         One of the most inspiring nights on campus, the Social Justice Arts Initiative held their annual performing arts recital, Issue as Muse last Saturday. The night is dedicated to local and global justice issues through the arts and is meant to raise awareness and foster discussion about these issues happening on-campus and off, say Katie Quackenbush, a sophomore member of the SJAI executive board. She elaborated “this event was inspired by the belief that the arts are a powerful and underused platform for social justice. In a world filled with painful and devastating problems , the arts can provide us with an outlet to express our frustration… [as well as] hope and inspiration for the future”
     The evening kicked off with an informative fair that showcased many emerging initiatives in social change, bringing together organizations from around Medford, Massachusetts and the world. Afterward, attendees venture over to Cohen Auditorium to watch as various groups from around campus dedicated performances to related social justice issues they are passionate about.
 Freshman Jay Dodd, a member of the all male a capella group S-Factor, dedicated their soulful songs to LIFT, an organization that tries to combat poverty by opening the opportunity structure to all people in the United States. “I was honored to shed light on the less fortunate,” says Dodd of his performance. “I speak for S-Factor in saying that we were elated to join with LIFT and SJAI.”
 Kris Coombs, a senior member of E-Board feels the inclusion of various arts, voices and performances convery a unique message that really touches the audience. “I think that the arts are able to stir within us emotions that we are otherwise taught not to feel, not to display, and to suppress–feelings such as sadness, rage, despair, loneliness, desire, compassion, joy, and hope.” Issue as Muse taps into these emotions and, because of that, “has the potential to have an enormous impact on the community and on Tufts” Coombs goes on.
         Such impacting performances included those by groups such as BEATS, Tufts Belly Dance, Essence, Anchord, Pulse, and Kiniwe advocated for organizations locally and abroad with missions to encourage recycling, end sex trafficking, promote women’s rights and end violence against non-combatants.
         Sarah Hartman, and executive board member of the Social Justice Arts Initiative and member of SJAI’s dance group, was very pleased with the success of the event, in spite of a slight dip in attendance. “While we wish Issue as Muse had drawn a bigger crowd, for those who did come I think it was a meaningful event.” Speaking of the fair and event in general, Sarah added “Hopefully, people made some good connections that night, literally through new volunteer opportunities or mentally through one of the performances.”
         Issue as Muse proved a great night out on campus with incredible performances, education on global issues, free refreshments and a great cause behind it all. For more information about the Social Justice Arts Initiative, contact Sarah Hartman at sarah.hartman@tufts.edu.
Â
Photos include:
Essence sings on behalf of Strong Women, Song Girls
Tufts Kiniwe teams up with the Cross Cultural Collaborative
Pulse performs on behalf of Nanhi Kali
BEATS bangs for Groundwork Somerville
S-Factor Sings for LIFT
Anchord dedicates their a capella to Walnut Street, Inc.
Tamasha dances for Emergency USA