Life. Liberty. The Pursuit of Happiness.
These three powerful concepts are at the heart of the Declaration of Independence. They continue to fuel how we approach, evaluate and sustain democracy as a guiding social practice and national framework.
Our year-long CSRD series focuses on the reverberations of the nation’s founding 250 years ago. Join us for stirring talks, film screenings and community dialogues that will fuel our shared commitments to purposeful civic engagement and meaningful intellectual inquiry.
Upcoming Events
American ExileFilm Screening and Community DialogueWednesday, April 1, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. • ASU MIX Center, Mesa |
Henry David Thoreau: A LifeFilm Screening and Community DialogueTuesday, April 7, 2026 • Time & Location Coming Soon |
Previous Events
Facing the Future: The Arts and the Power of CommunityVision & Sound Symposium 2026Friday, February 27, 2026 • Sedona Arts Center, AZThis year’s keynote speaker is Brett Cook, a deeply accomplished and insightful artist who grapples with issues of place, presence and loss in American society and African American communities. Acclaimed choreographer and ASU Institute Professor Liz Lerman and ASU counselor Austin Gamble will co-lead the Critical Response Process session that is an integral part of the symposium. Arizona-based Vision and Sound artists will discuss their work and engage with audiences in compelling gallery talks. |
Innovating BelongingWhen Making Art Means Making LifeMonday, March 2, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m. • Wilson Hall, TempeJoin us for a public talk by the award-winning and innovative interdisciplinary artist and educator Brett Cook. A sought-after storyteller, Cook will invite us to think about the dynamic and vital connections between art, life and belonging. |