- February 21, 2024
Night of Ideas in McAllen: Music, Literature, and Sports
McAllen, TX, – Villa Albertine, Instituto Francés de América Latina – IFAL, the Consulates General of France in Houston and Monterrey, the McAllen Public Library and the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) announced today the full program for McAllen’s 2024 Night of Ideas on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Villa Albertine’s annual marathon of philosophical debates, performances, readings, that invites experts and the public to engage together in late-night discussions addressing major global issues.
Night of Ideas returns this 2024 across 20 U.S. cities and will center on urban life and development, as well as raising questions about the impact of climate change, new technologies, gentrification, and social and cultural activism.
The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. at IMAS, 1900 West Nolana Avenue, and continue from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St., with artists and experts from border towns, the Latin-American diaspora, and France.
“The City of McAllen is proud to be an international event, that looks at different issues across our country, with the ultimate goal to not only understand the unique aspects of our community, but also, to celebrate them,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “As an international city, we continue to expand our horizons and set our sights on new neighbors and communities around the world and welcome Villa Albertine, Instituto Francés de América Latina, the French Consulates General of Houston and Monterrey and our entire Rio Grande Valley region to be a part of this special night.”
The “Borderlands” theme aims to share the complexities and strengths of border communities. You can find the complete schedule for this event by following this link.
With a lineup featuring experts and artists from border towns, the event will include a variety of talks, art exhibits, and performances (poetry readings, dance, music, virtual reality, drawing). “Borderlands” will also aim to reveal some of the stories that lie beneath the surface of the border, how individuals navigate the intersections of culture, language, and heritage, and some ways in which arts and sports can encourage community bonding.
The community will be able to engage in discussions about dual identities, the loss and reappropriation of the Mexican culture, and the cultural impact of iconic figures like Selena or basketball star Jesus “Chuy” Guerra. Audiences will also have the opportunity to take a scientific journey through geology and space as well as explore issues around urban development, and literature at the border. The “Borderlands” theme aims to reveal and share the complexities and strengths of border communities. All Night of Ideas events are free and open to the public, and you can register for the event by clicking here.
Co-presented by Villa Albertine in Houston, Instituto Francés de América Latina, the McAllen Public Library, the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), the Office for Science and Technology of the Embassy of France in the United States (Houston), the Consulate General of France in Houston and the Consulate General of France in Monterrey.
In partnership with the City of McAllen and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).