Episodes
Oscar-winning filmmaker John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, All Is by My Side) is known for his uncompromising and thought-provoking work examining some of society’s most pressing issues: immigration, sex trafficking, slavery, and race relations, among others. Ridley is joined by frequent collaborator, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Felicity Huffman, in conversation about his trio of recent critically acclaimed projects: ABC’s Emmy Award-winning “American Crime,” Showtime’s “Guerrilla,”...
Published 07/24/17
2017 Harman Eisner Artist in Residence Jeff Koons and entertainment industry titan and former Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Michael Eisner, join in a conversation about creating wonder. From household appliances to iconic large-scale inflatables, Koons has pioneered transforming familiar subjects into captivating works of art, and democratizing access through major public art displays. Kicking off his Institute residency, Koons reflects on images of his work and discusses with Eisner...
Published 07/24/17
Art historian Sarah Lewis (Harvard University) and architect Michael Murphy (MASS Design Group) discuss the art and architecture of social justice in America. How do our artistic works create the fabric of national memory both cherished and shameful? How do our structures provide the framework of collective conscience? How does culture help us learn from history and inform today’s struggles? This session views our history through the prism of art, in a discussion about how culture and design...
Published 07/24/17
Are you woke? The Afternoon Jam Session brings together some of the nation’s leading young poets, Jookin’ innovator Lil Buck, writer/activist Yosimar Reyes, and more special guests for a spirited hour of cross-disciplinary performance, collaboration, and discussion. Lyrical, musical, and physical acrobatics will introduce ideas and issues central to this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival — from truth and identity to making it in the America we know. This session is led by dancer turned director...
Published 07/24/17
Perhaps it is because of her exceptional, inspiring approach to linking geography, environment, and community in her work that Chicago architect Jeanne Gang is one of the most celebrated architects in her adopted city of Chicago. Touted as being bold, ingenious, and courageous in her work, Gang employs the best of nature and sustainable practice throughout the structures she creates, whether for museums, boardwalks, or skyscraping apartments. “Through architecture, we can do much more than...
Published 07/24/17
A hip-hop musical about America’s founding fathers with a virtually all minority cast. A reimagining of La bohème as a rock musical uncovering the AIDS crisis in New York City. A coming-of-age musical about the anxieties of entering adulthood told through cartoons. These are just a few of the radically relevant and compelling concepts that Tony Award-winning producer Jeffrey Seller has turned into Broadway gold. In this session, David Rubenstein interviews Seller (Hamilton, Rent, Avenue Q)...
Published 07/24/17
Atlantic Senior Editor Derek Thompson's national best-selling book looks at the hidden psychology of why we like what we like and reveals the economics of cultural markets that invisibly shape our lives. Shattering the sentimental myths of hit-making that dominate pop culture and business, Thompson shows that nothing “goes viral,” that quality is insufficient for success, and that some of the most popular products in history were one bad break away from utter failure. The book touches on a...
Published 07/24/17
Wonder what you ever did before Hamilton came along? So do we! Join us for a lively and informal behind-the-scenes look at all things "A.Ham" with the show’s producer and the host of the Hamilton fan podcast The Room Where It’s Happening. We’ll explore how it came to be, what the creation process was like, challenges the producers faced, and whether the team that made it happen is surprised by its impact on our culture. Speakers: Travon Free, Jeffrey Seller
Published 07/24/17