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Kitka, May, Arts and the Economy

See a preview of this Spark episode.

For thirty years, the all-female vocal group Kitka has performed music rooted in Eastern European musical traditions. In a recent trip to rural Ukraine, they studied Slavic folk songs that previously existed only in the memories of an older generation of local women. Spark joins Kitka as they rehearse and perform a new performance based on the songs and stories that were passed down to them.

Next, the mixed-media work of Santa Cruz artist Victoria May is inspired by the intricate process of custom dress-making. A former seamstress by trade, May now makes sculptural textile pieces that blend traditional hand sewing techniques with evocative and unexpected materials.

Then, in a special collaboration with The NewsHour, Spark presents an investigation into the arts and the economy. How are local artists coping with the economic downturn? Some scholars and activists think hope lies in government support. What can we learn from the historic WPA programs that provided employment for 8.5 Million Americans during the 1930s?

[Original air date: Wed, May 13, 2009]

Upcoming Broadcasts:

Wed, Mar 31, 2010 -- 7:30pm email reminder email reminder
Thu, Apr 1, 2010 -- 1:30am email reminder email reminder
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 -- 11:30pm email reminder email reminder
more airings»

Featured Profiles:

Kitka

Preserve and celebrate the rich vocal traditions of Eastern Europe with the women of Kitka.

Victoria May

Visit with Victoria May in Santa Cruz as she makes sculpture from thread, needle and cloth.

Arts and the Economy Report from The NewsHour (2009)

Join The NewsHour in an investigation on how local artists (including Sirron Norris and Carla Blank) are coping with the economic downturn.

Spark Video Player

Please note that not all of the Spark video segments are included on this playlist. We are adding more weekly, but many more are available individually on corresponding artist profile pages. To find more videos, search the Artist Profiles directory.

Acknowledgments

Major funding for Spark is provided by:
  • Diane B. Wilsey
With additional support from:
  • George Frederick Jewett Foundation
  • Helen Sarah Steyer
  • Fred Levin and Nancy Livingston of the Shenson Fund

Spark is a production of KQED.

Spark airs on KQED HD9 on Wednesdays at 7:30pm and Fridays at 11:30pm and on KTEH-TV 54 on Saturdays. Repeat broadcasts can be seen on KQED's digital channels and KQET-TV 25.

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