The performance is part of an artist reception for an exhibition that invites the public to view homelessness with compassion and understanding.
A choir comprising unhoused Dallas residents will perform at a reception Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. welcoming artists who collaborated in the exhibition “Humanizing the Homeless: Portraits, Signs, and Songs” at the Harry W. Bass Jr. School at UT Dallas. /
The exhibition is on view and open to the public through Sept. 30 in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building (ATC) corridor, where the Sept. 5 reception and concert will take place and the artists will discuss their work.
Dr. Jonathan Palant, the Bass School’s associate dean of the arts and the University’s director of choirs, is the founder and conductor of The Dallas Street Choir.
“Those affected by homelessness are worthy of being seen and heard,” said Dr. Palant. “We’re thrilled to bring these individuals to the UTD campus for the second time.”
The joint exhibit showcases a collection of signs crafted by people struggling with homelessness, presented by Willie Baronet, a professor of advertising at SMU. Also displayed are portraits by Leah den Bok, a Canadian artist whose work spotlights the plight of people experiencing homelessness.
“Too often, those who stay on the streets are ignored and are less visible residents of our city,” Dr. Palant said. “Spend a few minutes looking at the pictures and reading the signs. Think about the person who held them and think about the message of each sign. Then, open your ears and your hearts to the members of the Dallas Street Choir while they sing.”
Led by Dr. Palant, The Dallas Street Choir is a musical outlet for those affected by homelessness. The choir rehearses every Wednesday morning in downtown Dallas. He’s been working with Dallas’ street community since 2007, and says that members of this often vulnerable community feel safe when singing together.
“Our singers are joyful and feel that they’re not alone [when singing in the choir], and they experience something that we should all experience, and that is camaraderie and togetherness,” Dr. Palant said. “It can be a lonely time when you stay on the street. Isolation is something that affects all our mental health. And when it’s continuous, when you stay on the streets, members say that singing the in choir helps.”
By showcasing the exhibition and concert, Dr. Palant hopes to offer renewed perspective on homelessness.
“The Dallas Street Choir sings about overcoming obstacles, about togetherness, about finding joy in one another, and about what’s good in one’s life. We don’t sing about all that is bad stuff we encounter. We talk about those things, but we forge ahead through our song and by lifting our voices high.”
About UT Dallas Choirs
The UT Dallas Choral Program prides itself on providing inclusive musical opportunities for singers at all levels of music education and across all various academic majors. The program hosts two distinct ensembles: the UT Dallas Chamber Singers, an audition-based choir, and the University Choir, an ensemble that welcomes students with any level of musical expertise. For more information and to join a choir, email Jonathan.Palant@utdallas.edu
Communications Manager
Javier is a communications staffer who keeps the campus well-informed about the outstanding work the Bass School community produces. When he’s not at UT Dallas, Javier loves playing PS5 and indulging in his love for graphic novels.