Penny Stamps Speaker Series reveals lineup for Fall 2023
Nadya Tolokonnikova, Chris Van Allsburg, and more join the series
The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series proudly announces its exceptional lineup of visionary artists, activists, thinkers, and creators for the Fall 2023 season. The series will begin with a presentation by Nadya Tolokonnikova on September 14. Events take place at the historic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor on Thursdays at 5:30 pm unless otherwise noted, and are free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.
Throughout the Fall 2023 season, attendees can look forward to captivating presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics, including activism, cultural identity, artificial intelligence, and more.
“We are thrilled to present a diverse lineup of speakers who are pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and reshaping the way we perceive the world around us,” said Chrisstina Hamilton, director of the Penny Stamps Speaker Series. “This season promises to be a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of art and ideas.”
Two presenters of the series are alumni of the University of Michigan. Chris Van Allsburg, one of America’s most innovative picture book creators known for The Polar Express, Jumanji, and Zathura, graduated from U‑M in 1972. Lynn Goldsmith, a photographer and crusader for copyright protection, graduated from U‑M in 1968.
The full lineup runs weekly on Thursdays unless otherwise noted, from September 14 through November 30 and features the following speakers:
September 14 – Nadya Tolokonnikova
September 21 – Sonya Clark
September 26 – Orkideh Torabi
September 28 – Carolina Caycedo, David de Rozas, and Juan Macias
October 5 – John Maeda
October 12 – Chris Van Allsburg
October 19 – Refik Anadol
October 26 – Cannupa Hanska Luger
November 2 – Gabriela Ruiz
November 9 – Javaad Alipoor and King Raam
November 16 – Lynn Goldsmith
November 30 – Theaster Gates
Established with the generous support of alumna Penny W. Stamps (1944−2018), the speaker series brings respected leaders and innovators from a broad spectrum of creative fields to Ann Arbor to conduct weekly public lectures and engagements.