SMC Public Policy Institute and SMC Associated Students to Host 2023 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum Nov. 13-Dec. 3

SMC Public Policy Institute and SMC Associated Students to Host 2023 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum Nov. 13-Dec. 3

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College (SMC) Public Policy Institute (PPI) and the SMC Associated Students will present the 2023 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum Nov. 13-Dec. 3. The theme for this year’s forum is “The Arts & the AI Apocalypse: Humans Strike Back.”

The PPI Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum, which opens with the Ethos Film Awards International Film Festival, will feature community discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the arts, particularly evident in this year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Expression through the arts can influence ideas and change perceptions, as well as augment community advocacy that can make change happen. This year’s events also include live, in-theater dance performances for audiences ranging from fifth graders to adults.

All forum events are open to the public, and most events are free. Seating is on a first-arrival basis if reservations are not required. All presentations and performances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

“This year’s Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum explores the manifestation of artificial intelligence in the arts, and allows us to understand the issues from experts on the forefront of research about AI’s impact, as well as from those on the front line of protecting humans’ creative lives from being usurped by technology,” said PPI co-director and SMC political science professor Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein.

The 2023 Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum events include:

•       Friday-Friday, Nov. 10-17:

Film Festival – “Ethos Film Awards International Film Festival”

The fifth edition of the popular international film festival will screen films and present awards at selected local venues and online with the aim to conceptualize a vision for a better future by highlighting a “purpose-driven” artistic approach to the impact and meaning of story. Schedule, location, and ticket details at filmfreeway.com/ethosfilmawards.

•       Monday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m.:

Panel Discussion – “Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

PPI will host a conversation with experts from RAND Corporation, an SMC philosophy professor, and an SMC student. Free, Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183) on the main SMC campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica).

•       Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.:

Panel Discussion – “How Are Humans Striking Back?”

Kim Masters — KCRW host of “The Business” and “Hollywood Breakdown” — will lead a discussion with Woody Schultz, actor, producer, second unit/assistant director, and member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating team as representative on AI issues. Free, Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183) on the main SMC campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica).

•       November 24-December 3:

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet

The Westside School of Ballet, joined by the SMC Nutcracker Symphony and SMC dancers, celebrates the 50th anniversary of presenting the annual holiday extravaganza as a live, in-theater performance — featuring Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, Balanchine’s exuberant choreography, falling snow, and a Christmas tree that grows — in partnership with the Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute’s Arts and Culture Initiative. Performances will be held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica). Ticket details at westsideballet.com. Free onsite parking.

The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. SMC offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in public policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.

The SMC Public Policy Institute Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum is cosponsored by a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors, including Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMC Associates, Santa Monica College Foundation, Westside School of Ballet, SMC Dance Department, and The Broad Stage.

More information is available at smc.edu/ppi or by calling 310-434-3541.

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