Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA)

The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) is proud to premiere a thought-provokingexhibition that reflects WADA’s continued dedication to presenting timely and meaningful themes at the local, regional, and national levels—using art as a powerful medium to examine complex issues.

Since 1961, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a key role in global development, humanitarian assistance, and U.S. foreign engagement. In July of 2025 USAID was completely dismantled, all but a few hundred of its 10,000 employees were fired, and nearly all programming canceled with any remaining programs folded in the Department of State. The Unraveling raises questions about what the future might look like without USAID and invites thoughtful dialogue on the broader implications for the U.S. and communities around the world.

This unique exhibit centers on the artwork of Ali Syverson - an artist and former USAID Communications Advisor - who will also give a presentation about her artwork and inspiration.
An additional parallel exhibit, curated and moderated by USAID Foreign Service Officer Jude Leitten, presents photographs and media of USAID projects by USAID employees and will also include a panel discussion of USAID's role in international development and the arts.

Over the course of this month-long exhibition and series of events, which will be shown for the first time at the ArtsXchange, audiences are encouraged to explore the history and evolving mission of the USAID, its role in international development, and the broader implications for the visual and creative arts.

Join Ali Syverson on September 17 for an artist talk about the paintings featured in the September exhibition “THE UNRAVELING – A Future Without USAID and its Global Implications”. Hear directly from Ali about how being an international climate writer for USAID has shaped her visual arts practice, and the stories and symbols that are woven within the paintings in the exhibition.
This exhibition provides context and commentary on the dismantling of a government agency as well as the aftermath of the collapse of an entire industry – and takes the viewer on a journey of destruction, rest, rooting, and regrowth.
This talk is free and open to the public.

Engage with distinguished panelists as they explore the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign aid and its ripple effects both abroad and at home.
This conversation will explore how global aid shapes local resilience from flood-prone neighborhoods in Florida to health systems in post-crisis regions. The panel is free and open to the public.

Confirmed Panelists:

• Jude Leitten – Former USAID Program Officer, Moderator
• Miles Toder – Former USAID Democracy and Governance Officer
• Nancy Eslick – Former USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator and Global Water Coordinator
• Ali Syverson – Artist & Former USAID Communications Advisor
• Tara Newsome, JD, LLM, SPC faculty

We have an exciting lineup ahead in our “Under the Stars” concert series, featuring five unforgettable evenings of music — all leading up to our grand finale fundraiser, Tango Under the Stars, on November 20th.
The series kicks off with vibrant Brazilian rhythms and builds up to a high-energy salsa night headlined by the legendary Tito Puente Jr. on October 24th.

Concert Schedule:

• October 10 – Brazilian Music | O Som Do Jazz
• October 17 – Rumba Flamenco & Guitar Workshop
• October 24 – Salsa Night | Featuring Tito Puente Jr. and his band
• November 14 – Experimental Jazz | The Fractal
• November 20 – Tango Under the Stars | Mariana Quinteros Quartet – Fundraiser Event