Laboratory for the Future: Woven Waters: Protection, Resistance, Renewal

The public is invited to a powerful conversation featuring Diné (Navajo) artist and water protector Emma Robbins in dialogue with City Yards Artist in Residence Debra Scacco.

For seven years, Robbins served as Director of the Navajo Water Project at DigDeep Water, collaborating with communities to expand access to clean, running water for the one in three Navajo families living without it. Leading this critical work through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robbins emerged as a national advocate for addressing water inequity experienced by First Peoples across the United States.

In addition to her advocacy, Robbins is a multimedia artist whose work raises awareness of issues such as broken treaties and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis. She is also the founder of The Chapter House, a community-based organization that fosters Indigenous joy through art, performance, celebration, and collaboration.

This discussion will explore how culture, community, and joy serve as vital forces in advancing systemic change and resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges.

Laboratory for the Future is a project of City Yards Artist in Residence Debra Scacco, made possible by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, the Percent for Art Program, and the City of Santa Monica Public Works Department.