The Decolonization Rider is a powerful tool designed to advance decolonization processes within cultural institutions while protecting artists, their work, and collaborators. In this two-part presentation, the Decolonization Rider’s author Emily Johnson, along with Decolonization Rider Analyst & Strategist Leomary Rodriguez, will share how the Decol Rider works from both sides of an engagement. For artists, makers and scholars, it is a tool they can bring into agreements: a way to set terms, safeguard their work and collaborators and to initiate any necessary decolonization conversations with the organizations that present them. For cultural institutions, it is a framework to turn inward: a way to examine and change internal policies and practices so that engagements with artists and communities become safer and more justice-centered.

They will share research generated from their Decolonization Assessments, which asks: What changes have we seen in the field? What persists as perceived challenges toward decolonization? And what are some brilliant success stories? Participants will gain actionable insights for institutional transformation and learn from documented examples of successful decolonization practices.

This presentation is offered in collaboration with New York Live Arts, Movement Research and Abrons Arts Center.

Part 1 takes place Thursday, November 19th from 6-8pm at Abrons Arts Center  as part of the Kinstillatory Fire, organized in partnership with Movement Research  through the Studies Project program. This session is centered toward artists, scholars and makers who work with institutions; focusing on how the Decol Rider protects their work and supports them in shaping safer, more equitable engagements with institutions.

Part 2 takes place Wednesday, December 2nd from 4:30-6:30pm at New York Live Arts . This session broadens the conversation for artists where we also invite institutional representatives, funders, and others invested in field-wide change, offering research findings, an interactive workshop and practical pathways for institutional transformation.