The For Freedoms Congress (FFCON)

The For Freedoms Congress is a groundbreaking artist-led gathering of artists, cultural institutions, organizations, and civic leaders who are transforming our social and political landscape. Join For Freedoms at LACMA for immersive and participatory programs designed to reimagine what creative collaboration and civic engagement can look like.

Schedule:

9–9:30 am: Welcome and Land Acknowledgment 
For Freedoms extends a warm welcome and acknowledges the land

9:30–10 am: Plenary Session 1: Grounding, Intention Setting, and Somatic Meditation 
Presented by the School of Lived Experience (SOLE), an artist-led renewal space dedicated to inspiring aliveness, compassion and creativity

10–10:30 am: A special musical performance curated and performed by The Freedom Five

11 am–12 pm: Choose-Your-Own Breakout Sessions 
Kristin Sakoda, Director of LA County Department of Arts and Culture moderates a dynamic conversation between local artists on the County’s Civic Art initiative and its impact on the cultural landscape.

Mohsin Mohi Ud Din of #MeWeInternational, an artist-led organization dedicated to reframing narratives to remodel the world, hosts a workshop on the power of art and storytelling to heal. 

Josué Rivas, photographer and founder of Indigena hosts an immersive photography workshop designed to connect us with our future, past and present selves. 

Tatiana Zamir provides us movement medicine in her session, that integrates various healing modalities, including movement therapy techniques in order to release stress and cultivate joy.

12–2 pm: Lunchtime Art Explorations
Explore these interactive artworks by For Freedoms artists. For Freedoms will offer short guided tours.

Cry with You (U.N.C.L.E.S. Project: U Not Crying Leaves Everyone Suffering) by D’Lo is a collaborative performance project that aims to provide cis/trans-MOC a place to cry and be comforted by other MOC; listen and share in other’s grief to show that men can comfort each other outside queer relationships. 

Body Freedom for Every(Body) by Project Empty Space is a cross-country exhibition inside a 27-foot Box Truck celebrating Reproductive Justice, Queer Liberation, and Trans Joy!

Standing Strong by Josué Rivas and Acosia Red Elk is a large-scale mixed-reality portrait that strives to revolutionize perceptions of contemporary Indigeneity through art and technology.

Sound As Medicine by Guadalupe Maravilla is an album and audio artwork featuring live sound ceremonies led and performed by the artist with his collaborators. 

The Upcycle Pop-Up is an all day art making activity that invites guests to screen print their own garments with original artwork and messaging by For Freedoms.

Connect with Wyatt Gallery, co-founder of For Freedoms, photographer, coach and creative strategist, for guidance, support and a listening ear.  

2–2:30 pm: American Patriots: An operatic, theatrical performance by singer and performance artist Samantha Williams that captures the contemporary American zeitgeist 

2:45–3:15 pm: Where Do We Go From Here?: The For Freedoms’ Keynote 
For Freedoms Co-Founders Hank Willis Thomas, Eric Gottesman, Wyatt Gallery and Michelle Woo will reflect on the last 8 years and how art will help us to create a future of listening, healing, awakening and justice

3:15–4:15 pm: Plenary Session 2: An Interactive Roundtable on the Future of Philanthropy 
Hosted by quiet—a collective of artists, healers and creators of cultural currency including visionary, Sol Guy

4:30–5 pm: We Who Believe in Freedom
Special Performance and Congress Procession choreographed and led by Autumn Breon and Nour Batyne, featuring the Grant AME Church Choir

5–6 pm: Closing Plenary: Dearly Departed 
A space for grief, loss, and healing by Claudia Peña

The museum’s first priority is the health and safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers. Please do not visit if you are sick and always practice frequent hand sanitizing. Wearing a mask indoors is strongly recommended.