Returning in a new iteration for 2021, "Artists-In-Presidents: Transmissions to Power” invites artists, public intellectuals, and writers to radically reimagine political power and possibility. Hockaday and the Blackwood (University of Toronto Mississauga) have commissioned an international assembly of 21 contributors to create audio addresses that position themselves as world leaders who speak directly to the people, describing their vision for the future and how we get there.
In this Welcome Message, Hockaday outlines the project’s central concerns: Who has the power to reimagine leadership? What would it look like if artists assumed authority over our collective future? What if we all joined in this mission?
Transmissions are released every Friday from August 6–December 17, 2021. To view the portrait gallery, access ASL videos and transcripts, and for additional information about the project, visit www.artistsinpresidents.com and www.blackwoodgallery.ca.
Featuring the voices of Artists-In-Presidents: Irmgard Emmelhainz, Macarena Gómez-Barris, Kevin Gotkin, Luis Jacob, Mkomose (Dr. Andrew Judge), Fariha Róisín, Adrian Stimson, Melati Suryodarmo, Françoise Vergès, Romily Alice Walden, Ravyn Wngz.
“Artists-in-Presidents” is initiated by Constance Hockaday, curated by Christine Shaw, and commissioned by The Blackwood (University of Toronto Mississauga). Podcast production by Vocal Fry. Sound design by Stefana Fratila.