Producer for BYU Arts Bridget Benton discusses this year’s Listen Up! Series
The “Listen Up!” Series is one of the key events designed for the College of Fine Arts and Communications to help students and faculty gain new perspectives on art rooted in diverse backgrounds. Are you curious about what the series entails? BYU Arts Producer Bridget Benton answers all your questions in this exclusive Q&A.
Q: What has been the biggest inspiration behind the Listen Up! Series?
A: The CFAC has a great group of dedicated faculty on the DIA committee. As this group assembled to thoughtfully consider how to move forward with meaningful conversations regarding diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the college, the idea for this series was born.
Q: What do you think are some things we can all do to combat racism and microaggressions in the BYU community?
A: This is a huge question and one that I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer, but I can respond according to my own experience. In her book “Strategic Activism,” Adrienne Maree Brown compares change-making to fractals seen in nature. Galaxies, broccoli and ferns, to name a few, are examples of these small repeating patterns that we call fractals. She further highlights this concept when she reiterates that “what you pay attention to grows.” One of the things I have done that others might consider is to pay attention and exercise greater awareness of racism and microaggressions in their life. This has included simple things, such as being aware of when I interrupted others and learning about microaggressions and seeking to be aware of when I commit one. These changes didn’t require massive change, but these small, repeated patterns are building to a greater awareness for me. The work of combating racism is for everyone, but it requires each person to do their own work and exploration.
Q: How does the process work regarding which artists/guests you choose for the series?
A: I work closely with the faculty and chairs in each department to identify guests who are world-class artists from diverse backgrounds who they feel our students could benefit from learning from.
Q: Who is a speaker you are looking forward to hearing this school year?
A: All the speakers on the series are wonderful this year and offer unique and differing perspectives. I am looking forward to being challenged to think more inclusively and accepting invitations to engage in the work of inclusion more fully.
Q: What do you hope will be the biggest impact for students participating in this series?
A: Students should expect to engage with amazing artists who will share their experiences and knowledge.
Q: What do you hope for the future as the series continues every school year?
A: This series is just starting and we’ve already had the opportunity to engage in many meaningful conversations. We hope that conversations from last year and this year will continue to permeate into the work of the college, and by engaging in these dialogues, we can build greater belonging.
Q: Can you give a hint as to what students should expect for the series this year?
A: My hope is that this series will encourage faculty and students to think deeply about what the guests present and hopefully continue that learning process. In hearing the experiences, stories and expertise of others, they will challenge previous assumptions and allow for deeper thinking about how what is taught can be incorporated into their work as students and art practitioners to build greater inclusion, accessibility and diversity.
Learn more about the events coming up this semester on the Listen Up! Series webpage.