Top picks from ASU's Herberger Institute 2018–19 season of events

An unprecedented production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.” An exhibition featuring ASU Art Museum’s Andy Warhol collection. A musical about religion, identity and dinosaurs. The 2018-19 season at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is packed full of design and arts events, including concerts, dance and theater productions, film screenings, interdisciplinary projects, workshops and panels, as well as digital culture, art and design exhibitions. 

Below, two prominent arts leaders in the community — who also happen to be alumnae of the ASU School of Art and the ASU School of Film, Dance and Theatre, respectively — share their top picks from this packed season.

Kim Curry-Evans, public art director, Scottsdale Public Art

BA in art history from ASU, 1987

Jeff Chang in Conversation: Art and social practice always turns me on. Add to this race and democracy and I believe this will be the one to be a part of. The south Phoenix light rail issue is a lightning rod for diverse points of views, so it is something not to be missed if you want to hear different perspectives very much affecting all of us here in the Valley.

ASU Chamber Orchestra: Frankenstein!: Scottsdale Arts held an exhibition about the bicentennial for the gothic novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and I would love to see how Jeffrey Meyer’s community university orchestra interprets the music as a backdrop for the screening of the 1931 film.  

Pop/Funk: Warhol and Frey: My first love is contemporary art, so putting together works by Andy Warhol and Viola Frey, two giants in their respective fields, is a must-see for me. It should be noted that these works will be coming solely from ASU Art Museum’s art collection, which is quite impressive and is a testament to the strength of their collection.  

Jaime Dempsey, executive director, Arizona Commission on the Arts

BA in theatre from ASU, 2001

Jeff Chang in Conversation: As an Arizonan who works in the arts, I am grateful to Performance in the Borderlands and Southwest Folklife Alliance for devising a series of events with local residents, centering the voices and lived experience of Arizonans in dialogue with Jeff Chang, such an inspirational thought leader on the many ways arts and culture can influence social movements. It will be fascinating to investigate the ideas born out of this convergence.

Fall Forward!: It is always a joy and inspiration to experience the new approaches ASU’s movement faculty are exploring in collaboration with students and other artists. Some of Arizona’s most engaging, exhilarating dance and live performance practices are sparked here. 

This is Modern Art: Such a great choice for the season, given our state’s rich history of street and community art and all of the incredibly talented graffiti artists who make Arizona their home. I’m also elated that ASU selected Ricky Araiza to direct. It’s great to see ASU investing in the careers of its alumni and in creative contributors like Mr. Araiza, such an engaged, multifaceted artist, organization leader, community member and native son of South Phoenix, Arizona.  

Visit season.asu.edu for a list of upcoming events, many of which are free, and for information on parking, buying tickets and how to save 25 percent when you purchase by Sept. 15.