AM 2010

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Aesthetics. Diversity. These two words are often mentioned, sometimes discussed, but rarely defined.  What happens if we not only try to define them, but investigate their intersection?

In 2010, Alternate ROOTS launches a three-year initiative, The Aesthetics of Diversity. It will explore issues and opportunities to advance a progressive agenda in the South through the lens of the South’s newest citizens, immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries, India, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Aesthetics of Diversity will examine questions of art and culture focusing on place in 2010, people in 2011, and traditions in 2012. The goal is to build bridges across and among diverse communities and inform discussions such that members of various communities have a lens through which to view how they may positively impact change in their community.
 
For the 2010 Annual Meeting, ROOTS has partnered with the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) - www.nalac.org. ROOTS has a thirty plus year history of crafting equitable partnerships and this one is no different.  The partnership with NALAC is very exciting.  As we explore together, we will launch the framework of Aesthetics of Diversity in ways that will have great depth and breadth and will contribute to the national discussion around diversity and its impact upon communities.  [Hear an interview between Maria DeLeon, NALAC's Executive Director and Shannon Turner, ROOTS Staff Member here: Part 1 and Part 2.]

Finally, 2010 is our final preparation year before ROOTS' 35th Anniversary.  As such, time will be devoted at the Annual Meeting to planning for the Festival in May 2011, Baltimore, MD.  Time will be spent learning about our host city, its opportunities and challenges, the partners at the table, and making a road map from August 2010 to May 2011.