Bridging differences

Although I am not too familiar with the initiative called “Performance in the Borderlands” through the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, I can tell you that it’s been going on for a number of years and that its focus appears to be fostering diversity and community among a broad range of local artists, activists and others.

If this has piqued your curiosity, you might want to check out the initiative’s next event, “Breaking Boundaries,” at the Phoenix Center for the Arts at 1202 N. Third St., coming up on Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

With a subtitle of “Art, Innovation & Social Engagement” you can expect lots of unusual and perhaps cutting-edge performance, visual art and discussion.

Says a press release: “Breaking Boundaries offers a public space to explore how art can help design new conditions to live, think, and take action in our city.” The key aspect is a panel discussion involving artists and arts professors.

I am especially intrigued by an exhibit of indigenous textiles that use QR codes to offer the viewer more information and by the dance and hip-hop performances that the press release mentions.

Also on hand will be outdoor media projections by Phoenix filmmaker Efrain Robles and multimedia theater by the youth ensemble Phonetic Spit. That’s right — how can I not mention that, with a name like Phonetic Spit!

Anyway, follow the link below to see short films by Efrain Robles.

http://www.efrainrobles.com/video_art.html