Three distinct dance artists -- Gesel Mason, Asimina Chremos and James Morrow -- were the featured speakers. Patrick Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Performance Studies and African American Studies at Northwestern University, facilitated the discussion.

Participants talked about the interweaving of artistic authenticity and cultural appropriation in their own work and in the field of contemporary performance. How is culture reflected in the work we create? How difficult is it to maintain an authentic voice while identifying or creating work as a multicultural artist? This forum engaged artists and community members around the political implications of cultural identity and how performance also allows the fortunate space for boundary crossings and intercultural exchange to take place.