Embracing Diversity and Artistic Boundaries: The Walker Art Center's Groundbreaking 2024-25 Performance Season

The Walker Art Center's upcoming 2024-25 performance season promises to be a captivating exploration of racial justice and the blurring lines between performance and visual arts. Curator Philip Bither shares insights into the thought-provoking lineup, which features a diverse array of artists and bold, genre-defying works that challenge traditional boundaries.

Pushing the Boundaries of Art and Activism

Racial Justice and the Pursuit of Black Joy

The Walker's 2024-25 performance season will tackle the pressing issue of racial justice head-on, with several pieces that confront the ongoing oppression and discrimination faced by Black communities in the United States. Curator Philip Bither notes that these "hard core" works will also seek to celebrate and liberate Black joy in the face of adversity. One such piece, "Tell It Anyway, 2024," is a Walker commission and world premiere by acclaimed choreographer and MacArthur Fellow Ralph Lemon, who has a long-standing relationship with the institution. This performance promises to be a radical reinvention of traditional gallery spaces, building on Lemon's previous work "Scaffold Room," which "upended the way we think about where work should go and what work should be about," according to Bither.

Blurring the Lines Between Performance and Visual Arts

The Walker's upcoming season also explores the blurring boundaries between performance and visual arts, with several works that challenge conventional notions of artistic expression. One such piece is Lemon's moving image work, "Rant Redux," created in collaboration with multimedia artist Kevin Beasley. This work further exemplifies the Walker's commitment to pushing the limits of artistic disciplines and encouraging audiences to reconsider their preconceptions about the nature of art.

Celebrating Minnesota's Artistic Talent

The Walker's 2024-25 season shines a spotlight on the vibrant artistic community within Minnesota, featuring a diverse array of local artists and collaborations. Highlights include the Liquid Music co-presentation of Moor Mother's seven-piece ensemble, the site-specific work "Traces" by local playwright Rachel Jendrzejewski, and the world premiere of Mathew Janczewski's Walker-commissioned piece, "Only the perverse fantasy can still save us." These local artists bring a unique perspective and energy to the Walker's programming, further enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

Embracing Global Perspectives

The Walker's upcoming season also features a range of international artists, reflecting the institution's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives from around the world. Nadia Beugré, from the Ivory Coast, will present an expanded version of her work "Quartiers Libres Revisited," while Japanese performance artist Eiko Otake, in collaboration with Wen Hui, will premiere the Walker-commissioned "What Is War," reflecting on the postwar histories of Japan and China.

Pushing the Boundaries of Genre and Form

Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Walker will host a variety of genre-defying performances that challenge traditional notions of artistic expression. From the Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw's collaboration with Sō Percussion, to the sublimely audacious Forced Entertainment's "Exquisite Pain," the Walker's programming promises to captivate and inspire audiences with its innovative and boundary-pushing works.

Celebrating Artistic Milestones and Collaborations

The Walker's 2024-25 season also features several notable artistic milestones and collaborations. Experimental rock group Deerhoof will celebrate its 30-year anniversary by performing one song from each of its 19 records, while Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Tyshawn Sorey and his trio will take the stage in two separate concerts, one with alto saxophonist Greg Osby. These events not only showcase the Walker's commitment to supporting and celebrating the artistic achievements of its collaborators but also provide audiences with unique and immersive experiences.