Lenka Becvar

What drew you to the MA Arts Politics program?

I knew I wanted to study performance and social justice movements, so I sought out a program that would allow me to delve into performance art and political research. After reading the biographies of Randy Martin and Kathy Engel, I felt that I had found a good match because they both had done research and activism in Nicaragua, which was where I was living and working during the time I applied. That worldly-activist-artist combination was important to me.

How did your experience in the program shape your work?

It introduced me to theories and truths that I wish I had known earlier in my life. I now always consider participatory action methods when working with communities. The program encouraged me to consider derivatives, culture, identity, empathy, love, and the joy within my work. Since APP, I see everything as a complex and rich saga. My experience both validated me and blew my mind.