News Summary
The Asheville Art Museum will host a panel discussion titled ‘How Do We See Ourselves in Each Other?’ on May 2, 2025. This event, part of the ‘What Can Become of Us?’ series, addresses the impact of migration on community identities in North Carolina, featuring notable artists and academics. The discussion aims to explore themes of migration, identity, and cultural transformation in the state’s evolving demographic landscape.
Asheville, North Carolina – The Asheville Art Museum is set to host the inaugural discussion event of the “What Can Become of Us?” series on May 2, 2025. This event aims to delve into the effects of migration on community identities within North Carolina, a state recognized as an increasingly vital immigrant gateway.
This collaborative effort includes Zócalo Public Square and the Stanford Institute on Advancing Just Societies, showcasing a unique blend of art, academia, and community dialogue. The discussion will be centered around themes of migration, identity, and the cultural transformations occurring in the southern United States.
The event, titled “Panel Discussion: How Do We See Ourselves in Each Other?”, will feature a range of notable participants. Recognized artist Pedro Lasch, whose work “Coatlicue & Las Meninas: The Stanford Edition” serves as an inspiration for the discussion, will be present alongside Jessica Orzulak, Associate Curator at the Asheville Art Museum. Leading the panel will be Tomás Jiménez, Founding Faculty Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Advancing Just Societies. Additional panel members include Kwame Anthony Appiah, columnist for “The Ethicist” at The New York Times; Nonny de la Peña, an immersive journalism innovator; and Federico Rios, former Assistant Director of the City of Charlotte Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration.
The event is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (EST) at the Asheville Art Museum located at 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina 28801. Media professionals seeking credentials for the event are encouraged to contact Anna via email.
Key Discussion Topics
The panel will examine how migration significantly affects personal and community identities within the rapidly changing cultural landscape of North Carolina. Key subject areas include:
- The impact of migration on identity amidst a transforming Southern identity.
- The reshaping of cultural and social landscapes influenced by immigrant communities in North Carolina.
- The role of art in reflecting themes of movement and belonging, specifically through Pedro Lasch’s acclaimed work.
- The ways diverse communities forge connections through shared narratives and experiences.
Background Context
North Carolina has emerged as a significant destination for immigrants in the United States, attracting individuals from various countries and cultural backgrounds. This influx is altering the social fabric of the state, prompting communities to engage in discussions about identity, belonging, and the interconnectedness of individual stories.
Art serves as a powerful vehicle for dialogue, encapsulating the complexities of identity and migration. The work of Pedro Lasch, which inspires this event, challenges conventional perceptions of identity, encouraging discourse on the intricate ways in which personal narratives intertwine within broader community contexts.
The event’s intention is not only to highlight the contributions of immigrant communities but also to foster understanding amongst diverse populations, building a platform for storytelling and shared experiences in light of North Carolina’s evolving cultural landscape.
As the first event in the “What Can Become of Us?” series, this discussion is expected to be a cornerstone for future engagements exploring migration and identity across various spheres of life in North Carolina and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Daily Yonder: Tim Walz’s Asheville Rally
- New York Times: Live Updates on President Trump
- AVLTODAY: Birdwatching in Asheville
- WNC Magazine: Spring Birds
- Axios: Texas LGBTQ Migration
- Wikipedia: Migration
- Google Search: Migration and Identity in North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Migration Identity
- Google News: Migration North Carolina
