An evening of conversations, activations, and participatory workshops by CCA faculty that explore this year's CCA@CCA theme: "Where do we go from here?" During a time of high conflict in the world around us, how can we come together for discussion, reflection, and growth? How can the CCA Community enact positive change?

3–4:30pm | Nave | Grab This! 2025 Girl Culture Tea Party

Presented by Melinda Luisa de Jesús, Associate Professor, Critical Ethnic Studies Program.

5–6pm | Nave Presentation Space | Panel Discussion

A moderated panel featuring four CCA faculty members who serve as Creative Activists within their communities, followed by an open conversation.

Aaron Gach is a convergent media artist whose work consistently addresses public space, social politics, and community dynamics. Inspired by studies with a private investigator, a magician, and a ninja, he established the Center for Tactical Magic in 2000. This collaborative authoring framework is dedicated to the coalescence of art, magic, and creative tactics for encouraging positive social change. For more info: tacticalmagic.org

Melinda Luisa de Jesús is Associate Professor and former Chair of Diversity Studies at California College of the Arts (now Critical Ethnic Studies). She writes and teaches about Filipinx/American cultural production, girl culture, monsters, and race/ethnicity in the United States. For more info: peminist.com

Janette Kim is an architectural designer, researcher, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work focuses on the intersection between ecology, social equity and the built environment. Janette is Associate Professor of architecture and co-director of the Urban Works Agency at California College of the Arts and founding principal of the design practice All of the Above.

Sara Dean is a designer and architect, and the principal of IF/THEN Studio in Berkeley. Her work considers the implications of emerging digital technologies on public engagement and urban life, with a particular focus on civic and environmental adaptability in both physical and digital media. She is an Associate Professor in CCA's Graduate Design Program. 

6–7pm | Nave Presentation Space and Adjacent Classrooms | Hands-on Workshops

poetry as revolution and resistance: a hay(na)ku workshop 

Presented by Melinda Luisa de Jesús, Associate Professor, Critical Ethnic Studies Program.

Have something to say—or scream?
Come learn about the Filipino American hay(na)ku.
This simple poetic form is super accessible, fun and impactful—

here's an example

Looking forward to writing poetry with you!

Learn the Ropes of Magical Activism

Presented by Aaron Gach, Senior Adjunct, Graduate Fine Arts Program.

What ties art, magic, and activism together? Whether you think of spells or tricks, a good bit of magic combines creativity and action to conjure a desired outcome. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore how concepts of magic and activism are intertwined with a simple material: rope. From the self-liberations of Houdini's rope escapes to the unleashing of power through a Witch's Ladder, we will be actively engaging in magical techniques to inform and enchant our activist aspirations. Materials will be supplied.

Bartertown 

Presented by Janette Kim, Associate Professor, Architecture Program.

Join us to play Bartertown, a board game that explores how networks of sociability and care can help us adapt to climate change. We will exchange favors and resources to withstand rising tides, and can decide at any time whether to compete or cooperate. Whether you win or lose, dominate or inspire, players will explore unexpected ways to strategize, negotiate, and reshape both the city and the home through a new economy of social exchange. 

7–8pm | Nave Presentation Space and Nave | Exhibition Reception

Join us for pizza, music, and a reception celebrating an exhibition of large-scale installations by CCA students.