Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts announces its spring 2025 programming schedule featuring artists, activists and scholars exploring the links between environmental and social justice. Organized in conjunction with the group exhibition “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice,” opening Jan. 24 and on view through May 10, the Moody’s slate of programming connects Houston communities to a diverse roster of creatives ranging from scientists and playwrights to designers and dancers.
The Moody’s programming partners this season are inspired by the opportunities and challenges that arise when we prioritize the health of the planet, starting with the Jan. 10 dance performance “score for transitional times” created by choreographer Hope Mohr and visual artist Ranu Mukherjee. The opening reception for “Breath(e)” from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 24 will include four of the 14 exhibiting artists, Houston-based Tiffany Chung and Houston native Mel Chin as well as Cannupa Hanska Luger and Xin Liu, who will speak to how climate and social justice influence their work.
Other programming highlights include a drawing workshop led by exhibiting artist, biologist and environmental educator Brandon Ballengée; a poetry and musical performance inspired by the honeybee by Rice faculty Joseph Campana and Kurt Stallmann; a multinight performance of the play “SPILL,” based on the Deepwater Horizon explosion, written by Leigh Fondakowski and directed by Weston Twardowski; and a Spring Fling concert celebration with singer and activist Madison McFerrin.
The Moody’s full spring schedule is listed below. Media requests for interviews, promotional images or previews of the exhibition, dance and theater performances can be sent to Erin Rolfs at erin.rolfs@rice.edu. For a list of upcoming exhibitions, please consult the Moody’s upcoming page.
Moody Center for the Arts Spring 2025
(all events are free and open to the public)
Friday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Central Gallery
“score for transitional times,” a multimedia dance performance by Hope Mohr and Ranu Mukherjee
Friday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, all galleries
Opening reception for “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice” with artists Tiffany Chung, Mel Chin, Cannupa Hanska Luger and Xin Liu
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6-7:30 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, classroom
Artists-in-Dialogue: Trevor Paglen and Jeffrey Kip
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Flex Studio
Black History Month Celebration with Moody Project Wall artist Phillip Pyle II , DJ Flash Gordon Parks and the Center for African and African American Studies
Friday, Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m., Rice University, between Lovett Hall and Herzstein Hall
Opening Reception for Platform: Julia Gartrell with the artist
Saturday, March 1, 7-9 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Lantern Terrace
Spring Fling 2025 with singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin
Saturday, March 8, 2-4 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, all galleries
Dimensions Variable — this signature programming series features an aquatic specimen drawing workshop with exhibiting artist, biologist and environmental educator Brandon Ballengée; a live demonstration from a Houston beekeeper; and a musical performance inspired by ecology and the environment.
March 20, 5-6:45 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Flex Studio
Opening reception for the Moody Project Wall: Christopher Sperandio
Saturday, March 29, 7:30-9 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Lois Chiles Studio Theater
Environmental Strings presented by Kinetic Ensemble, Houston’s celebrated string orchestra, offers guests the world premiere of performances centered on climate and environmental issues.
Sunday, April 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Lois Chiles Studio Theater
The Chapel in the Hive, poetry and music inspired by the honeybee created by Rice faculty Joseph Campana and Kurt Stallmann
Saturday, April 19, 3-5 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, all galleries
New Art / New Music, live performances of original musical compositions inspired by the exhibition “Breath(e)” created by Shepherd School of Music students
Friday, April 11, 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Lois Chiles Studio Theater
“SPILL,” Houston premiere, written by Leigh Fondakowski and directed by Weston Twardowski
Saturday, April 12, 1 p.m., Moody Center for the Arts, Lois Chiles Studio Theater
Dialogue with “SPILL” playwright Leigh Fondakowski