Maria Möller

Maria’s project, 75º West is an exchange-based collaboration between artists, activists, and communities in Philadelphia and Medellín, Colombia. In response to injustice, people of these two cities, both of which sit at the 75º west longitudinal line, will create and trade both material objects and intangible experiences that will foster a greater understanding of human connection, political change, and transformative action. The initial conception of the project is as an exchange of photograph images that hold cultural and emotional significance; yet, cross-cultural discussion will inform and illuminate the entire process. 

Maria will collaborate with Arab American youth in a site-specific exploration of the history and impact of nativism in America. Over the course of a six-week workshop, Maria and the youth will use the techniques of devised theatre to create reenactments of the events that led to the anti-immigrant Kensington Riots of 1844. The reenactments will be staged in locations where the Riots took place and will be documented by the youth through photography, video and social media. These documentations, along with set pieces, props and signage created for the reenactments, will be installed at the Crane Arts Old School, located on one of the sites of the Riots. An open house will be held where the youth will present their work and invite the Arab American community and the general public to dialogue on questions of American identity and belonging.