Omaha Performing Arts is preparing to launch a new series focused on amplifying artists from different cultures.
For its inaugural season, the nonprofit’s Voices AMPLIFIED! series will focus on bringing attention to the works of black artists over 9 discussions; each to air periodically throughout the year.
Vice President of Human Capital and Inclusion Gennean Scott says this season’s theme was inspired by recent events stoking conversations around race in America, citing the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
“You can go on and list a number of events that have happened within the community, some heard and some unheard,” said Scott. “We think that this is an opportunity to show our audiences that black voices and black stories are all of our voices and all of our stories and it's a part of the American story,” she explained.
Deborah Bunting is on the series' ten-member directing committee and says though this year’s theme focuses on the black community, the series is a chance for everyone to learn.
“This is not exclusively for black people,” said Bunting. “It is of people of color. It is primarily headed by people of color. Many of the headline acts are people of color. But this is a project for everyone.”
The series debuts Sunday with a virtual discussion on the August Wilson play “Fences” and its movie adaptation.
Should this year's series be a success, upcoming themes could include a focus on LGBTQ art or a focus on women and art.
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