Spike Lee to speak at IU Auditorium

Director, producer, writer and actor Spike Lee will be a guest speaker for Bloomington’s 27th annual ArtsWeek.

Lee will present both a lecture and a Q&A session about his films at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the IU Auditorium.

His talk will also tie in the ArtsWeek theme of “ArtsTeach,” which focuses on encouraging creativity and imagination in young people.

ArtsWeek offers exhibitions, performances and events in all different modes of artistic expression for the entire family.

Sponsored by the IU Office of the President, Office of the Provost and Office of Vice Provost for Research, ArtsWeek has expanded to 11 days. The events will begin Feb. 17.    

The acclaimed filmmaker has been the creator of numerous films, including “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X” and the recent two-part documentary “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise.” 

Lee was barely making it through college when he received a Super 8 camera as a present and realized his love for film.

He eventually did receive his master of fine arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he is now the artistic director of the graduate film program.    

Free general admission tickets for Lee’s lecture will be issued to IU-Bloomington students beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at the IU Auditorium box office.

Non-students will be able to receive tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 9.

There is a limit of eight tickets per person.