Find a comfortable spot both physically and mentally, where you can open your mind and heart fully.
Contributor’s Note
“The two major threads of my professional life have been made up of my work in arts policy and advocacy alongside the work I do as a curator. The most joyous moments are those in which these threads are woven together at the intersection of art and action.
“As you will hear in my contribution to the Mixtape, I am sharing the work of Yoko Ono, whose instruction pieces have served, for me, as a powerful source of contemplation for both personal and collective action. Their format is also one of the core inspirations for The Arts Commission’s Mixtape project.
“My video will talk you through my relationship to this work and its impact on my life. I invite you to find a comfortable spot both physically and mentally, where you can open your mind and heart fully to the power of Yoko Ono’s artistic vision. Enjoy the ride.”
About the Contributor
Nora Halpern, a member of the Commission on the Arts, is the Vice President of Leadership Alliances for Americans for the Arts.
The mission of Americans for the Arts is to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America. Learn more here.
Additional Notes
Thank you to Yoko Ono, Studio One, and Heather Flanagan.
Photo of Yoko Ono and Nora Halpern playing chess by Karla Merrifield.
Other chess work images courtesy of the artist and Studio One.
Commission on the Arts
The Commission - drawing on the expertise of its members who are artists, scholars, activists, and leaders, as well as the input of people across the country who participated in listening sessions - dedicated itself to recognizing and supporting the essential role of the arts and artists in American life.