Join us for the inaugural Counterpublic Convening, a free festival bringing together leading artists, thinkers, and advocates to imagine new ways of being in the world together. Organized by New York-based writer and curator Laura Raicovich, alongside Ringleaders Kenneth Bailey, Galen Gritts, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, and Jeanne van Heeswijk, CIRCUS OF LIFE cultivates connections and shared experiences during a time when locating what we hold in common is urgent and necessary. Hosted in the Grand Center Arts District at the Big Top, an iconic circus tent, and the new Counterpublic House, the program expands imaginations and engages participants through joy, delight, and creative expression.

Act II: Undoing & Redoing

Act III: Resisting/Existing

Act IV: Cultivating Radical Love

A full day of talks, conversations, and performances by Chloë Bass, Rashida Bumbray, Roxane Gay, Sarah Kendzior, Larry Krone with special guests, Brontez Purnell, Ali Sethi and Nicolás Jaar, Nermeen Shaikh, and more. Workshops include Kenneth Bailey, Hilma’s Ghost, Prem Krishnamurthy and Sam Rauch from the Department of Transformation, and Circus Harmony. Gather community resources from local advocacy and non-profit organizations. Artist booths continue to be open all day.