The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Performing Arts Division(PERF) launched a new initiative to spotlight and celebrate women who have impacted and redefined the human experience and who epitomize empowerment through the arts, activism, and social justice. In 2023, the festival’s inaugural year, DCA will honor the work of: Corita Kent, an American artist, designer, educator, and social justice advocate; and Dolores Huerta, an American labor leader, and civil rights activist, co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association.
The Empowerment: Corita + Dolores celebration will include three days of performing arts, screenings of documentaries, and service through art activities at DCA’s Lankershim Arts Center at 5108 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. This event is free and open to the public. Due to limited space, reservations are suggested.
Friday, April 28th, 7 p.m.
an evening of spoken word + dance
A celebration of Corita Kent + Dolores Huerta in spoken word and dance featuring the work of Teresa Barcelo, Jacqueline Rose Bernstein, Marisa Ervin, Mandy Kahn, Vanessa Kruz, Rosalynde LeBlanc, Sadie Yarrington, and Leah Zeiger.
Saturday, April 29th, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Corita Kent
Art Activities from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Button-making and art activities are presented by the Corita Arts Center. Families and all skill levels are encouraged!
Screening and Discussion from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A film screening of Rebel Hearts. The film documents the history of the Immaculate Heart Community as they fought for equality, their livelihoods, and freedom against patriarchal systems. The screening will be followed by an intergenerational conversation, featuring Lenore Dowling, IHM, and Desiree Sanchez, moderated by the Director of the Corita Art Center, Nellie Scott.
Performance at 7:00 p.m.
Empowerment: Corita + Dolores
A celebration of Corita Kent + Dolores Huerta in spoken word and dance featuring the work of Teresa Barcelo, Jacqueline Rose Bernstein, Marisa Ervin, Mandy Kahn, Vanessa Kruz, Rosalynde LeBlanc, Sadie Yarrington, and Leah Zeiger.
Sunday, April 30th, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dolores Huerta
Blessing at 8:30 a.m.
The Aztec dance troop, Danza Divina de Los Angeles, will perform a sacred blessing.
Wellness Fair and Art Activities from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Silk-screening, art kits, and crafts activities presented by Self-Help Graphics & Art, Inc.
Screening and Discussion from 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A film screening of the documentary Dolores followed by a conversation with the film's Director, Peter Bratt, and Ms. Dolores Huerta (who will appear virtually).