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Symposium

Our symposium is a year-long space in which the NDA community can learn, converse, and act upon the important issues and ideas that we face. It encourages curiosity, deep learning, critical analysis, and creativity while supporting students' academic journey by demonstrating a sustained inquiry process. We look at ideas or issues through multiple lenses and different perspectives in order to gain insight into the context in which we live, and the opportunities and challenges it offers. Building curiosity is important to us.

The vignettes below recap each of the 14 symposium outings taken on March 22, 2023 as part of our inquiry of Los Angeles.

During the 2023-24 school year we will be looking at Culture. Please join us.
 

LA is Our Campus 2024

LA is NDA's Campus 2023

The image is a collage featuring various elements related to a campus or university, including a large %22LA is NDA's Campus%22 sign, a view of a city skyline, and individuals in casual and formal attire.
The image presents text describing NDA's Symposium, a year-long conversation across campus focused on Los Angeles, a unique city with an outsized influence on the world stage and the home town. The text emphasizes developing curiosity, a love of learning through exploration, critical thinking, and creativity.
The image shows two young women smiling and standing in front of a city street with various buildings and advertisements visible in the background.
The image displays a list of topics related to explorations, including subjects such as advancing equity, creativity and thinking in Los Angeles, homelessness and the city of Los Angeles, and the natural history of Los Angeles and beyond.
The image shows a bookshelf in the background, with a quote overlaid on a plain brown background in the foreground. The quote is attributed to %22Nessa N. '26%22.
The image shows a presentation slide with a quote from Madison G. '26 about the importance of women's involvement in the world and how women empowerment is crucial. The background of the slide is a purple color.
The image shows a green-colored wall with a quote from Amanda N. '25 about her experience visiting the Union Rescue Mission and listening to people's stories of how God changed their lives for the better.
The image shows a quote from Noelle N. '24, who describes her experience at NDA as a unique and enriching opportunity to meet the mayor and ask questions about the city and her life.
This image shows a quote from Rose S. '23 about the benefits of public transportation for students, including learning about the city, sustainability, and avoiding traffic.
The image shows a group of people engaged in conversation, with a sign in the background inviting the viewer to %22Join the Conversation%22 and posing questions about what makes Los Angeles unique and how the city has shaped our understanding of the world.
The image features a campus setting with a sign that reads %22LA is NDA's CAMPUS%22 and %22ADVANCING EQUITY Leading with Meaning and Purpose%22. In the foreground, two people are visible, appearing to be students or campus members.
The image displays text describing an NDA symposium event focused on the status of women and girls in California, along with an exhibition titled %22Chloë Bass' Wayfinding%22 at the Skirball Museum, all set against a background of colorful foliage.
The image shows a group of young women, some smiling and engaged in conversation, in what appears to be a professional or academic setting.
The image shows a group of people, including two women in the foreground, engaged in discussion or conversation at what appears to be a conference or event. The background includes additional attendees and panelists.
The image features a campus setting with a sign that reads %22LA is NDA's CAMPUS%22 and %22ADVANCING EQUITY Leading with Meaning and Purpose%22. In the foreground, two people are visible, appearing to be students or campus members.
The image displays a large screen showing a chart titled %22THE WAGE GAP IN CALIFORNIA%22 that compares the hourly wages of different demographic groups. In the foreground, a person is standing and speaking, likely discussing the information presented on the screen.
The image shows a group of smiling individuals, likely students, posing together in what appears to be a school or university setting. They are dressed in a mix of casual and formal attire, and the background suggests a professional or academic environment.
The image shows two young women engaged in conversation with a representative from Southern California Edison, providing them with insight into a career in engineering.
The image shows two women sitting at a table, engaged in conversation and enjoying refreshments. The background appears to be a conference or event setting, with other people visible in the background.
The image shows a group of women gathered together, smiling and posing for a photograph. They appear to be at a conference or event, with a table and chairs in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a large banner that asks %22How much of life is coping?%22. The background appears to be a garden or park setting with trees and greenery.
The image shows a sign for %22A Persian Walk in Westwood%22 on a green background, with a group of people visible in the background walking along a street.
The image shows a group of people, likely students, standing on a city street with various buildings and vehicles visible in the background.
The image shows a campus setting with buildings and trees in the background, along with text describing the campus as having opportunities for learning and cultural experiences.
A diverse collection of decorative items, including ceramic figurines, plates, and other ornaments, is displayed against a backdrop of a scenic landscape painting.
The image shows a display of Persian cultural items, including books, artwork, and decorative elements, along with handwritten text in what appears to be Persian or Arabic script. The background suggests a store or shop setting.
The image shows a billboard with the text %22WOMEN. LIFE. FREEDOM.%22 in the foreground, and a pizzeria called %22Pomodoro%22 in the background.
The image shows four people, three women and one man, posing together and smiling. They appear to be in a casual setting, possibly outdoors or in a public space. The individuals have diverse appearances, with different hair colors and styles, and are dressed in casual attire.
The image shows a large panoramic photograph displayed on the wall of an art gallery, depicting a crowd of people in what appears to be a public setting. The background suggests an urban or city environment.
The image displays a grid of various photographic and video thumbnails from the Haudenschild Collection at the Hammer Museum, accompanied by a quote from Sophia C. about her experience using a VPA (Virtual Personal Assistant) to better understand the artwork.
The image shows a group of people gathered around a table, enjoying a meal at what appears to be a Persian restaurant. The table is filled with various Persian dishes and a traditional yogurt drink, and the background suggests a cozy and lively atmosphere.
The image showcases the historic houses of West Adams, with a campus-like setting featuring vibrant flowers, walkways, and people strolling through the area.
The image shows a historic building with large windows, providing a glimpse into the West Adams neighborhood's architectural heritage and its connection to the city's cultural history.
The image shows a group of people, including two women and several students, gathered around a table in what appears to be a library, examining and discussing historical documents.
The image depicts a cityscape with a busy street in the foreground, surrounded by tall glass and steel buildings in the background. The quote suggests that the historical houses of West Adams in Los Angeles have influenced the changing demographics and neighborhoods in the city.
A large, ornate wooden house with multiple gabled roofs and intricate architectural details stands in a lush, green setting with palm trees and other vegetation in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a wrought-iron fence, discussing the opposing forces that shape the city's landscape, including the need for more housing and the expense of maintaining historic buildings.
The image shows a circular labyrinth-like structure in a garden setting, with people walking through it despite the rainy weather, as described in the captions.
The image shows a person wearing a dark-colored jacket standing in front of a mural depicting figures from the 18th and 19th centuries, with text overlaid on the image providing quotes about learning and preserving the past.
A group of young women, likely students, posing together in what appears to be a historic or ornate interior setting, with the caption %22I loved walking around the neighborhood and seeing all the beautiful houses. Visiting the Clark library was very interesting, it was very detailed and beautiful inside.%22
A lush, verdant garden with towering bamboo stalks, surrounded by a wooden fence, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The image shows the cover of a book titled %22Searching for Classic Hollywood: film locations, studios and unique places%22 with various images related to the topic, including a group of people standing under an umbrella and a Hollywood-style star on the ground.
The image depicts a vibrant mural featuring colorful skeletal figures against a backdrop of lush greenery, with text overlaying the scene providing details about a visit to a Hollywood Heritage museum.
The image depicts a vibrant mural featuring colorful skeletal figures against a backdrop of lush greenery, with text overlaying the scene providing details about a visit to a Hollywood Heritage museum.
The image shows a street in Hollywood, with palm trees lining the sidewalk and a building with the text %22Hollywood Walk of Fame%22 visible in the background. The quote from %22Mr. Bub%22 is overlaid on the image, providing context about the contrast between the Hollywood film industry and the city's landscape.
Vintage movie equipment, including cameras, projectors, and other film-related devices, are displayed in the Hollywood Heritage Museum, as indicated by the caption.
We see two individuals, one in the foreground and one in the background, engaged in an activity involving a cylindrical container. The text accompanying the image provides information about an ancient form of animation technology called the Zoetrope, which produces the illusion of motion by displaying several drawings in a cylinder.
A group of people, mostly young adults, are gathered in what appears to be a public transportation or transit station, with some standing and others seated. The background includes various signs and posters, suggesting this is a busy urban environment.
A brick building with a tower stands in the foreground, while the text in the image provides a quote from Olivia G. discussing her experience exploring Hollywood beyond the glamorous film industry.
The image shows two individuals, a man wearing a hat and a woman wearing sunglasses, engaged in a conversation. They appear to be in a professional setting, with awards and other items visible in the background.
The image features a large mural depicting the face of Jim Morrison, the lead singer of the rock band The Doors, on the side of a building. The mural also includes images of Mick Jagger and Elvis Presley, suggesting the influence of these iconic musicians on the city and the world at large.
The image showcases various scenes and activities related to exploring Santa Monica through movement and photography, including people engaged in outdoor activities and a cityscape backdrop.
The image shows a building with a white exterior, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a large orange text overlay providing information about an NDA symposium outing exploring Santa Monica through movement and photography.
A woman in a white flowing dress is jumping joyfully in front of a building, with a playful expression on her face.
The image shows a person sitting on a bench in front of a gray metal shutter wall, with two framed artworks hanging on the wall behind them.
The image shows a young woman in a pink dress standing in front of wind turbines, with a scenic landscape in the background.
A chain-link fence in the foreground obscures a view of a building and surrounding landscape in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing on a staircase in what appears to be an industrial or warehouse-like setting, with a ceiling fan visible overhead.
The image shows a person with curly hair wearing a dark jacket, standing in front of a blurred background that appears to be an industrial or urban setting.
The image shows two people posing on a stone wall, wearing warm-colored clothing and appearing to be in the process of taking photographs.
The image shows a person lying down on a bench or platform, appearing to be resting or sleeping. The background suggests an urban or industrial setting, with what appears to be a vehicle or structure visible.
The image showcases various elements related to Culver City, including its campus, history, and people walking through the area.
The image shows a street scene in Culver City, Los Angeles, with a large orange sign providing information about the area's transformation and the film industry's presence there.
A vibrant rainbow arches over a lush, tree-lined park, with people walking through the scenic outdoor setting.
The image shows an elevated metro train track passing through a densely developed urban area with a mix of commercial and residential buildings, palm trees, and other greenery in the background.
The image shows a group of people standing on a street, with a police car parked in the foreground and a brick building in the background. The caption below the image provides additional context about the location being a historic site associated with the production of various films.
The image shows a recording studio with various audio equipment, including a large mixing console, speakers, and other electronic devices. The room appears to be dimly lit, with spotlights illuminating the space.
A young woman stands in a hallway, holding a mobile device, with text overlaid on the image describing her experience walking through the Sony area and learning about the history behind the studios and their development.
The image displays a collection of framed movie posters showcasing various costume designs and characters from a film. The background features a wall with additional movie-related artwork and text, providing context about the importance of costume design in storytelling.
A group of people, mostly young adults, are standing together outdoors in front of a building. They appear to be part of a community or organization, as indicated by the text %22Join the Conversation%22 and %22LA is NDA's Campus%22 on the image.
The image shows a collage of various outdoor activities, including hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and an urban refuge area with a flowing river.
A group of students and their teacher standing together outdoors, with a building in the background.
A person in hiking gear carefully navigates across a flooded river, surrounded by a lush, forested environment.
A group of people hiking on a trail surrounded by lush vegetation and yellow wildflowers, with the city skyline visible in the distance, showcasing the diverse environment of Los Angeles.
A lush, verdant landscape with a flowing stream winding through rocky terrain, surrounded by towering palm trees and dense foliage, creating a serene and picturesque coastal ecosystem.
The image shows a mountainous landscape with a cloudy sky in the background, and a person hiking on a trail in the foreground.
The image shows a scenic view of a city skyline in the background, with lush greenery and vegetation in the foreground.
A group of people, likely students and a teacher, standing on a muddy path in a wooded area, with one person appearing to be joking about something related to %22NDA%22 and a %22growth mindset%22 according to the text overlay.
The image shows a wooden bridge spanning a rocky ravine in a lush, green landscape, with people visible on the bridge against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.
A group of people standing on a hilltop overlooking a scenic coastal landscape with mountains and the ocean in the background.
The image features a collage of various elements, including a sign for %22LA is NDA's Campus%22 and %22The World of Music Found in LA%22, as well as two photographs of people in a campus setting.
The image appears to be a poster or informational graphic discussing NDA's symposium outing, which explored the %22World of Music Found in LA%22 and included visits to the Grammy Museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The image shows a grand, ornate staircase in a spacious, well-lit interior. The stairs are made of wood and have a golden railing, leading up to a chandelier-lit upper level. Several people can be seen on the stairs, suggesting this is a public space.
The image shows a group of people standing in a crowded indoor space, likely an airport or train station, with various signs and displays visible in the background.
A group of people, some wearing casual clothing and others in more formal attire, are gathered in what appears to be a public space, engaged in conversation and discussion.
Two individuals wearing masks stand in front of a corrugated metal wall, one wearing a red hat and the other a striped jacket. The background appears to be a theater or performance venue setting.
The image shows two people, likely students, sitting at a desk in what appears to be a library or study space, surrounded by shelves of books and photographs on the walls.
The image shows a cityscape with a large government building in the background, surrounded by palm trees and a rainy, overcast sky. In the foreground, there is a set of stairs leading down to a wet street where a car is visible.
The image shows a large, abstract sculpture suspended above a stage with rows of orange seats in the background. The sculpture appears to be made of a twisted, icy-looking material, creating a dynamic and visually striking centerpiece.
A group of young people, some wearing masks, standing in front of a distinctive modern architectural structure.
The image displays a collage of various elements, including a sign that says %22LA is NDA's CAMPUS%22 and another sign that says %22MEETING PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE: Understanding the Roots of Homelessness and Seeking Solutions%22. The background includes a person wearing a face mask, suggesting the image may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The image shows a street scene with a sign post and a building in the background, along with text describing a symposium on homelessness in Los Angeles.
The image shows a cityscape with a modern, orange-colored building in the foreground and a cloudy sky in the background. The city skyline is visible in the distance.
The image shows a classroom setting with students seated at desks, engaged in a learning activity, and a large screen displaying a person speaking, accompanied by a quote from Lidia C. '26 about finding the learning experience interesting and observing how people in the city cope with their environments.
The image depicts a bustling outdoor market scene with various vendors selling flowers, produce, and other goods under colorful umbrellas, while pedestrians navigate the wet pavement.
A group of people, mostly young adults, are gathered in what appears to be a hallway or lobby, wearing masks and standing close together. The background includes walls, doors, and other architectural features, suggesting an indoor setting.
The image shows a rainy urban landscape with buildings and infrastructure in the background, and a handwritten note in the foreground discussing the importance of understanding and helping homeless individuals.
A group of people, wearing masks, standing together in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with the quote %22I found this enriching because it changed my perspective on how we should treat the unhoused.%22 attributed to Andy A. '25.
A group of people, some wearing masks, standing in front of a cityscape with tall buildings and a bright orange structure in the background, accompanied by a quote from Esmeralda L. about the learning experience of seeing how people's lives continue and the leading cause of homelessness.
The image shows a domed interior space with a green ceiling and a large orange banner in the foreground, inviting viewers to %22Join the Conversation%22 and consider how we might expand our responsibility to include everyone within our country.
The image features a book cover titled %22Homelessness and the City of Los Angeles%22 along with a collage of images, including a sign for %22LA is NDA's Campus%22 and two people sitting together and conversing.
The image shows the exterior of a government building, with an American flag and a pole with a decorative ball on top. The text overlaid on the image provides details about a symposium on homelessness and the City of Los Angeles, including a meeting with the Mayor and the Homeless Task Force.
The image shows two individuals, a man and a woman, standing on a balcony overlooking a cityscape. The background features a panoramic view of the city, with tall buildings and a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a large, open indoor space with a tiled floor and wooden benches lining the walls. In the background, there are several people visible, and a uniformed individual can be seen standing near the entrance.
The image shows two individuals, a woman with curly hair and a woman with straight hair, standing in front of a wall with text overlaid on the image.
The image shows a panoramic view of a large city skyline, with numerous high-rise buildings and skyscrapers dominating the landscape. In the foreground, there appears to be a building or structure that is the focus of the text overlay, which discusses the poise and persuasion of a politician and their staff's handling of controversial questions.
The image shows a crowded indoor space, likely a public building or transportation hub, with people standing in line at what appears to be a service counter or ticket booth. The background is filled with various signs, displays, and other visual elements that suggest a busy, commercial environment.
The image depicts an ornate, circular mosaic floor with intricate designs and patterns, including a central figure playing a musical instrument against a backdrop of a cityscape.
A group of young people, likely students, standing together in a room with American and other flags in the background, with a quote from two of them about the importance of their generation's involvement in the electoral process.
The image shows the iconic Hollywood sign in the background, with a foreground featuring an orange banner with text inviting the viewer to %22Join the Conversation%22 and posing questions about breaking through the media wall and understanding the political system.
The image is a collage featuring the campus of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, with various scenes depicting the natural history of the city and surrounding areas.
The image shows a text describing the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and its symposium outing, highlighting the museum's significance as a leading natural history museum and the opportunity it provides to experience the wonders of the natural world.
The image shows a natural history museum surrounded by lush greenery, including various plants and trees. In the foreground, there are several large, spiky plants that appear to be agave or similar succulents.
Massive dinosaur skeletons dominate the grand, ornate interior of a museum hall, with visitors walking along the roped-off viewing area.
The image shows a person standing in front of a large window, looking at an exhibit featuring various creatures and their habitats from the past, as indicated by the quote %22I learned about different creatures and how they lived in the past.%22
The Natural History Museum features a large, ornate interior with wooden columns and a circular floor design. In the center stands a statue on a pedestal, surrounded by visitors.
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a display of large animal bones or fossils in what appears to be a museum or exhibition space.
The image depicts a large dinosaur skeleton displayed in a museum setting, with various other fossils and exhibits visible in the background.
A group of people, some wearing hooded jackets, are gathered around a display board with information about %22Butterfly Metamorphosis%22 in an outdoor setting.
A grand, ornate building with a domed roof stands in the center of a lush, green garden, surrounded by palm trees and other foliage. People can be seen walking around the grounds in the foreground.
The image showcases the %22Culinary and Cultural Treasures of Downtown LA%22 on the campus of an institution, with a smiling young woman and another person visible in the background.
The image shows a bustling indoor market with various food stalls and shops, including a Filipino Rice Bowl and a China Cafe offering Chop Suey Chow Mein. The foreground is filled with people, while the background features neon signs and a lively atmosphere.
The image shows a display of various Mexican snacks and candies, including colorful bags of chips, nuts, and other treats, with a sign that says %22La Huerta%22 prominently displayed in the background.
The image shows a table with various decorative items, including white ceramic figurines resembling rabbits or hares, a floral patterned fabric, and a wooden box labeled %22Fuge%22. In the background, there appears to be a wall with some shelves or storage units.
A young woman with dreadlocks stands holding a pink umbrella, with a modern glass and steel building in the background.
The image shows a display case filled with various baked goods, including breads, pastries, and other food items. The background appears to be a commercial setting, such as a bakery or grocery store.
A colorful assortment of various food items, including lettuce, tomatoes, and what appears to be some type of baked or roasted dish, is displayed on a blue plate.
The image shows a crowded indoor space with people of various ages and backgrounds gathered, some seated at tables and others standing, engaged in conversation and activities. The background features a variety of signs and displays, suggesting a bustling commercial or public setting.
The image shows a rainy street scene with people walking under red paper lanterns and umbrellas, suggesting a cultural or festive atmosphere.
The image is a collage featuring various elements related to the placement of museum space in a postmodern city, including text, architectural elements, and people in a public setting.
The image shows a modern, white building on a hill, with a bright orange background.
The image shows a silhouetted figure standing in front of a wall of illuminated displays, with text below providing details about an investigation and response to unforeseen circumstances.
The image depicts a tangled mess of cables, wires, and various mechanical components, suggesting a complex and intricate system or infrastructure.
The image depicts a figure seated on the floor, wearing a headdress with horns, and holding what appears to be a musical instrument. The figure is surrounded by various objects, including a box or container, on a black background.
The image shows a rainy city street with a window in the foreground, through which the rain can be seen falling. The background includes buildings and greenery, suggesting an urban environment.
A lush, green outdoor space with various plants and a seating area, surrounded by a modern building structure.
The image shows two individuals, a woman and a young girl, in what appears to be a vehicle or public transportation setting, with various visual elements and text overlaid on the image.
The image showcases the campus of an institution called %22LA is NDA's Campus%22 in Los Angeles, featuring a sign that highlights %22Creativity and Thinking%22 as a key focus. In the background, there are people walking around the campus, suggesting an active and vibrant academic environment.
NDA's Los Angeles Symposium outing, Creativity and Thinking in Los Angeles set out to see how creativity and critical thinking manifest itself in this time of great change. The image shows the text describing the event and its activities, set against an orange background.
The image depicts a grand, ornate interior space with intricate architectural details, including a domed ceiling, columns, and decorative moldings. In the foreground, there are several people standing and walking through the space.
A group of people are walking through a grand, ornate interior space with intricate architectural details, suggesting a comparison to the Biltmore Hotel and MOCA in terms of the building's popular style.
The image shows a person standing in an art gallery, examining several large, colorful abstract paintings on the walls. The paintings feature bold, contrasting styles that appear to be in stark contrast with the more minimalist-modern architecture of the gallery space.
The image shows a woman, presumably the Executive Vice President of the Berggruen Institute, standing in a room with framed artwork on the walls, discussing the institute's mission and activities.
The image depicts a partition of papers laid out as an art piece, with dozens of papers containing critiques of different controversial issues. The bright colors of the paper contrast with the solemn, deeper meaning conveyed through this piece, which questions governments, wars, and a common societal fear of change.
The image displays various artworks focused on injustice, allowing viewers to witness the inequalities of our society expressed through a new lens: art. In the foreground, there are several pieces, including a portrait and a sculpture, while the background features additional artwork displayed on the walls of what appears to be an exhibition space.
The image shows two young women taking a selfie in what appears to be a market or shopping area, with the text %22GRAND CENTRAL MARKET%22 visible in the background.
The image shows a woman sitting under a table, with a title %22James Therrien Under the Table, 1994%22 and a prompt to join the conversation about making connections between different disciplines, cultures, and institutions to address challenges.