On this edition of Your Call, we’ll speak with artists performing at the San Francisco International Arts Festival and hear how the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies are impacting the festival.
Every year, performers from around the world share music, dance and theater from their cultures. This year, a Syrian theatre company and a Canadian dance ensemble will not be making their US debuts at the festival because they were refused work visas. What can the arts tell us about the state of the world and how are artists responding?
Guests:
Andrew Wood, executive director of the San Francisco International Arts Festival
Bill Martinez, immigration attorney specializing in the area of non-immigrant visas for touring artists and intellectuals
Louis Siu, founder of Toolbox Percussion, which has been driving percussive arts programming in Hong Kong since 2012
Joyce Todd McBride, director of Conspiracy of Venus, a women's vocal ensemble
Web Resources:
San Jose Mercury News: SF International Arts Fest returns to confront our messed-up world
San Francisco Classical Voice: States of Denial: Visa Rejections Cause Cancellations at S.F. International Arts Festival
SF International Arts Festival: All programs
