut: People’s History in the Constitution State tells the stories of everyday people and well-known figures whose work has often been obscured, denigrated, or dismissed. There are narratives of movements, strikes, popular organizations and people in Connecticut who changed the state and the country for the better.

Bridgeport native Andy Piascik is a long-time activist and award-winning writer whose work has appeared in many publications and on many websites. He is the author of the novel In Motion. Radical Connecticut: People’s History in the Constitution State is his fourth book. 

Creative Voices of New Haven Youth

by Sarah Ficca, Yale Schwarzman Center

Fifty-three young artists living in the New Haven community will present their work in five dynamic exhibitions at Yale Schwarzman Center [168 Grove St., where Woolsey Hall is]. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. The colorful exhibitions highlight creative work from New Haven high school students, Yale undergraduate students, and Yale graduate students. These artists bring a wide range of experience from professional to self-taught, and their works encompass a wide array of mediums and art practices. Curated by the Schwarzman Center’s Associate Director of Venues and Exhibitions Carlynne Robinson, the exhibitions open April 7. https://schwarzman.yale.edu/exhibitions

  • Call-to-Connect – Interactive sculpture featuring old-fashioned phone booths, phone books, and audio recordings, on display in the Rotunda.
  • The View from Here: Accessing Art Through Photography – Photography by New Haven high school students who completed a course of instruction and produced work using smartphone cameras, and on display in the Presidents’ Gallery. A collaboration with Yale Schwarzman Center and Yale British Art Center.
  • West of the River – Photography for a Yale MFA thesis exploring themes of place and on display in The Well Gallery extension.
  • Rooted in Heritage: Art Across Yale’s Cultural Centers – Two-dimensional artworks by professional and self-taught student artists, selected by Yale’s Cultural Centers and on display in The Well Gallery.
  • Storyboard: Poetry and the Everyday – Digital exhibition focused on the theme of poetry, showcasing audio, video, written work, and visual arts, on display in the virtual gallery on the Schwarzman Center’s website.

“We are immensely proud to spotlight the depth and variety of more than 50 students with different interests, backgrounds, and artistic styles,” said Associate Director of Venues and Exhibitions, Carlynne Robinson.

These exhibitions encompass extraordinary work by talented artists on our campus, as well as throughout our New Haven community. The vision for these wide-ranging exhibitions speaks directly to our mission and goals.” added Executive Director of Yale Schwarzman Center, Rachel Fine.

Yale Schwarzman Center is a center for student life and the arts at the historic heart of the Yale University campus. Yale Schwarzman Center produces programs and collaborative arts experiences geared toward audiences within and beyond the Yale campus. Plan your visit today by reaching out to sarah.ficca@yale.edu https://schwarzman.yale.edu/location-hours.

Mother’s Day Tribute Garden News

by Paula Panzarella, West River Peace Garden

On Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m., we invite you to take part in the first Mother’s Day Tribute in the expanded area of the West River Peace Garden. In case of rain, the gathering will be on Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m.

The West River Peace Garden features blooming native perennials, a magnolia tree, and a Ginkgo tree (grown from a cutting of a Ginkgo that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945). Now we have a circular garden to the north side (near MLK Blvd.), developed through the initiative of a neighbor who felt the need for Mother’s Day to include paying homage to mothers who have passed on.

We hope you’ll bring a plant for the garden in memory of your mother. Share a story about your mom, listen to music, decorate a stone to put in the garden, and meet the neighbors.

The West River Peace Garden is by Ella Grasso Blvd. between Legion Ave. and MLK Blvd. We work in the garden every Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and welcome all volunteers. For info, call 203-350-3795. Our website is westriverpeacegarden.org.

Film & Panel Discussion: ‘The Day Iceland Stood Still’, 5-7:30 p.m. March 11

The Psychology Department at SCSU invites you to a viewing of the documentary, The Day Iceland Stood Still, followed by a panel discussion about gender equity and women’s rights at 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Adanti Student Center – Theater.

Panelists include the writer/director of the film, the chair of the Women’s & Gender Studies Department at SCSU, and a local woman who attended the strike in 1975. Moderated by Adjunct Professor Laura Noe, who teaches the Psychology of Women.

The Day Iceland Stood Still tells the story of the Oct. 24, 1975, strike when 90% of the women in Iceland did not go to work to demonstrate the impact they have on the economy. For 50 years, they have led the world in gender equity, and their government leaders are all women, as are 48% of their parliament.

After we watch the documentary, we will have a panel discussion. Three panelists will join us: Pam Hogan, writer and director of The Day Iceland Stood Still; Dr. Yi-Chun Tricia Lin, Taiwanese feminist scholar and chair of Women’s & Gender Studies at SCSU; and Hanna Luden, who attended the strike with her mom in 1975.

What the Library Means to Me: A Campaign to Celebrate the Library’s Impact Throughout New Haven; and News About Mardi Gras

by Heather Robison, New Haven Free Public Library Foundation

The New Haven Free Public Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of What the Library Means to Me, sponsored by BLOOM and curated by Kulturally LIT. What the Library Means to Me will be a citywide-authored program book for community members to share their personal stories and reflections on the significance of the New Haven Free Public Library in their lives. This initiative is designed not only to celebrate the library’s pivotal role in our community but also to create a citywide-authored booklet that will preserve participants’ heartfelt narratives for generations to come.

The campaign aims to engage library patrons of all ages—children, teens, and adults. Through various methods of story collection, including online submissions, social media engagement, and in-person storytelling workshops, we hope to gather a diverse array of experiences that highlight the library as a cultural and educational hub.

Community members can submit their stories via email (charitablegiving@nhfpl.org), share on social media using the hashtag #NHFPLibraryStories, and participate in live storytelling events at the library branches. For more information on how to participate, visit NHFPL.org or contact Heather Robison at charitablegiving@nhfpl.org.

The campaign will culminate in a community event, the NHFPL Foundation’s highly anticipated annual Mardi Gras event: The Big Easy at Ives, taking place 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 17  (storm date: Feb. 20 at 5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St., where the collected stories will be presented and Claire Criscuolo and Shamain (Sha) McAllister will be honored for their contributions. For info and tickets: https://tinyurl.com/nhfplmardigras or email charitablegiving@nhfpl.org.

Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Film Series

This winter film series will raise the issues faced by women as clerical workers, factory workers, and teachers from across the nation. All of the films will allow time for questions and discussion. Advance registration is required.

Made in L.A. — Saturday, January 31

When We Fight — Sunday, February 1

9to5: The Story of a Movement — Saturday, February 7

9to5: The Story of a Movement — Sunday, February 8

Norma Rae — Saturday, February 21

For all details about the films, their times and locations, and to register, please go to https://bit.ly/4sVdq29.

Community Dinner at Volume Two

by Volume Two/Never Ending Books

Folks will be hosting a Community Dinner every second Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Volume Two (V2), A Never Ending Books Collective, at 810 State St., New Haven. Bring what you can and take what you need! Sign up to bring a dish here: https://tinyurl.com/2ndthurscommunitydinner and subscribe to the V2 newsletter at https://neverendingbooks.net.

V2 offers free books and a free space for your gig, group, or gathering. LGBTQIA and BIPOC events encouraged and celebrated! For all booking and other inquiries, contact NEBCollective@gmail.com.

6th Annual Kulturally LIT Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4

Oct. 4, 2025, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

ConnCAT, 4 Science Park, New Haven

Join us for the 6th Annual Kulturally LIT Fest — formerly Elm City LIT Fest — a dynamic celebration of Black literature, art, and cultural power. This year’s theme, “The Year of X,” honors the legacies of Malcolm X and Medgar Evers, two revolutionary leaders whose vision, sacrifice, and radical love continue to shape our struggles for justice and liberation.

The 2025 festival will center Black storytelling through powerful panels, workshops, music, vendors, and interactive art. We’ll explore the enduring impact of Malcolm and Medgar across generations. Expect bold conversations, creative expression, and space for both reflection and resistance.

Whether you’re a book lover, a budding writer, an artist, or a freedom dreamer, this festival is for you. Come experience the power of Black literature, legacy, and community.

For more information, please go to bit.ly/42IMJBY.

Get Involved in May Day 2025! Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3

May Day 2025 will be held on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 on the New Haven Green and in locations at Yale. Commemorate the 55th anniversary of May Day 1970 and the Black Panther trials in New Haven.

May Day 2025 is intended to serve as a People’s Rally for the betterment of all New Haven communities. May Day 2025 seeks to again create a people’s university at Yale, which sees institutional resources shared.

Have something to say about migrant rights, police accountability, food sovereignty, community health, environmental justice, or other issues? Sign up to speak at the rally! Host a workshop! Set up an info table about your organization! Are you a performer? We’re looking to host local artists, musicians, and other creatives.

The Dwight Hall May Day 2025 Steering Committee wants YOU! Contributions to May Day 2025 can take any form. By including many voices and perspectives in these conversations, we can best reflect community sentiment. Attend our weekly planning meetings, 7 p.m. every Monday in April at Dwight Hall, 67 High St. (wheelchair accessible).

Contact allie.lopez@yale.edu and lizzie.chiarovano@yale.edu for more information.

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