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Improvisation in the Arts and Everyday Life: A Weekend of Performances, Dialogue, and Seminars

In a world where the only constant is change, the increased interest in improvisation across a wide variety of disciplines is not surprising. This focus on improvisation indicates a greater awareness of the general unpredictability of a future where rules, guidelines, and planning ever more quickly become obsolete and force unforeseen (the literal meaning of the Latin world im-provisio) actions. It also explains the premium contemporary society puts on spontaneity, inventiveness, and creativity. “Improvisation in the Arts and Everyday Life” brings together experts on improvisation from various fields to explore recent advances in our understanding of improvisation, its history and cultural significance, and its relevance in today’s society.

Improvisation in the Arts and Everyday Life: A Weekend of Performances, Dialogue, and Seminars

Events will be hosted at Bowling Green State University, April 10-11, 2015. For the full schedule of events, please visit the event listing here.

Event highlights include:

  • Nicole Mitchell's Ice Crystal Concert (April 10, 8-10pm, Clazel Theatre)
  • Keynote address by George Lewis (April 11, 9-10am, Olscamp Hall, Rm 117)
  • Jon Cowherd's Master Class (Aprill 11, 4-5:30pm, Kobacker Hall)

    We are grateful for the generous support from OhioHumanities, BGSU, the College of Arts & Sciences, and ECAP.

Listening itself, an improvisative act engaged in by everyone, announces a practice of active engagement with the world, where we sift, interpret, store and forget, in parallel with action and fundamentally articulated with it ("Mobilitas Animi" 113).

– George E. Lewis