A Pressing Conference is an ongoing immersive installation, participatory project, resource guide and community platform for responding to the current political crisis. It adapts its format in response to each community that it visits- offering thematically-curated performative press conferences, structured community forums, or an open platform for the public as needed. Presenters and performers at “press conferences” are carefully invited with a specific goal of encouraging and empowering people to create meaningful change, with an emphasis on skill-building and actions over polarized rhetoric that reinforces feelings of fear and helplessness. Additionally, the open-mic challenges power dynamics by subverting the role of the White House press briefing room- allowing open and free access to symbols of information dissemination usually controlled by those in power.
The installation references the official White House's James S. Brady Press Briefing Room’s podium, presidential backdrop, flags, columns, microphones and seating. Each chair bears the name of a journalist who has been harrassed, endangered, or killed around the world, connecting the plight of those in the US to those around the world. As we know, throughout history authoritarian regimes often begin their consolidation of power by discrediting the press and spreading propaganda to blur what is “real” and “true.” In 2018, the US became listed as one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in the world.
As the project continues, each iteration of the project is archived through this site, as well as in posts partipants make with the hastag #apressingconference. At its core, A Pressing Conference is about practicing listening and speaking to each other with intention.
Macon Reed speaks from the podium at Montclair Art Museum
Photo Credits: Benjy Russell