Conversations on Artivism, Education and Policy at The Church

“The Weight of Water” is the title of a site-specific work by artist Christine Sciulli, currently on view at The Church as part of the exhibition, “Space – Sight – Line” at The Church. On Sunday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m., Sciulli uses a discussion of the work to present a public dialogue that explores the work’s themes and inspiration, dealing notably with race, the history of slavery on the East End and its pernicious wake. The conversation includes presentations by Meghan McGinley, director of education at Sag Harbor Cinema, in addition to local educators, Carrie Clark and Cara Nelson, and New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. of the 10th senatorial district. Senator Sanders will make a special appearance via Zoom to share his work on reparations. A Q&A with all participants will follow the discussion.

“My recent efforts to combine artistic practice with my passion for social justice have led me to create ‘The Weight of Water,’” explained Sciulli. “This program invites our East End community into a space of reflection and discussion with educators and policymakers. I am hoping conversations will grow outward into the community. I believe that Reparative Education is imperative to build a better and more equitable future.”

The audience will have a first-hand look at how education connects to policy, how children process revised and relevant history, and how families and the community at large may learn to generate an informed and engaged electorate who can together move the needle of social justice — “not just at the voting booth,” notes Sciulli, “but by taking on civic engagement in the roles of activists, advocates, lawyers, and representatives to create a full potential future for all New Yorkers.”

Tickets to the talk are $10 (members free) at thechurchsagharbor.com. The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.