The life of man is a self-evolving circle,

which, from a ring imperceptibly small,

rushes on all sides outwards to new and larger circles,
and that without end.

— Emerson

2026 Theme: Awakening to Interdependence

PROGRAMS

Monday Night Salon Series: Play – The Architecture of World Renewal

Monday, May 18, 2026
  • Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala St., and Livestreaming on YouTube
  • 7:30PM – 8:30PM (PDT)
How can humanity engage with our most daunting challenges through the restorative power of play? We will explore how Mattel’s ten universal play patterns simplify the complex and invite collective agency and transformation within our common home.
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FORUM INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC: Santoor & Tabla – Kunal Gunjal & Amit Kavthekar

Friday, May 22, 2026
  • Concord Hall, 1407 Chapala St., and Livestreaming on YouTube
  • 5:00PM (PT)
Kunal Gunjal and Amit Kavthekar come to the Institute of World Culture from The Music Circle.
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Tuesday Study Circles: May 5th, May 12th, May 19th & May 26th, 2026

  • Concord House Seminar Room, 1407 Chapala St. & on Zoom
  • 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (PT)
In May, we will spend four weeks considering Dianoia: Thinking Things Through . For zoom link email donna@worldculture.org.
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Community Connections and Announcements

 

IWC Events to Look Forward to . . . 

June 6, 2026. Sharing the wisdom of the Sufi mystical poet Rumi is Fariba Enteshari’s passion. Join us an afternoon of Rumi wisdom teachings.

June 27, 2026. Join us for an afternoon discussion of the connection between the philosopher Spinoza and the Blossoming of the Dutch Golden Age: The Radical in the Tulip Patch.

July 4,  2026.   We are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the Institute of World Culture in Santa Barbara this entire year.  Please join us for a discussion of the original vision behind the IWC and possibilities for the future.  Cake will be served after the talk. Click here for a printer-friendly flyer.

Videos of Past Events