Melbourne festival, RISING, announces virtual event with Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikov

The punk-rock activist will discuss empowering art and political expression for the special In Conversation event.

Earlier this year, it was announced that a new annual arts festival titled RISING would be replacing White Night and Melbourne International Arts Festival moving forward.

While the full 2021 program for the inaugural RISING is under wraps for now, the festival has announced it will be hosting a very special free event next week.

Iconic punk-rock political activist and co-founder of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova, will join First Nations choreographer, artist and RISING curatorial consultant Amrita Hepi for a live streamed In Conversation event on Monday November 16 at 5pm.

Imprisoned by the Russian state as a result of her activism against oppressive conservatism and her art, Tolokonnikova protested the treatment of inmates with hunger strikes. Now free, she’s taken her activism global in order to create real change in her home country and beyond.

Encouraging societal change by sharing personal stories, encouraging protest and bringing people together to fight for what’s right, she’ll speak about her own experiences as an activist and artist and the power we hold when we stand together with a united voice.

Amidst what’s been a particularly politically-charged year, Tolokonnikova’s insight is certain to inspire and empower.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Pussy Riot live In-Conversation — Mon 16 November, 5PM AEDT. ​Register via our link in bio. In this knife-edge, global political moment, when we are all re-evaluating our personal responsibilities and political expression, we decided to speak to someone who has stridently resisted oppression with boundary-pushing creativity and action. Artist, activist and @wearepussyriot co-founder @nadyariot was jailed in a violent Siberian prison for challenging Russian religious conservatism and forced to work gruelling hours sewing police uniforms. She has now taken her work global, writing books, music and campaigning for social change. Tolokonnikova will be joined by celebrated choreographer @amrita_moves live and in conversation on Monday 16 November, 5PM AEDT. Register now for this free event. #pussyriot #risingmelbourne #punk #politicalart #politics #activism

A post shared by RISING (@rising.melbourne) on Nov 2, 2020 at 12:58am PST

Live Conversation: Punk Prayers with Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova is taking place on Monday November 16 at 5pm. Visit the RISING website to register for the event. 

Never miss a story. Sign up to Beat’s newsletter and you’ll be served fresh music, arts, food and culture stories three times a week.