Redford Center presents The Art of Activism

The Redford Center presents The Art of Activism, featuring a conversation with Robert Redford

From its new headquarters in Berkeley, the Redford Center announces its inaugural Bay Area event and the first in a series called "The Art of Activism" aimed at celebrating the work of individuals who are having a significant impact in people's live. The Redford Center seeks to inspire positive social and environmental change through the arts, education, and civil discourse.

Its opening program on February 4th at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas will be a multi-faceted evening designed to explore what motivates people to get involved in issues of great importance. It will include a conversation with Mr. Robert Redford, led by the Redford Center's Executive Director Lee Bycel, and will pay tribute to the work of two extraordinary Bay Area activists, Victor Diaz and Avery Hale, nominated by their communities. The evening will culminate with a call to action for all participants.

Mr. Redford will reflect on his more than 40-year commitment to social and environmental activism, and engage in a dialogue about what it means for him to be an activist. "We believe activism is an art form unto itself," says Executive Director Bycel. Over the years Mr. Redford has advocated his view of art-driven activism through many Sundance initiatives including "Greenhouse Glasnost" (1989) and the 2005-2007 "Sundance Summits: Mayors' Gatherings on Climate Protection." His populist approach and support for grassroots activists and emerging artists is legendary.

"I believe that art enlivens social change in a way that nothing else will. And I believe that the youth of our country have a particular stake and a fresh perspective that has to be encouraged and taken seriously," affirms Mr. Redford.