The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute (PPI) will present the 2026 PPI Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum Nov. 16-Dec. 6. The theme for this year’s community discussion is “Art, Politics & Democracy: Stories That Shape Us,” with a focus on how arts create a context for elections and democracy, as well as how they shape opinions about important historical and cultural trends. Forum activities will include a discussion that takes a look at how campaigns use images, music, emotion, and storytelling to persuade voters; a post-election discussion; a panel discussion on exploring art, queer history, political repression, and resistance; and performances by Westside Ballet of Santa Monica of holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.”
Most Fall Forum events are free and open to the public. With the exception of “The Nutcracker” performances, the Fall Forum events will be presented live on the SMC Main Campusat 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. “The Nutcracker” performances will be held at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. All presentations and performances are subject to change without notice.
The 2026 SMC Public Policy Institute Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum events include:
• Monday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: Panel discussion: “The Art of the Political Ad” — A panel discussion takes a look at how campaigns use images, music, emotion, and storytelling to persuade voters. Moderated by Dr. Eric Oifer, Political Science Professor and Chair of the SMC Philosophy and Social Sciences Department. Free. SMC Student Services Center Auditorium (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.: Panel discussion: “What Just Happened? Understanding the 2026 Election” — A post-election discussion with Prof. Shari Davis, Co-Director of the SMC Public Policy Institute, and guest speaker Prof. Dan Schnur of the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Public Policy, and USC Annenberg School of Communications. Free. SMC Student Services Center Auditorium (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Art Against Authoritarianism: ‘La Bola Negra,’ Lorca, and the Politics of Memory” — A panel discussion explores art, queer history, political repression, and resistance as depicted in the new film “La Bola Negra.” Moderated by SMC Philosophy Professor Dr. Amber Katherine and featuring panelists Sebastian Carrasco and Alci Rengifo, co-hosts of “Breaking the 180” film podcast; SMC Sociology Professor Dr. James Thing; and Co-Director of the SMC Public Policy Institute Dr. Richard Tahvildaran Jesswein. Free. SMC Student Services Center Auditorium (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Nov. 27-Dec. 6: Westside Ballet of Santa Monica Presents “The Nutcracker” — Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” featuring the Santa Monica College Community Nutcracker Orchestra. See westsideballet.com/nuttix for performance times and ticket information. The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica.
Accommodation for Disability: Guests who need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events should send email to dsps@smc.eduor call 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.
The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. Santa Monica College offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement inpublic policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas:arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.
The SMC Public Policy Institute Fall Forum is co-sponsored by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), City of Santa Monica, Associated Students of Santa Monica College, and a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors. More information is available at smc.edu/ppi or by calling 310-434-3541.
