The 2022-23 M.LiT program focused on developing and implementing a series of events to complement the installation of Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass. The 2023-23 M.LiT cohort comprised 27 participants from across the Richmond Region. Program participants explored the themes in Julien’s work, including the life and work of Frederick Douglass; the parallels between 19th-century history and contemporary social topics; and the connection that Douglass had with photography, image-making, and speech writing. Then, the participants collaborated with VMFA staff and community partners on the development of the following program series that engaged a total of 101 teens and adults on the following topics:
- MLiT Presents: Speechwriting | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Thu, Jan 5, 2023, 6–8 pm
- Guest Speakers: Paula Akinwole & Roscoe Burnems
- MLiT Presents: 19th Century Women | Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
- Thu, Jan 12, 2023, 6–8 pm
- Guest Speakers: Kristen Green & Liza Mickens
- MLiT Presents: Photography & Film | Oakwood Arts
- Thu, Jan 19, 2023, 6–8 pm
- Guest Speakers: Maya Jackson and Em White
A small group of participants were also tasked with planning and implementing the M.LiT Presentation Day – a culminating event where students came back together to reflect on the process and share what they learned about art interpretation, program planning, community partnership, marketing, and leadership. A total of 87 people attended Presentation Day.
Read more about these events and the participant experiences on VMFA’s Blog.