Stories /
06-17-25

The Declaration Project with Lara Downes

By KMFA 89.5, Staff Submission.

KMFA CLASSICAL 89.5 PRESENTS

The Declaration Project with Lara Downes

Reflections on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

KMFA Classical 89.5 invites you to be part of a nationwide artistic journey toward the heart of the American spirit.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, renowned pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes is gathering voices from across the country to reimagine our nation’s founding ideals—Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—through the power of the arts.

The Declaration Project is a national call to artists, creators, dreamers, and doers of all backgrounds and ages. Through music, poetry, dance, spoken word, visual art, or any expressive medium, we want to hear your personal reflection on what these ideals mean to you today—and what they could mean for the American future.

This is your chance to move beyond the textbook and make these words your own:

  • What does Life look like from your perspective?

  • How does Liberty shape your daily experience?

  • Where do you find or fight for the Pursuit of Happiness in your community?

Your submission will join a growing national digital collection, a living collection of contemporary reflections on the American promise. Selected works will also be featured in a video installation premiering in New York City in July 2026, as part of Lara Downes' groundbreaking multimedia concert DECLARATION, featuring new orchestral works by Valerie Coleman, Arturo O’Farrill, and Christopher Tin.

How to Participate

We’re collecting submissions through our Declaration Project Portal.
Click the link below to share your artistic impression:

Submit Your Reflection

All forms of expression are welcome:
🎵 Music • 📜 Poetry • 💃 Dance • 🎙️ Spoken Word • 🎨 Visual Art • and more

This is a moment for Austin’s voices to be heard on a national stage. Let’s show the country the power, creativity, and diversity of our community’s vision for the future.

The Declaration project is supported by the Tejemos Foundation and Drs. Lou Ann and Bill Lasher as part of KMFA’s Draylen Mason Composer-in-Residence program.

Questions?

Reach out to us at gdelgado@kmfa.org for more information or guidance on how to submit.