ARC @ Solidarity Loom: Virtual Event Series

ARC session – “Artists at Risk”
15 May 2026 | 11am EST
Full Online Series from January – June 2026

ARC and IMPACT warmly invite you and your communities to join Solidarity Loom: Weaving a Global Network of Engaged Creatives in a World of Rising Authoritarianism, where we will lead a May 15 session with the Program in Peacebuilding and the Arts, Brandeis University titled “Artists at Risk,” spotlighting protection mechanisms, solidarity networks, and strategies for safeguarding artistic freedom.

Speakers

Julie Trébault – Artists at Risk Connection

Julie Trébault is Executive Director of the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), where she champions artistic freedom and supports at-risk artists worldwide. She previously led public programs at the Museum of the City of New York and the Center for Architecture, and earlier built global museum networks and academic initiatives in Europe. She holds graduate degrees from the Sorbonne and the University of Strasbourg and has taught at Fordham University. She speaks French, English, and Spanish.

alvin starks – Borealis Philanthropy

alvin starks brings decades of expertise in philanthropy, racial equity, and social justice leadership to his role at Borealis. With a career spanning strategic grantmaking, racial justice advocacy, and movement building, alvin has been a visionary advocate for transformative social change that expands and shapes an inclusive multiracial democracy. His work ensures that philanthropic resources reach the vibrant communities and innovative leaders that are critical towards advancing dignity, belonging, justice and power. His leadership reflects a deep commitment towards advancing equity, movement building, and innovative advocacy that secures freedom and inclusion.

Tania Brugera – Contemporary artist, activist, and cultural strategist

Tania Bruguera (b. 1968) is a Cuban artist, activist, and cultural strategist whose work explores political power and social justice, using art to turn spectators into active citizens. She developed concepts such as Arte Útil and Political Timing-Specific Art, and founded initiatives including Cátedra Arte de Conducta, Immigrant Movement International, and INSTAR, while also helping organize Cuba’s 27N protest movement. Her internationally exhibited work includes presentations at Tate Modern, Documenta, and the Venice Biennale, with solo projects at MoMA and Centre Pompidou. She is the recipient of major awards including the Velázquez Prize, Prince Claus Award, and Prix de Rome.

Majed Sawalha – The Palestinian House of Friendship

Majed Sawalha is co-director of the Palestinian House of Friendship. Majed graduated college with a BA in English Language and Literature. He has a masters degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, and is pursuing his PhD. He has completed trainings in conflict resolution and psychology, and has traveled the world. At the beginning of the war in Ukraine he led a team in Europe working with Ukrainian refugees. He is a shining example of a young activist crossing borders and connecting struggles.

William Chalmus – Educator, poet, playwright, hip-hop artist

Will Chalmus (aka Will C.) is an educator, poet, playwright, hiphop artist, and facilitator focused on personal and community development. He teaches as an adjunct professor, serves as a director of creative inclusion, and works as an educational consultant, while performing nationally as a solo artist and M.C., including with the Lizard Lounge slam team. Internationally, he is known for his work in Playback Theatre— as a board member, faculty, and organizer of multiple IPTN conferences—and for leading performances, trainings, and collaborations across the U.S. and globally.

Solidarity Loom is six-month virtual series bringing together artists, cultural workers, scholars, activists, and organizers from across the world who are responding to rising authoritarianism through creative and cultural practice. From January to June 2026, five global sessions will explore how creativity can help counter repression, strengthen democratic participation, and cultivate cultures of belonging. Co-designed with regional and thematic partners, the series will engage topics including: 

• youth activism
• cultural strategies for democratic renewal 
• gendered dimensions of authoritarianism
• artist protection
• Indigenous perspectives on ethical governance

Each session blends dialogue, artistic and embodied practices, and cross-regional exchange—creating space for learning, connection, reflection, and shared leadership. 

Who is this for?

Artists, cultural workers, peace-builders, scholars, activists, and all those interested in creative approaches to social justice, human rights, and conflict transformation.

Registration is now open.

We invite you to join us—and to share this invitation with your networks—as we weave a global community grounded in solidarity, imagination, and collective creative action.