Art, Politics & Democracy: Stories That Shape Us
November 16 — 28, 2026
In collaboration with SMC Public Policy Institute, SMMUSD, City of Santa Monica, and the SMC Associated Students.
All events are free and open to the public.
“The Art of the Political Ad”
Monday, November 16 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
SSC 183, Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium
Looking at how campaigns use images, music, emotion, and storytelling to persuade voters.
Panelist Moderator:
- Dr. Eric Oifer, Political Science Professor and Chair, Philosophy and Social Sciences
“What Just Happened? Understanding the 2026 Election”
Tuesday, November 17 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
SSC 183, Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium
A post-election discussion.
Panelist Moderator:
- Professor Shari Davis, Co-Director of the SMC Public Policy Institute
Panelist:
- Dan Schnur, Professor at University of California – Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies, Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Public Policy, and the USC Annenberg School of Communications
“Art Against Authoritarianism: La Bola Negra, Lorca, and the Politics of Memory”
Wednesday, November 18 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.
SSC 183, Santa Monica College Student Services Center Auditorium
Exploring art, queer history, political repression, and resistance through the new film La Bola Negra.
Panelist Moderator:
- Dr. Amber Katherine, Professor of Philosophy
Panelist:
- Sebastian Carrasco & Alci Rengifo, co-hosts of “Breaking the 180” film podcast
- Dr. James Thing, Sociology Professor
- Dr. Richard Tahvildaran Jesswein, Co-Director of the SMC Public Policy Institute
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica Presents “The Nutcracker”
November 27 – December 6
The Broad Stage
Featuring the Santa Monica College Community Nutcracker Orchestra.
Performances at The Broad Stage. For tickets visit: westsideballet.com/nuttix
In addition, as part of the SMC PPI Fall Arts & Cultural Affairs Forum program-ming, all SMMUSD 5th grade students will have a field trip to the Broad Stage for a special educational version of The Nutcracker.