Luis A Lara Malvacías                       
 

NOT FESTIVAL is a kaleidoscopic nomadic multi-disciplinary conceptual object that embraces the ideas of global artistic collaboration and the cross-cultural, interdisciplinary attitudes. Through the presentation of the work of international and local artists and scholars, it aims to stir, excite, present and ask questions about social and political issues, contemporary creation and artistic process. It first was created in 2003, prompted by the need to address the question of what it means to be an immmigrant artist, particularly in the context of dance. Over the years it has become more inclusive as a way to expand and continue this conversation.

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this is NOT a FESTIVAL

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NOT FESTIVAL: &everyone&nomadic&queer&artist&latino&immigrant&black&other&everyone& was a multidisciplinary event pursuing a deeper investigation of the cultural, aesthetic and social complexities embedded in the word “Alterity,” which in itself defies a simple definition: it equally defines both difference and otherness. The invited participants were directly or indirectly working with this subject matter and experimenting with different forms of performance art, installations, video and dance. The artists and scholars, were in charge of lectures, workshops and discussions that widen the scope of this unique meeting. The event embraced: the strange, the unconventional, the unaccountable and the unfamiliar. For many years - and even more so today - conservative groups and societies have discriminated against individuals that in many ways are seen as part of, or belonging to, these groups. At first glance, it includes immigrants, queers, people of color, and artists living and working on the margins of society. However, the interdisciplinary offerings moved beyond issues of gender, identity, and sexuality to deal with a larger range of social and aesthetic concerns. The 8-day event, offered a dynamic platform bridging together the UC Riverside with the larger community of Riverside and the nearby cities.