Acclaimed composer, performer, and producer, Ralph Farris, is presenting virtual conference to discuss the current state of creative collaboration as part of his Artist-in-Residency with The Rogers Art Loft on Friday, Oct. 9 between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT. Originally conceived as an on-the-ground, and in-person conference to be held during his scheduled residency, Farris has reimagined the experience dubbed Co-Lab to virtually explore what it means to collaborate today, under quarantine, during strife, despite uncertainty, and in the future.
Farris will lead a series of Zoom sessions designed to explore how artists of all disciplines can continue to collaborate despite the turmoil we all currently face. Farris will be joined through the day by local, national, and international panelists Jarrett Parker (illusionist, writer and producer) and Raja Rahman (pianist, producer and educator); Dr. Ching-chu Hu (composer and educator); Heidi Rider (visual and performing artist); Kishema Malik (dancer, teacher and choreographer); Jerry Metellus (photographer and director); Layale Chaker (composer and violinist); Tracy MacDonald (producer, writer, and director); Nissa D. Tzun (multimedia artist and activist); Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (composer and pianist); Molly McBride (producer, director and designer); Ginger Bruner (producer, performer and photographer); Demecina Beehn (cultural producer and arts administrator) and Karen Krolak (choreographer, writer and designer).
Each of the four sessions will be a lively discussion of methodologies and histories of successful (and not-so-successful) collaborations, with panelists offering insights into best practices for working together in these unprecedented times. In the windows between each session, participants can join breakout rooms to continue discussions and network.
The public is invited to join Farris and his guests to connect and explore with fellow creatives. Those interested in the free event can RSVP here to be one of only 80 participants in this exciting and informative discussion.
“It’s no secret that art, in any and all forms, plays an essential and pivotal role in reflecting the times and culture,” said Ryan Reid, Residency Director. “Creativity and collaboration are so important and impactful, possibly now more than ever. We are excited to engage with Ralph Farris in further exploring how we can work better collaboratively during this time when we are challenged by being physically apart.”
Ralph Farris is a Juilliard-trained multi-instrumentalist, performer, music director, curator, composer, arranger, and record producer. He is a tireless collaborator, whether working as an individual, or as a founding member and Artistic Director of ETHEL, the genre-bending string quartet described by The New York Times as “indefatigable and eclectic,” and by The New Yorker as “vital and brilliant”. That spirit has led to work with a who’s-who of rock stars, filmmakers, choreographers, educators, stage directors and poets.
The brainchild of local philanthropist and patron of the arts Beverly Rogers, the Rogers Art Loft is made possible by The Rogers Foundation, dedicated to transforming lives through arts and education in Southern Nevada.
Since launching with its inaugural roster of artists in June 2019, The Rogers Art Loft at The Lucy, has successfully welcomed a number of artists from a variety of disciplines including printmaking, sculpture, video art, fiber arts, and collage, to share their creative insight and practice with the Las Vegas community. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the nimble program readily pivoted to a virtual residency format. Recently, the Rogers Art Loft revealed the roster of upcoming artists for 2021.
For more information and to register for events, sign up for the Rogers Art Loft email blast at www.rogersartloft.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
