Jul 10th 2018

Embodying Diaspora is a monthly dance workshop series that centers on Afro-diasporic movement traditions led by Arts + Public Life / Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture Artist-in-Residence Arif Smith and his guests. Smith’s residency prioritizes embodiment and co-presence as strategies for exploring linkages between various coordinates in the Black Atlantic. Free and open to the public. All skill levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes.

Embodying Diaspora
Second Tuesdays | February 13-July 10 | 6:30-8:00 PM
Arts Incubator (301 E Garfield Blvd) | Free

February 13: Kizomba (ages 16+)
March 13: Rumba (ages 16+)
April 10: Orisha (all ages)
May 8: Rueda de Casino (ages 16+)
June 12: Bomba (all ages)
July 10: Eskista (all ages)

About Arif Smith:
Arif Smith is a multidisciplinary artist and educator. His performance- and video-based work centers on diasporic citizenship and African-rooted performance practices, exploring notions of blackness, co-presence, and marronage. Smith received his BA from Oklahoma State University. He also participated in the performance studies graduate program at Northwestern University. Additionally, Smith has curated exhibitions and symposia at Williams College and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). He is currently a member of Bomba con Buya and serves as program manager at Changing Worlds.

Questions? Contact Nikki Patin at npatin@uchicago.edu.


Arts and Public Life and the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture hosts individual artists through the Artists-in-Residence program and interdisciplinary partnerships through the Crossing Boundaries Prize. These residency programs are open to Chicago-based artists and groups whose work explores issues of race, politics and culture. Both programs advance the opportunities available to artists who are underrepresented in the Chicago and national arts scenes. Learn more at arts.uchicago.edu/arts-public-life/programs/artist-residencies

Arts + Public Life events are wheelchair accessible. Contact us for assistance at 773.702.9724 or by email at artsandpubliclife@uchicago.edu

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