Nadya Tolokonnikova is a Russian conceptual artist and political activist. Most famous as one of the founding members of the art collective Pussy Riot, she was imprisoned following a performance protesting human rights violations and anti-LGBTQ laws in Russia. Tolokonnikova will participate in an online conversation, hosted by Lara Jones, host and producer of KRCL’s RadioACTive. The lecture is open to the public and takes place on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets are free, but required, and are available at utahpresents.org.

In addition to the public lecture, Tolokonnikova will work directly with students from across the University of Utah, including students in the class Medusa and Manifestos: Identity and Protest in the Information Age taught by Kim Hackford-Peer. Students in the class are studying how feminist and queer movements have used modern culture to fight for social justice.

Nadya will also work with students in the College of Fine Arts ArtsForce and Orientation programs to explore how she has used her career to advocate for LGBTQ rights in Russia and the world through her music and activism. The students will explore how they can also use their artforms as a voice to advocate for change.

There is also a book club discussion of Tolokonnikova’s book “Read and Riot, A Pussy Riot Guide to Activism,” on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The book highlights Nadya’s approach to activism and her ten rules for revolution. A donation in support of UtahPresents’ mission to enrich the human experience through the lens of creativity and the arts is required to access this event. Donations to reserve a spot in the book club discussion can be taken online at utahpresents.org or by calling 801-581-7100.