It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day
The Natalie and James Thompson Art Gallery is pleased to present It's a New Dawn, It’s a New Day, an exhibition organized by interdisciplinary artist Mel Day, Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, The Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change, and affinity partners, which will open on August 30, 2022 through September 30, 2022 with a special publication by renowned feminist performance scholar Peggy Phelan.
The exhibition celebrates and advocates for the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, legislation that recognized gender equity in education as a civil right and paved the way for women’s sports on and off the field of play. It features a multi-channel video projection, a live singing performance of the collaborative ‘Feeling Good’ Project, and an invitation for visitors to add their voice and learn more about the ways to become more engaged in the movement of equity and inclusivity, particularly as it pertains to the racial justice and gender equity of women, girls, and non-binary athletes in sport.
As part of the ‘Feeling Good’ Project, It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day acknowledges the positive influence of sports participation for girls, women and non-binary athletes and advocates for the continuing struggle for equality in sports. The project was started in 2019 by co-organizers interdisciplinary artist Mel Day and Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, current Dean for the School of Education, Health and Human Services, Benedict College, former Executive Director of SJSU’s Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change. ‘Feeling Good’ celebrates and builds on the deep legacy of athlete activism at SJSU. This ongoing collaborative performance, art, and music project has included live singing events at women’s basketball games, panel discussions on sports and activism, and opportunities for the public to add their voices to the project’s ever growing archive.
In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition on August 30th, join Wall of Song co-founder Mel Day, soprano soloist Danielle Marie, SJSU Choirs, Spartan Marching Band, and affinity partners for a live performance and affinity partner tabling event exploring the expressive possibilities of art, sport, and song for women's sports and social change efforts. What is the role of all our voices and how might we draw upon the collective resonance of our voices to help imagine and work toward new possibilities for the next 50 years of Title IX?
Wall of Song Title IX @ 50 limited edition prints and affinity partner ‘swag’ will be given away to those completing a call-to-action, while supplies last.
Wall of Song Title IX @ 50 limited edition prints and affinity partner ‘swag’ will be given away to those completing a call-to-action, while supplies last.
Exhibition Opening Reception & Live Performance
with soprano soloist Danielle Marie and affinity partners:
Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
On view August 30 - September 30, 2022
Gallery hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 10am - 4pm
Tuesday evening 6pm-7:30pm
Friday, 10am - 4pm
And by appointment.
*Please note that gallery hours are subject to change.
Image caption (top image): Celebrating and advocating for Title IX’s 50th Anniversary with a Wall of Song Mel Day in collaboration with Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, The Institute for the Study of Sport, Society & Social change, Natalie and James Thompson Gallery, and affinity partners
