Art,…Art, Activism and Equity Symposium April 18 and 19 New Hazlett Theater $8 – $40 412-320-4610

This weekend the New Hazlett Theater hosts the Art, Activism ‘ Equity Symposium as part of the Women in the Arts Festival. The two-day symposium is all about spreading awareness and sharing information, but while attendees fill their brains with social awareness of the artistic community, they may find themselves having a little fun.

Not only the good, clean Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” fun that comes from absorbing factual information, but the gratification that comes with making a difference in the community. If the activist inside you is awakened by the empowering vibe coming from the New Hazlett Theater this Friday and Saturday, then so be it. If not, take in the performances and listen to powerful women of the artistic community share their wisdom.

The Symposium’s main purpose is to promote discussion and share information about women’s art and groups in the Pittsburgh area. One of the issues that will be addressed is the wage difference between male and female artists, both historically and today.

The Guerilla Girls, an art activist group formed in 1985, will be among the featured speakers. The group will be giving presentations and hosting an activism workshop. The Guerilla Girls is also known for actually wearing gorilla masks in demonstrations and using art to create posters drawing attention to inequality in the artistic world.

Faythe Levine will speak and host a workshop. Levine is a leader in the Do-It-Yourself movement. Credits to her name include author, documentarian, artist and musical saw player. Levine’s workshop is entitled “Crafting Your Life: Craftivism ‘ Creating Community.” Maybe she will tell you a little about her musical saw as well, if you ask nicely.

The symposium features performances from singer-songwriters Autumn Ayers and Nicole Reynolds, as well as slam poet Vanessa German and Soma Mestizo, a world groove band.

“The event is two days long, and at the end of it, people will come away energized and inspired to become active,” said Sara Radelet, executive director of the event.

Who can argue with inspiration? Important issues face the artistic community today. Become part of the solution because those who choose to ignore the issues may find themselves face to face with an artist in a gorilla mask, or the music of a world groove band with the Art, Activism ‘ Equity Symposium.