Public Programming

Each year, the Higgins Institute presents public programming focused on a specific topic for sustained consideration. These symposia began in spring 2007 and include public lectures, screenings, performances, and conversations with connections to classroom work. Recent symposia have explored movement, cosmopolitanism, the role of gaming in social change, and the body. Our themes highlight humanistic practices and concepts that cross disciplinary boundaries and shape our everyday lives, underscoring the significance of the arts and humanities.

In addition to our symposia, we sponsor ongoing lecture series that spotlight specific research interests and creative work. With support from the Office of the Provost, our African American Intellectual Culture Series invites contemporary African American literature, history, theory, and culture to share their research and theoretical perspectives. Our Roots of Everything Series, presented in collaboration with Early Modernists Unite, highlights various aspects of modern existence originating in the early modern world by connecting past and present knowledge. We bring emerging and established poets to Clark for public readings, classroom engagement, and student workshops through our Modern Poetry Series. Our Higgins Faculty Series showcases arts and humanities research taking place at Clark through public lectures presented by our faculty. Additionally, we support interdisciplinary events offered by other departments on campus and in the local community, most notably the Visiting Artist Lecture Series presented by the Studio Art Program at Clark.

Most of our events are open to the public, and admission is always free. We frequently livestream and record our lectures. For more information and program announcements, check out our events calendar and follow us on social media.

Come join the conversation.