GV hosts discussion on performative diversity 

Grand Valley State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is holding a discussion on performative diversity on Sept. 13 from 12-1 p.m.

The event aims to discuss diversity in media, casting and the consequences of excluding marginalized stories. The open conversation will be run by a facilitator to ensure an inclusive and educational dialogue. 

The presentation is part of OMA’s “Conversations of Color” series, dialogues that are “open and honest discussions about race, popular culture, identity and current events,” according to the GVSU events web page. 

Calvin University holds French Film Festival open to public

Four French films will be shown at Calvin University starting Sept. 14 as part of their annual French Film Festival. The movies revolve around this year’s theme– large questions about life. 

“Quand tu seras grand” will be the first film shown on Sept. 14, followed by “Saint Omer” on Sept. 19. “Tout s’est bien passé” and “A plein temps” are scheduled for Sept. 21 and Sept. 26 respectively. 

The festival is free and open to the public. All films will be screened at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall located at Covenant Fine Arts Center. 

GV Japanese Cultural Association holds karaoke night

The Japanese Cultural Association (JCA) will be hosting Karaoke Bonanza-Zanza on Sept. 15 from 5-7 p.m. in the Language Resource Center, MAK D-2-221. 

Attendees will be able to sing along to J-Pop and anime songs. In addition, ochazuke, a traditional dish, and various Japanese snacks will be served. 

VMA hosts Artist-in-Residence reception 

Grand Valley State University’s Department of Visual & Media Arts will be welcoming Katy Levy, the 2023-2024 Padnos Distinguished Artist in Residence at a public artist talk and reception on Sept. 13. 

Levy is a filmmaker and multimedia artist known for her “investigative and historical research and collaborations with community organizers,” according to the GVSU events calendar. She will be leading a seminar titled “Art and Activism with Kate Levy” at GVSU.

The welcome event begins at 1 p.m. in the Pere Marquette room located in Kirkhof Center. Following refreshments, Levy will be speaking about her work from 1:30-2:30 p.m. 

GV Opera Theatre holds auditions for musical 

Grand Valley State University’s Opera Theatre will be holding auditions for “New Voices: A Broadway Musical Revue” on Sept. 11 from 6-9 p.m. in Room 1721 of the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts. 

“New Voices,” directed by Beckie Menzie, will be performed Feb. 16-18 at the Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre.