Journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed hosts a compelling series of conversations exploring how arts and culture are responding to urgent global challenges.
Bringing together leading thinkers, artists, and practitioners, the series examines the ways that creative expression both reflects and shapes the political, social, and cultural forces defining our world.
The first event in the series focuses on music as a powerful site of resistance and collective voice. From protest songs to revolutionary anthems, music has long played a vital role in democratic movements and struggles for justice. Samira is joined by acclaimed jazz saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch, DJ, composer and broadcaster Tash LC, University of Oxford’s Professor Nomi Dave, and other guests to be announced, to explore how music has shaped - and been shaped by - movements for freedom across continents and styles. Together, they will consider how music not only captures the spirit of resistance but actively contributes to political and social change.
Samira brings her award-winning documentary experience and insight to two further events in in the Schwarzman Centre Conversations series:
AI, Creativity and Ethics
Samira will be joined by Refik Anadol, Holly Herndon, Professor Raphaël Millière from the Institute for Ethics in AI and Dr Kathryn Eccles (Oxford Internet Institute), to explore how AI is transforming creative practice. Together, they will explore how artists are working with AI and consider the wider questions these technologies raise around creativity, ethics, and ownership.
Stage and Screen: Power and Performance
Samira will be joined by leading actors, creatives and Professor Emma Smith for a powerful conversation about representation in theatre and film. From interpreting Shakespeare to shaping contemporary performance, the discussion will explore how artists are approaching the portrayal of humanity on stage and screen.
